Kirkwood Bar

Kirkwood Bar & Grill - Review - Chicago - The Infatuation

"Not only does Kirkwood in Lakeview have a large patio where you can watch football, but they also have game day deals. Like the Touchdown Package, which includes pretzels, chicken tenders, six sliders, and a six-pack for $50. We haven’t been here yet, but want you to know this spot exists." - Team Infatuation

View Postcard for Kirkwood Bar

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"This Lakeview bar has been long a safe space for college sports and Chicago Cubs fans. Beyond the drink specials, the outdoor TVs make the patios that much cooler." - Ashok Selvam

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"Not only does Kirkwood in Lakeview have a large patio where you can watch basketball all weekend long, but they also have tournament deals like $6 stadium cups of domestic beers. They also have a food menu full of things like wings, pretzels, and burgers." - adrian kane

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"Groups pack the spacious beer garden at Kirkwood to share a Jumbo John Daly served in a one-gallon fishbowl or the Donkey Punch, a classic of peach Moscow mule poured in a massive copper mug. Try one with the similarly supersized chicken nachos or totchos loaded with black beans, chihuahua cheese and jalapeño." - Samantha Nelson

Michael Kelly

Google

We came here as Husker fans to watch Nebraska smoke Colorado. The guys working the door were quick to greet us and usher us inside. The bartenders were engaging and always checking to make sure everyone was taken care of. This bar could benefit from bigger bathrooms as the lines for both restrooms were long. Definitely recommend if you're looking to shout Go Big Red at the top of your lungs!

Alecia G.

Google

I had to visit Kirkwood since I’m from Nebraska. I had no idea I was about to have the best chicken tenders of my life! Get all of the dipping sauces! The service could have been a bit better, my waitress walked by me several times until I had to flag her down to order. The guy checking IDs got super excited when I told him I was from Nebraska and was happy to show me some home team memorabilia around the bar. Overall a really nice experience. Go Big Red!

Katherine Ritsema

Google

Great experience as always at the Kirkwood. Tim found a table for me and my family during an IU game which was greatly appreciated. Some of the best bar food in Chicago.

Stephen Wilke

Google

A great sportbar with a weird clubby vibe in half of the bar and a great sportsbar vibe in the other half. Service was phenomenal and the food was great for a sportsbar. Very willing to put any game on the TVs we were near.

Jacob Lord

Google

Sat in the back beer garden, nothing like good vibes and summer time Chicago. I ordered their spicy chicken sandwich, and it was good! Nice slaw on it, with like a chipotle mayo sauce. Not too spicy, just a lil kick. Their strawberry jalapeño margs are dangerous though. I hade at least 4 in the span of 30 minutes.

Jacob Ghazizadeh

Google

Great sports bar! Food was fireee. The chicken strips were next level fo real. Staff at the door were supa friendly

Sam Flood

Google

Here’s the deal, seems like a great sports bar, very rowdy and excitable for this college basketball game day, and also they have a hell of a bloody bar that I’d give a 5.0. But we went here with my brother expecting to get brunch, and they were mysteriously not serving brunch this day regardless of what their website says. It was all very good tho. Just don’t lie to us about brunch.

Adri Takacs

Google

This place was a great stop! Despite ordering right before the kitchen closed, the food was delicious and came out quickly! The atmosphere is great and they played some good music throughout the night. I’ll be going back!

Jessica C.

Yelp

Loved the uniqueness of adding bbq chicken to a quesadilla- which isn't really rocket science but was so good! Love this bar but after 930 it turns into a college hangout and it's a pain to get drinks. However love starting a night here for food and drinks and skipping out before the youth arrive

Stephanie R.

Yelp

Bomb food! We are from Nebraska, and this place was so welcoming and true definition of 'Nebraska Nice' . Went out of their way to accommodate our big party!

Kelly G.

Yelp

Amazing service and food! Gabby is wonderful and the man with the sweet pink shoes is TOP TIER! Love getting that Nebraska nice service in Chicago!

Barb R.

Yelp

Great IU bar. Love the wings, pretzels, vibe, drinks servers and great service Especially grateful to Tim who was super helpful

Carolina C.

Yelp

Your perfect neighborhood sports bar - Kirkwood is big and has TVs posted everywhere so anywhere is a great spot to catch the game. The drinks are big and the vibes are great. This IU alumni bar even plays this is IU after a big win.

Steve A.

Yelp

Had a pretty okay time at this neighborhood bar on Sheffield, which feels like a college bar. It's a good place in particular for Indiana fans, and of course Bears fans. Kirkwood is bigger than it looks, with room for crowds on game days or whenever. A little expensive is the biggest complaint. The bar food is better than expected with both greasy and healthy options. Among the drinks were a few seasonal cocktails. It's about $12 or so. The best sounding one was the Boozy Apple Cider, which is good for any time. Get your choice of liquor in it. There's also lots of beer, from crafts to mass produced stuff. A nice selection on tap, and lots more in bottles and cans. The food was a pleasant surprise. Has some healthy and okay vegetarian choices. The Hummus And Guacamole was good for sharing. It's $13 but it comes with a lot. There's the usual pitas and tortillas but some pretty interesting vegetables. More than just broccoli and carrots. There was too much to eat it all here. Good place resembling a campus bar. It's likewise one of the more festive places for watching a game. The drinks and food are kind of expensive but at least for the food there's larger portions for some things.

Bohao Z.

Yelp

Its like KOK in Chi-city, but with cleaner bathrooms! Just don't ask for Btown shots like "liquid cocaine", and you'll have a good time going down memory lane!

Max O.

Yelp

Alyssa makes a bomb espresso Martini. Her hospitality is great. Vibes are good. Just wish it was a Badger bar not a Hoosier bar. Oh well.

Lisette J.

Yelp

You definitely have to try their BBQ Chicken Quesadilla, it was absolutely delicious. Everything I had that night was so delicious. The bartender Rocky was so helpful and give me great recommendations. Their bbq sauce was delicious & i was also told their bbq sauce is made in house. Staff was friendly and the Christmas decor is sure to get you into the Christmas spirit

Carson S.

Yelp

Great food and a great outdoor patio. The prices are reasonable and the service is above average for a busy bar/restaurant.

Michael S.

Yelp

We stopped by on a Sunday with our dog to watch some football on their awesome outdoor patio. Phenomenal service. The Buffalo Chicken French Dip is a must. Shout out to the mgr, Chris, for taking care of us all day.

Arlene W.

Yelp

Kirkwood is a spacious Lincoln Park neighborhood sports bar. I have a friend who lived around the corner who had fond memories of Kirkwood's Monday night trivia, where they had a $10 burger, fries, and a beer special (unsure if that still stands). We came on Sunday morning to watch the FIFA World Cup Final (what a game!) and it was a fun mix of both Argentina and France fans. There were TV screens at all angles conducive to easy watching, and attentive staff. I loved their french fries and tater tots - perfectly crisp and deliciously seasoned with black pepper. It looks like a lot of fun for IU and Nebraska games too.

Steve L.

Yelp

First time back here in several years. Went with some friends who live in the neighborhood Nice location, good outdoor patio with plenty of TVs to watch Bears game and others. Several specialty cocktails on the menu. Had a decent Bloody Mary and then a mojito made with watermelon. Didn't care for that too much, but hey, gotta try new things. Beer menu is pretty slim, a few local beers on the list. We had some good nachos for the table and I had the Hossier burger. Food was good, came out on time. Our server not too friendly, did not seem to want to be working. Not rude necessarily, just curt and all business. Here's my kicker - would I go back? Maybe, but it's not likely to be a first choice in a neighborhood full of others.

Connor B.

Yelp

Another great local bar in Lakeview. Great patio to relax at and they pour a great Guinness. Awesome. Time to go for a Sunday brunch with some friends. Dogs are always welcome. And staff is super friendly. Great spot to watch a sports game with some friends. Sometimes it can get packed with Indiana folks as this is one of their bars, but it's usually not a problem as those individuals are great to hang out with!

Jenny r.

Yelp

Me and my boyfriend went there on a Saturday night during the christmas week it was crowded (which is good) The Dj played a very very good music every one there was having fun. The only cons for me is there's only college kids and it made me feel too old Overall : A good place to hangout but Saturday night only !! Friday night is too quite here

Paul C.

Yelp

A fun bar if you're looking for a college bar feel in the city. Admittedly, I felt a little old compared the crowd but they had good drinks and a great DJ spinning some fantastic millennial anthems! We came for after dinner drinks only and I would return (despite it being an IU bar #gross).

Alexandra Y.

Yelp

I really like the outdoor patio, which was not too busy on a Sunday afternoon. Drinks were really good and big. We got the strawberry daiquiri and Miami Vice. They also were walking around throughout the time we were there giving out free shots. All the waiters were super nice and friendly and I like how they have the app where you can pay at the table and split the bill howver want. Want to come back at night time!

Alvin T.

Yelp

For a sports bar the food here is surprisingly good and the atmosphere is fantastic as they have cool decorations and TVs scattered throughout the bar. I was here during the NBA finals and it wasn't too full but people were still loud and rowdy supporting their team. Their crispy chicken sandwich is also very good--the sauce and the actual chicken blended well together and I was very satisfied with Kirkwood's sandwich over other chicken sandwiches I've tried around Chicago. I'm sure this place gets packed during IU games, would definitely want to try coming again to see how lively it gets during that time.

jon v.

Yelp

Great food and drinks staff is amazing great place to catch a game patio is something you don't want to miss out on

Magoli G.

Yelp

I was hesitant at first but this bar grows on you. service never fails to make the visit worth it. Favorite drink is the cool as a cucumber in the summer times on the back patio. Best bar cookie skillet too!

Dinah L.

Yelp

Kirkwood has been a regular spot for me and friends for over a year now, we love it so much. Many of us are gluten free and we LOVE getting the quesadilla on a corn tortilla. They also get the ratio right on my aperol spritz's everytime. The entire staff is so friendly!

Lauren B.

Yelp

Incredible food! Great service! Love this place for a weekday game viewing or trivia or fun drinking weekend!

Elizabeth B.

Yelp

GREAT place! The patio is lovely for a week night meal and/or weekend get together with friends and family. Perfect neighborhood bar spot.

Erica S.

Yelp

Great bar! Love the ambiance during the day in the patio. Jose Cortez is amazing & fantastic security guard. Makes the bar even better!

Miranda G.

Yelp

Stopped by to meet a few of my boyfriends buddies. Cool place, nice atmosphere, menu looked good, we didn't eat anything. Had a round of shots for the table, one drink and two waters. Hardly saw the server, when she came by was always in a rush to leave. Didn't seem crazy busy as several servers were walking around. We were watching the Chiefs game. All was fine until time to pay, the server was upset over her tip. She brought it back and told us to put it towards something important. Not only after that she proceeded to insult us to everyone around and had another server follow us outside and continue to tell us not to come back. We apologized for upsetting the server and happily agreed to never return. This was very distasteful and inappropriate. In the United States, a tip is not legally required and the amount of the tip is at the discretion of the customer. If we would have left nothing would she act the same as well and chase us out the restaurant? She made a huge scene , not exactly sure what outcome she's was expecting, a bigger tip? sorry our money was no good for this place.

Mary M.

Yelp

Very fun husker bar. The food was delicious, staff was attentive, and fans were plentiful. Would recommend.

Corbin B.

Yelp

IU themed bar in Chi that doesn't live up to any spot in Bloomington. Couldn't make the essential btown college cocktails - amf - & really wild price for pbr. Loud music and dance friendly college vibe if youre in the market. Nice big patio as well.

Kevin G.

Yelp

Bartenders feel the need to tip themselves. Check other reviews too. This has happened twice to me on two separate occasions. I took a picture of my receipt this time and the wrong amount still posted to my credit card. I suggest you stop

Willie S.

Yelp

I took a date here and thought it would be a good place for food and drinks, the food was good, but the service was poor the waitress tool an exceptionally extensive time to get to our table, actually the security was very nice and accommodating, the drinks were weak, I would recommend coming here for food, but not the drinks

Errol B.

Yelp

I ordered again this time through Uber Eats. What was absolutely disgusting and an example of utter incompetence somewhere at the restaurant. I ordered the Husker Burger with no lettuce, no onions, and no dijonnaise to be included on the burger. Dijonnaise was asked to be on the side. Instead I got a cold, wet, nasty, soppy mess of a burger with a bit on dijonnaise on the burger as well as wet, slippery lettuce. No dijonnaise on the side. The ticket is incorrect even on the bag so something tells me whoever relayed the order to the kitchen either can't read or doesn't care. Ticket reads no onions. Dijonnaise on the side. I can't believe the garbage I received tonight. I will never order again nor go there in person. Nasty.

Erin M.

Yelp

We stopped by for drinks and they were so refreshing and fun! This bar is IU themed, so as a Hoosier I had to check it out. They have a nice patio area as well as indoor seating and kids are welcome!

Carly S.

Yelp

So fun! This has always been a favorite in my book, but I just moved to an apartment much closer and I can't wait to frequent it more often. The food is delicious - I will always be a fan. The outdoor patio is also amazing; perfect for happy hour or a nice summer dinner outside! The only downside is that sometimes the service can be lacking - came for dinner one night and they were so slammed that it took a long time to order and eat. Definitely forgivable based on how good the food is and for the atmosphere!

Stephanie B.

Yelp

Rocky is the BEST bartender!!!! This sandwich changed my life...and the daiquiri, I feel like I'm on an island

Miriam W.

Yelp

Good food in a lively atmosphere. We went to catch the NoLa Saints on one of their screens. We went on a chilly fall day and were happy that the patio was still open. We asked if they were showing the Saints-Ravens game, and the person we spoke to told us to find a seat and they would put it on the tv that was closest to us. This kind of helpful attitude is hard to find at a sports bar and was very much appreciated. I also like that you can watch a game outside, weather permitting. I ordered the turkey burger without a bun and asked for extra greens, and they really delivered, dressing them in some more of the delicious citrus aioli. The fries were also great. This is simple bar food, but handled with care and skill. Drinks are good, and, if you're with friends, the fishbowl drinks looked really fun. It gets really busy on a Sunday during football season, so arrive a little early to get a good table.

Ivana V.

Yelp

Amazing patio. The security guard is the best, jose Cortez!!! He does his job well and has amazing stories. The Buffalo egg roles r good too!

Sam P.

Yelp

Imagine spending your entire Saturday wondering where the best place to watch the playoffs when it's 70+ outside, and not coming up with the only remotely respectable answer. Kirkwoods. Just a patio filled with the perfect atmosphere, cute ass dogs, and most importantly, the most brilliantly cooked & prepared sliders this city has to offer. If anyone tells you they know a place to get better sliders, go into your phone and change their contact to "liar", bc they are full of it. Best patio and bar food in chi. Quit wasting money at other places

Hannah L.

Yelp

Stopped by because my friends and I wanted to be at a bar to watch Game 4 of the NBA finals. Looked up what was in my area and this was right around the street. We ordered the turkey burger with sweet potato fries, mini turkey burgers, and also the nachos for two (which can easily feed way more than two). The turkey burgers weren't bad! The nachos, however, were way too salty, but at the same time oddly bland. The food isn't too expensive, so you shouldn't be surprised by your bill. They also have TVs everywhere, so don't worry about not being able to see! Our group didn't order a fishbowl, but it seems like a lot of people came there for it!

Rob G.

Yelp

We live in the neighborhood and very much enjoy going to Kirkwood Bar & Grill. The Hoosier burger is close to being one of the best burgers in the city. The mix of two patties, Merkts cheddar and thick bacon make it one of the tastiest sandwiches I've had in quite some time. The patio is excellent as well. Plenty of space in these challenging times.

Andrew C.

Yelp

Vibes are awesome place is great food is pretty good little expensive drink wise and the service is pretty bad. Waitress we had twice was super rude and did not make our experience a good one. We live close by and come often but honestly there are so many other bars in the area with much better and nicer waiters/waitresses. I would say outside of her it was and is a great place but multiple times having bad experiences with servers is ridiculous at a bar.

Kristin L.

Yelp

This place is poppin'! I went on a Friday night at 9 to meet a few girlfriends. The patio out back still had a handful of available tables, I grabbed one. My server came over after a while of me sitting and asked what I wanted. A menu.... By 10:15ish the place was packed! They play awesome music, not the lame current radio hits but all our favorites from the 90's and 00's. Luckily we were at a table with a server, others were pushing through to they to the bar. Atmosphere is really cool, being out but not clubby. I would have given it five stars but it lacked two major things in my opinion: quality service and quality food. We shared side of sweet potato fries, hard pass on those. Not worth $5 they were less than mediocre. I'm not saying a bar has to have amazing food I get that's not their specialty. But they should be halfway decent at bar food like fries. Our server hated her life. She was so short with us, forgot my water several times (possibly because it wasn't a drink she going to get tipped on), when we said we were all good she dropped the bill off didn't say a word. I guess it's time for us to leave!

John S.

Yelp

Been here several times and I never have a complaint. The food is always on point and they have a decent draft and beer menu. I've had the burger here a few times and I think it only got better since the last time I had it. Definitely a good bar to watch sports at or just chill with your friends. They have specials everyday which is pretty awesome. Definitely check out the place, it is actually pretty popping during the weekends as well.

Ellie A.

Yelp

As a Cornhusker fan, Kirkwood is my go-to place to watch a game. The outdoor setting is nice, as well as the bar outdoors. I haven't spent a lot of time indoors cause it can get a little crowded and hard to watch the games. Also, the food and drinks are pretty decent for a sports bar!

Passhon J.

Yelp

The nachos for 2 are amazingly yummy. Also, the nachos are actually for 2 people. Don't think you can eat this dish alone. I promise you'll be yelling for assistance. I've actually been daydreaming about the nachos, and I want to order takeout. I'm trying to wait until the bar opens at 5pm. It's a little late in the day to eat nachos, but I must have the nachos...right now.

Jacob S.

Yelp

Have never had a worse experience at a bar or restaurant. I've been doing google reviews for 6 years and can count on one hand how many negative reviews I've left. We arrived 45 minutes early, waited in line and then were told that no one else would be allowed in (this is of course if you didn't know or pay off the bouncer as 7 people were let in after us.) don't visit this bar it's not worth it. Go to joes on weed or stay home for an Indiana game it's a far superior experience and you won't have to deal with it. Also been prior, food is eh drinks are expensive and will never be back. Please take my advice and don't visit just awful

Kyle D.

Yelp

Overall: Pretty solid sports bar option, even though they lean more towards Nebraska than Indiana. The good: Great atmosphere with both a fantastic indoor setup as well as the great patio. I've only had one scenario where it's been super crowded, otherwise it's a casual experience. The food is great overall, I've never had anything bad in my experiences. The servers are usually friendly and attentive no matter the party size. Lots of TVs that play a variety of teams. The not-so-good: Not a dedicated IU bar by any means, even though they claim to be (and the infamous name). One time I remember I came during an IU game and they wouldn't turn it on. Atmosphere: 8/10 Service: 8/10 Food: 8/10

Hallie M.

Yelp

We have been regulars at Monday Night trivia since moving here two years ago. Trivia is great, it's never really packed, they project their answers on the tv's throughout the restaurant, and it's the perfect middle ground trivia where I can actually answer some questions (i.e. I am not good at trivia lol) Also on Mondays they have a $10 beer and burger special which is an insanely good deal. Food is great! I wouldn't say there are 'healthy' options, but all of there sandwiches/burgers are great and their loaded tot-chos are to die for. Saturday's in the summer are so much fun at Kirkwood with the patio open. Split a fishbowl with your friends and it's a fun time. Fishbowls are $40 and split among 3-4 people you WILL leave the restaurant drunk.

Zach S.

Yelp

Best steak sandwich I have ever had!!! Not to mention the staff was fantastic. Will def be back

Rich L.

Yelp

Make it make sense. It's Saturday afternoon and you have both interior bars staffed, but aren't serving anyone? A party of 9 just walked out because of the nonsense. Good luck.

Anna G.

Yelp

I went to IU and walked by one day and thought "oh wow! Kirkwood!" And then I saw this huge sign that said "HOOSIER HEADQUARTERS" and just had to go in. I love it here. I'm going to start going for IU games and when I feel homesick (which happens a lot because I'm a softie). I came a couple days before Christmas and they were playing Home Alone Trivia which was so cute but really hard. Other people who were older did not find it as hard as me though. Long story short, this place is friendly and familiar.

Kirkwood Bar & Grill - Review - Chicago - The Infatuation

View Postcard for Kirkwood Bar

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"This Lakeview bar has been long a safe space for college sports and Chicago Cubs fans. Beyond the drink specials, the outdoor TVs make the patios that much cooler." - Ashok Selvam

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