Estelle's Cafe & Lounge

I tried to get a refund for getting served a raw hamburger when I ordered a beyond patty and waited over an hour for it. (Not to mention, I ordered a second burger which was also a beyond patty and the recipient was also served a hamburger — that one managed to be cooked though.) I called back up there once I realized (I ordered the food to go) and was told I would be called back later since the manager wasn’t there and no one has returned my call over a week later. Paid $24 +tip and no one could even be bothered to reach back out. I truly don’t understand what’s happened to the service here over the last year but it’s really disappointing. Sharing this to remind everyone please check your food before you eat here.

Only giving one star because the happy hour deals were great. But the bald headed bartender was clearly racist towards the group I came in with. He said we were “too loud“ and “needed to learn to talk amongst ourselves.” he used the excuse of us not tipping well as a reason to kick us out. But we tipped him very well based on the happy hour drink prices.

The bartender At the bar treated my group very poorly. When we immediately walked in, he told us he should’ve kicked us out (told us the owner didn’t like us). Which was odd since we have been to this bar before, but we stayed. For most of the time that we were there, we were ignored and had to walk to the other side of the bar in order to order any drinks. Later on he told us he was unsatisfied with the amount that we were tipping during their happy hour. Upon further questioning, he only counted the cash tips, not the tips on the cards. Therefore, his complaints were invalid because we were tipping more than appropriately. Most of us paid tips on our cards. I thought tipping was based off good service and found it rude that he was complaining so openly to us during happy hour on a Friday night. At one point, he told my group of 12 to leave the bar and took full drinks away from a few people who already paid. We were not drunk or being rude, we were just a group celebrating two birthdays. When we asked him why we were being kicked out, he ignored us. We calmly tried to ask several times what had happened for this to occur, but we were ignored. Our group has never been treated poorly before this experience and we will be sure to never go back.

Solid late night neighborhood staple and dive bar. Good happy hour and daily specials, most of the food that is on offer is fried, but when it's 12am it's exactly what you need to accompany a beer. Definitely worth a stop in every now and then, especially if you're out late.

I hardly do online reviewing but after a few visits here, I felt the need to express my feelings on this establishment. IT IS AWESOME! Great food! Great cocktails! Great vibes! Josh has become one of my favorite bartenders to date. He’s a great dude! Ask for a shot of green and get loose and move with the groove ;)

Just got back from a great Monday night at Estelle’s! Was out with a friend for goth girl hangs when we decided to pop in. They were playing an awesome darkwave music playlist, we received EXCELLENT service from the lovable bartender Josh, and we could get yummy bar food at 2am. Go, check it out. I insist. Tip well and enjoy 😊.

I love this place. It’s a dive bar so don’t expect nothing fancy. However, if you enjoy punk rock, metal, dark wave, synth and more then you are in the right place. The food is great and the service is good.

One of my favorite late night bars in the city!!! The music is always rocking and the food is phenomenal (especially the burgers). Chill vibes and a kitchen open late what more could you ask for?? The cherry on top here is the staff, everyone there is chill and cool. Never felt more welcomed anywhere else before. Chris and Zachary you guys are awesome!!!! 😎

Cool place! Estelle's has been on my Yet List for more than a decade. We went for happy hour last Sun (1/5) about 5p. There was one other patron; two more arrived a little later. It reminded me of "After Hours" (when Paul gets to the bar)- too early and a work night to be crowded. We'll go back on a Fri or Sat. It has that cool old feeling like Simon's.

The short and sweet of it...we stopped in to get something to eat before heading to Subterranean for their 70s Disco night DJ set. We walked into the bar and were immediately hit with very loud music. There wasn't a lot of available space to sit so The Doctor, Queen and I went to a table top for four in the window. It was clear some people had been sitting there, but the table had not been cleared. The Doctor moved everything over to the table next to us and we sat down. A bartender eventually came over to remove the empty glasses from the table next to us and cleaned it. Looked over at us, said he would clean the table but it would leave the table wet, so he just walked off. We looked at each other and decided that we did not want to order anything. Fortunately we saw Cafe Robey, which was a lovely find and ate there. Just didn't feel the vibe there. Maybe the food is good, I don't know. But I am a big fan of talking and while I love music, I don't want it so loud that I to yell to have a conversation.

Estelle is a local neighborhood dive bar. I ordered a BYO-Burger- this just means I created my own burger. It was amazing my only critique would be that it was a little bit over seasoned, but who cares anyway it's a dive bar lol The drinks were amazing and kind of crafty if you ask me. The service was surprisingly good if you ask me. I do think that the music was a little too loud for me but I still did enjoy the place.

I don't want to gatekeep but this is my ABSOLUTE FAVORITE LATE NIGHT bar to frequent. Like it closes at like 4am and food is still served pretty late. It's not like a super masculine dive bar, it's for the girlies & movie buffs since they always have really interesting movies playing (like Perfect Blue or LOTR). Plus the bartenders are always so sweet and respectful and check in with you. The jalapeño poppers are my fave and the havarti burger always hits the spot after clubbing.

Have frequented Estelle's in trips to Wicker park but was completely out of the loop they served food late. For a late night bar the food had no business being this good but honestly no complaints from my end. They have a variety of sandwiches and other options depending on your mood. Everything is reasonably priced and they have daily specials. I love the variety of beers on tap and still think about the house cranberry holiday seltzer they would make. Wicker staple for sure, can never go wrong stopping in

Great happy hour prices (every day 4-6pm), and the drinks are unique. It's a bit dark inside, but the service is good and very convenient location next to the blue line.

On Wednesday March 26th the bartender told my friends and I to "F*ck off" and not to "go out and not tip". They didn't get tipped bc of their terrible attitude. The bartender seriously needs to lose their job and do some self reflection.

They open doors to everyone but there are definitely undertones of exclusivity. I've been told by several employees that ownership is biased. I've seen some pass out and fall over drunk with ambulance called and those very people be welcomed back with open arms. I've seen law abiding paying customers who don't fit the mold be turned away for being minority. Please avoid this place. They are one of the few late night places left on that strip, but they don't want everyone and they've made that clear.

Estelle's is a "neighborhood bar" that happens to be located just off the major Wicker Park intersection of Damen / North / Milwaukee. I've been there a couple of times to enjoy their Happy Hour, and amazingly all drinks are half-price between 4 - 6 PM every day. The selection of beers on draft is not too shabby. Their limited food menu also spotlights some daily specials. I've not had any of the food, but my bud enjoyed the Wednesday special - party pockets (basically pizza puffs) with fries.

Small bar, decent drinks, and finger bar bites. There wasn't a true kitchen, so don't come expecting a full on meal- it was more of a frying station behind the bar. Nothing bad to say- It was casual and easygoing, no frills. Garlic Parm Fries were addicting. Half off drinks during Happy Hour was a good deal.

They've got a great happy hour deal here, half off all drinks 4-6pm! Came here on a Monday night around 5:30 and plenty of seats were open. The gimlet with death's door gin was actually very interesting and strong, since the gin is flavored with juniper, coriander and fennel. It had a very "spicy" flavor reminiscent of chai. There are quite a few options for draft beer, and they also have daily specials which you can view on their website. This is right next to the Damen blue line stop, and very conveniently located to other restaurants and thrift stores on Milwaukee. I would definitely come back for their happy hour again!

this place was so cute but the bartender told my friend "fuck you" for not tipping good enough but she was working there tonight and she had the nastiest attitude i've ever experienced. they were being really rude to my friends and had no idea how to make any of the drinks. or anything about the beer we were asking them about

I have become an ardent fan of Estelle's for happy hour. With half-off drinks, the value is real. Add to it fun, kind staff and a chill environment, Estelle's has all one needs for a nice time with friends. Their beer selection is expansive, with several local choices for us craft beer aficionados. Their grill is fired up at 4:00 pm and runs until 3:30 am. I previously misstated a 7pm grill start time, and thankfully, the owner corrected me. I noted the time because on one night I went to Estelle's from an early dinner to meet hungry friends, they were told the grill opened at 7pm. So they waited to order something. Hopefully this is a one-off kind of thing since the owner was clear in noting the grill opens at 4:00pm. Anyway, fun place, and even if the grill opens late, there are a lot ot options around.

Fun dive bar tonight off the blue line. Always a good mix of people and fun people watching .

What a waste... and a joke --- used to be my go to spot for ppl from out of town . Nope. Not anymore - zero customer service

A classic... and a nostalgic visit for me. There ain't much left of this neighborhood - pre Starbucks. So, it's nice to see the bar maintaining a little edge. I suggest you call boarded-up, The Tavern space across the street, Borderline, and re-open with better music. Seriously, who makes a bar The Tavern? .... enough snide for today... hopefully Estelles will linger much longer.

If you're looking to spend $17 and over an hour waiting for you to watch the cook flip your burger around for 25 minutes, this is place.

TOTALLY forgot that this place has food! While roaming around to find food in the wee hours of a Chicago morning, I hopped on Yelp and saw that Estelles kitchen was open until 3am! WORD?!?!?! WORD!!!! The menu is super simple and reasonable, besides the great drinks they have. We opted for the Chicken nachos and sexy fries (fresh cut!!!!), which are a mix of the Cajun and Parmesan garlic - delish. You can tell the tortilla chips are made in house and that the cheese isn't the cheap, pasty one that Taco Bell uses. Quick service and the waitresses are lovely. I'll definitely be back on Mondays to try the half off burgers; they looked amazing. Either that...... or I just had the munchies REALLY bad. #JudgeYourself ‍

Always great spot. Cajun fries and food overall awesome, fair prices on beer, attentive staff, chill environment. Cool late night bar on Friday's & Saturday's. Just miss the jukebox.

Great dive. No frills. It's a late night place with a welcoming crowd from my experience.

It was the best of times, it was the worst of times at Estelle's. The experiences I've had here are completely dependent upon the staff of that given day. One day they're extremely personable and create a hospitable, welcoming environment. On other days certain staff make you feel that they're doing you a favor by getting you a beer. Playing Russian Roulette with my bar experiences can be frustrating. The food is consistently good and it's great to see the nostalgic movies/shows on the TVs.

Perfect dive bar. Delicious crisp fresh fries. Drinks made perfect! Good date night place

chicken nuggets were great chees fries were pretty good drink was solid overall damn good spot for what it is corner bar / sort of grill i'll go again sometime

Estelle's is a great gem in the Wicker park neighborhood. Just off the main strip, and slightly hidden next to Subterranean. When you walk in it seems like just a quiet relaxed bar, but then the beautiful sounds of punk music blesses your ears and takes you into the real feel of the place. Great selection of beers and cocktails at a fair price. The food was solid as well, we got the cheese curds. I'm so happy that this spot is right in Wicker as some of the other bars tend to be "uppity" and usually jam packed without being able to get a spot. This is the perfect spot for after work drinks, or just enjoying a drink on the weekend.

Dive bar with some tunes from a jukebox and some cheap bar snacks. Came here on a whim just before heading out for the night. Ordered some sandwiches and fried pickles. Not really much to say as we didn't stay here long but the food was above average for a bar joint. Place was packed with limited seating but no one was on the dance floor. Worth a visit if you're looking for late night bites either before or after a night out.

Netflix and swill. Try the Chicageaux 75. Adult lemonade. Cheap beer and rock. Food on the grill and open 'til 5a.

My first and last time going to Estelle's. I tried coming here on a Friday night around 11pm. I also bartend and they really didn't look too slammed. I came in with a couple friends and saw some free seats at the bar so we went to sit. The bartender (a fat white bald man with a terrible personality- shocker) saw me pull out my phone and scan the QR code for the menu and immediately came and asked me what I wanted. He had an attitude from the start asking "are you actually sitting here?" but I ignored it and smiled at him. I was super hungry and ordered fries quickly and then decided on two modelos. That all happened probably within 3-4 minutes. I pulled out my card to pay but I only had a prepaid visa I hadn't used before bc my only other card had just gotten flagged for fraud and canceled right before going in. I apologized to him and explained. HE THEN PROCEEDED TO MAKE FUN OF ME WITH A PATRON RIGHT IN FRONT OF MY FACE :( it had only taken me a minute to activate the card and he was acting like I was going to steal the two modelos. He was making ugly remarks "apparently I have all day" "wow everyone she just has to activate her card" "not like I have anything else to do." He eventually just took the two beers and walked away. He seemed so angry and confrontational. Don't be a bartender if you hate people. The people you hire reflects on the business. I did notice that most of the people in that place were white, the bartender was white, the patrons around us were white but me and my friends are not white. Could be a coincidence but why risk it? There are way better places in the city.

Got here at 12:30 am.Its 1:13 a d I'm still waiting for a drink. Oh it's 1:30. Now asked about a drink. Menu thrown at me and told drinks and specials found there... Wow...

The first time I had a beer with a useless friend named Jaik S. was here. The one thing we had shared thoughts about was that this place smells like fresh urinal cakes. I too have been here a lot and every damn time I go there the fresh smell of urinal cakes strikes me in the nose holes. Most people never pick up on the scent, maybe because of the smokes they've had out front. It seems most don't mind the smell. I kinda like it. Strangely. Another bar not too far off also on Milwaukee ave shares the same scent, I won't share the name with you, we'll leave the detail as an "egg hunt". For a "dark" bar, it's clean or at least I like to think it is. I like the layout, the cool feel and the lack of any pretentiousness. Usually you can be in the presence of cool folk but every once in awhile a few twats and weirdos creep their way in. When I'm here, one or more of these things is usually happening: 1. I'm all ready drunk. 2. I'm meeting friends. 3. I'm really bored, and don't want to go further. (Good eye candy usually. Go early.) 4. I'm drinking a lot and want to make a new friend. 5. I'm hoping to share fries with someone, but not a burger, me no like them here. (If you know Jaik S., you know I've copied his review format. I altered it for my own purpose.) Cheers.

There's no excuse to be rude as an employee of an establishment. The female dog that answered the phone on 03/14 at opening along with the "manager" who I spoke with afterwards are giving Estelle's a bad name. I called to make sure my debit card was there before heading over to pick it up. Mind you I left it SATURDAY and was told by the female dog mentioned above it's not there, only to have her hang up on me right after. No chance to respond or anything. I was merely going to ask how long this establishment tends to keep a card, as it was my first time opening a tab ever and also leaving a card behind. Apparently the employees here cannot be bothered by looking for cards because they have such difficult labor intensive/stressful careers (lol) I called back several times until the "manager" himself answered being completely unprofessional and asking why I would expect my card to still be there. It's only been 1.5 days. Did you expect me to pick it up first thing the next day, sir? You open late, I'm not on YOUR schedule. Makes no sense. On top of that I could hear the first person who answered the phone in the background making comments. So I hung up the way they first hung up on me. This place is trash and so is the "manager" and employee I spoke with Manager in quotes because he's a pathetic excuse of a manager and female dog referred employee because that's the perfect way to describe her as I didn't get her name

so excited to return to this neighborhood establishment. classic dive bar w pre hipster status. we really really had a great time until the bartenders snuck some extras onto the tab. not sure who got served but it was messy. stealth because i was sober and saw what my party had actually consumed. the loaded fries were trash, but its late night eats... i guess the hustle is real.

Great burgers, I always come here after bartending bc nothings open and let's just say I haven't stopped also good cocktails and music.

Walked in for the first time and instantly got a nasty attitude from the bar tender. I said excuse me and tried to ask a question. She completely ignored me and said you have to wait your turn. My apologies grandma I didn't know I wasn't allowed to ask a question. Won't be coming back.

What sets this, otherwise typical bar, apart is Levi the super friendly and knowledgable about spirits bartender. Cool, personable, passionate guy that is the embodiment of what a bartender should be: relatable, friendly, and kind.

You're closed and you didn't set up a voicemail saying so. You're usually open all week. I took an extra 30 mins out of my day to go the opposite way of my apartment to come get my card and 1 I don't even know if it's there still and 2 I can't pick it up even if I wanted. My fault for leaving it there. I would've liked to have known. A simple change to your answering machine would've done the trick and helped me understand why you didn't answer the phone the first 5 times I called. Other than that, good bar and good late night. Next time, change the voicemail.

GREAT-looking bar. Nice decor, but some of the staff is VERY RUDE to its newer customers while being noticeably friendly to returning customers, particularly the front-door Bouncer (ironic since that's one of the easiest jobs a bar could ever offer). He even hugged a returning customer he clearly knew while simultaneously making insulting comments about me... And they expect you to want to spend your MONEY there?‍ ‍ I'm sure everyone's experience there IS different, but my best advice is: if you haven't already been to Estelle's before, then don't bother going at all...

My favorite local bar. It's never packed and annoying; not even on the weekends. Good movies always playing. Just simple.

Tried to order classic drink Aperol spritz, bartenders goes to me, I am to busy to make this cocktails, I was like you to busy to pour Aperol over the ice with some Champaign, she goes I know what is in it, and went to talk to another bartender, this is what cocky Service in Chicago looks like.

I used to come to Estelle's a lot when I was playing in a band who frequently played Double Door. (cue "All the Young Dudes" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=amnjZtNDKqk). It was a great place to let off some steam after 2AM in my younger daze. But we also had a saying: "It's always about a girl after 2AM!"...(cue Big Star "In Love With a Girl" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QIfPIwWn-vg). Hanging with these same friends at Double Door not long ago, we found ourselves yet again at Estelle's after 2AM. The sometimes stern red-haired door man is really quite a nice guy. Cut him some slack you drunkards! The servers really work their tails off too. (cue "Working for the Weekend" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7E82ozXyNjk). I like their beer selection (Gumball Head, Elliott Ness), and I like that they serve food from the grill, although I've never ordered any. On our last visit to Estelle's I found myself in some trouble. Yes, I was drunk after 2AM, and so was everyone else! On one of my frequent trips to the bathroom (cue "Same as It Ever Was" for the "Water" part. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-io-kZKl_BI) I must have left my coat hanging on a chair unattended for too long. Upon coming back I looked everywhere for it, but it must have grown legs and left the building! Luckily, my phone and wallet weren't in it, but it was a brand new jacket and I was upset. Going to the bartenders to report my bad fortune (cue "Hee Haw Bad Luck Song" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MCXycgAUNWI) they immediately pointed me to the bar manager Scott. He got a flashlight and looked all over the area for it. No coat. Most bar managers would stop here and say "sorry, dude". But he took my phone number and name and told me he'd call after they had closed up shop and had a chance to scan the whole bar. He called promptly as promised. But still no coat. He apologized for it being stolen and offered to buy me and my friends a couple rounds of shots on our next visit, and told me to call him to give him a heads up for my visit. The day after I called back just to see if they had found it, wishful thinking perhaps (do not cue "King of Wishful Thinking"). I left a message for him, and stated that "these things happen" and told him the rounds of shots weren't needed, and that I really valued his utmost professionalism during the whole ordeal. Again, it was only a coat, and not my phone, my wallet, my whole life. But when things go wrong, you want a person like Scott to not make you feel like a phony, and go the extra mile for you. Kudos, and Thank You (for being a friend)! (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KiQzUEc_FmI) Haha!

I usually realize too late that if I am at Estelle's it means I am out WAY too late . . . .for I have never been to Estelles in anything other than the "wee hours" of the morning as it's a 4am bar. What is it about this place that has people flocking to it? And not just twenty somethings but people of all ages. On some nights there is even a line out the door. The last time I was there, a couple was actually trying to slow dance in the place to an Elvis song as the servers wound their way through the crowded room. Speaking of the servers- most of them are amazing- patient with all the drunks, bringing countless beers, and shrugging off the many grabbing hands that always seem to show up at 3am. For me- the humor in the place comes from the many guys who use this as their "last booty call" for the night- with enough alcohol in them to make them confident in approaching women. I gotta give them an "A" for effort for you would think after being shot down time and time again they would finally get it. But they don't. And the futility of that makes me laugh! If you drive (and you shouldn't if you are at Estelle's!) watch the signs on the street as they will tow quicker than anything in this area. Usually there is street parking under the EL tracks to the west or down the block a bit. Estelle's is not ever going to be that place to get a quiet cocktail and catch up with friends. But for that last night cap of the evening, it far too often fits the bill. And on those nights- I often curse that it's there . . . . and open.

Okay, so I went here. And it was more like a "let's hang out here" more about hanging out with present company than where I was. Standard booze. Greasy grill. Wicker Park hipsters. Um . . . I scored a barstool? Sorry, that's all I got. I had fun here, but it wasn't because the bar was so cool.

I came here with group of friends last night and this place is fantastic! The bartenders were super cool and the beer selection was just great. Not to mention that all the drafts were only 3$ each!! I ended up having a bit more than I should have but that's so easy to do when there are so many great beers to choose from and moreover for such a rocking price! Can't wait to come back!!

For a long time, Estelle and I didn't get along. It was loud, it was smoky and it was a total sausagefest every time I stepped through the door. These days, Estelle's has a more chill vibe (and diverse populace) with one of the better beer selections in the neighborhood. These days, you'll find me at Estelle's every Tuesday for their $2 drafts. Try the Whittekerke, it's a Belgian white beer in a can. Crazy, I know, but for $2 you'll be happy you gave it a shot.

This was probably one of my favorite Chicago bars I visited. I walked to Wicker Park from the Brown Line Irving Park stop. I was walking around by myself and didn't really know where to go and ended up at this bar because a homeless guy recommended it to me. There were some ladies in there as promised. The lighting reminded me of Happy Dog in Cleveland. The ceiling was really cool. The Rolling Stones were played twice while I sat and had a couple. They had one of my all time favorite beers on tap (Founders Breakfast Stout) so I really enjoyed the drinks.

TOP 5: LIKES 1. Good music & food 2. young social crowd 3. open really really LATE! 4. no bathroom attendent 5. love the atmospher, with the dim red ive been here a few times, after watching a concert at sub, or dancing at debonair, and SOMETIMES theres a line-but whatever, its worth the wait...sooo relaxed there LOVE IT

Certainly a fine late night place; cold beers, food until late, just a bar all things being equal. 3 stars only because of the bizarre "service" we got on a Friday night. It was pretty empty and we came in with a medium sized group so we grabbed a banquette by the window after ordering drinks at the bar. We were immediately bombarded by a server (I didn't even know that was a thing at estelles) telling us if we weren't going to order from her we had to stand. That's fine! We planned to order more food and multiple rounds, no biggie. The real issue is that she just never stopped berating us. After about twenty minutes (and multiple food and drink orders through the server) I considered just handing her $20 to stop her from harassing us and reminding us that she doesn't make money if we sit that that table and don't order through her. Not only had we already ordered through her multiple times, but we anticipated staying until last call continuing to order. I'll make sure to only go to estelles if there are bar stools available, if there aren't I'll just go to rainbo.

You can't go wrong with Estelle's. It has a chill and cool atmosphere. Definitely something different compared to the bars down the street like Crocodile and Empire. Reliable bar in the area!

my first time here and the bartender had an attitude right from the start and swearing saying "this is a grown up place we swear if you don't like it don't go to bars" and saying he can do whatever he wants being very disrespectful so never even got one drink but no good bars would let their employees swear at customers its The service/ hospitali business you don't swear around customers

It's fine as far as late night dive bars go. Drinks are reasonable. Atmosphere is cool. The staff however is incredibly rude. Bartender got annoyed when I asked for clarification on a menu item and the waitress snapped when we sat at an empty table claiming it was reserved. There was no sign or anything so I felt it was an honest mistake. All my friends agreed they all seemed on edge. Maybe it was just a bad night but it definitely left a poor taste in our mouths