Ola's Liquors

The rudest, nastiest server I’ve ever experienced. Yelled at my friend as he went to the restroom and accused him of using it to do drugs (he wasn’t, obviously). Was annoyed any time we asked for a drink, each of us had 2, and we tipped on each one. She then glared at us until we left. Shocking.

Old old bar originally serving Polish folks. Very clean and well run. No food only chips. Open on holidays.

I love this kind of bar, certainly isn't cosy, but a great place to stop by, have a couple of beers, and go about the rest of your day. Great casual spot, clearly well enjoyed by locals.

Ola employs the nicest staff. No matter the time of day, you will always feel welcome here. We came here on Christmas Eve and the woman working bought us shots of whiskey to keep us warm in the storm.

My brother lives down the street, anytime I visit we end the night at Ola's. It's a great dive bar. Often it's just the a few people but occasionally it's packed. Never know what you're going to find at Ola's!

Agnes is the best!!! She is the reason many people still go here. Cold beer. Cheap drinks. Old jukebox. Best neighborhood dive bar in a sea of overpriced options in wickerpark. This place has character. Working class folks. If u dont like it ur probably soft. And should stay home and drink overpriced wine alone. If ur adventurous and arent a tender snowflake...ask agnes to make u a martini... lol!!

I like! Neighborhood swill hole. Good selection of Polish beers. Cheap prices. Sit down, shut up & start drankin!

I don't know what to say. it's a liquor store that has a pour license. The jukebox is a tourist trap. It only plays one song. Don't let it fool you

I love this place. Even if you're not Polish, you are welcome. They are awesome. If you are white, I totally recommend this place. Otherwise, not so much.

Come here for the cheapo booze, stay for the cute homeless and bottomless Polish guys who will follow you anywhere once you wave 20 dollar bills under their noses. Find a really cute one and take him out for pierogi and blintzes once the dive closes. I come here when I want to make Shokko jealous. Yeah. GIN dobry, pani...heh-heh-hheh. And even when I don't... lol Trust me, after a few rounds of Polish vodka straight up, you will be dancing all the way out the door.

This dive bar hole in the wall is great place to stagger outta. This isn't a very big place- it's got a long, and narrow design- a long bar. They serve up draft Pabst Blue Ribbon and Old Style Beers. They have $1 shots of a list of cheapo gross liquors, but the best part is- if you need a flask to go- this bar will sell it to ya! They also sell some beer and wine, I think. This place is right on the cusp between the Ukrainian Village and the Polish neighborhood. This is a cheap place to drink- I happened in because I was just thirsty, and cheap beer in the shade seemed like a good idea. Ola's staff helped me to a beer quickly, and were super nice, calling me 'Hon' or something to that effect. I recommend stopping in for a recharging beer if you happen to be walkin' by! This isn't the classiest place, but the great tunes on the jukebox and the Cubbies on the TV guarantee that you'll have a good time here. I can't think of another time I've gotten to drink like this in a bottle shop. Usually, they don't mix the drinking bottles with the serving ones and the selling ones.

The polish or where ever the fuck she's from bartender is rude as fuck! My bf and I came here and ordered drinks without knowing it was cash only. After we order and she pours the drinks she tells us it's cash only. We go to their atm and it doesn't work. So she kicked us out screaming at us that we wasted her liquor cause we didn't lay for them. But we couldnt pay for them cause they shitty atm didn't work! If you accepted credit lime dry other normal business the drinks would have been paid for!!! The only places who accept cash only are businesses who are defrauding the IRS!!! I will be reporting this business to the IRS ASAP!!!

Back when I was living in the hood the last original reminants of the overwhelming Polish and Ukranian population could be found in this bar. The bar is a throwback to the day when first or second generation Poles and Ukraines would unwind after a hard days labor. Those days are gone but the bar hasn't changed. It is a simple little bar with Old Style on tap and some packaged liquor to go. Simple and wonderful.

do not spend your money here!!!!!!!!! rudest owners ever!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! called them to politely ask what time they closed and the line disconnected, called back a second time to politely ask again the owner rude as hell said "whatttttt?!!?!?!!?!" in the meanest tone ever. he than said "i already told you 3am!!! stop calling here" i dont care if you had a long or hard day, but dont ever answer your customers in a rude & unprofessional tone. please dont spend your money here!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Ola's was dirt cheap and the bartender was totally rude. Not really in a mean way rude, but more of a Svetlana from Shameless type of rude if you've ever seen that show. Just the type of service you'd expect from a place pouring $2 drafts all day every day. Similar to The Shameless bar Alibi, a few hipsters have made their way to Ola's and the inexpensive offerings, but it's predominately filled with Polish customers as evidenced by the Zimne Piwo sign out front. I definitely wouldn't recommend taking a date here or anything like that, but if you love a deal on your drinks and some semi-playful shade thrown towards you by the woman who works here, Ola's is a pretty fun time.

I was having a horrible time at Zentra and decided to ditch for Ola's. I had been wanting to go there for over a year. What would be sweeter than boozing it up at a bar with your name. Ola's did not disappoint we got there around 12:30 on a sat. There were a handful of people. The bottles had prices written right on them and they had every beer I was homesick for. The bartender (not Ola) was on her way to getting drunk herself and was in an ongoing fight with an even drunker Irish man. They ended up hugging and having a smoke on the street while leaving the bar to us. Oh... and I found out that there is a real Ola.... other than me.

Do you work 3rd shift? I do. Do you get off work at 7-8am and think, "i sure could go for a drink or two". I do. Well Ola's is the place, open at 7am. They have a few beers on tap (old style/PBR) and copious amounts of liquor for a shot or some simple mixed drink. They have a jukebox that'll blare three songs for $1. And if you want, they do carry out business if you want a six pack or a pint of booze. No they don't have a menu of cocktails, or a list of craft beers. Why you ask? Cause when you step through the door you've traveled back in time, to a time when beer tasted like beer, people kept to themselves and a stiff drink was just that, stiff. They're cash only but have an ATM if you should need. So stop in; have a beer.

You can get a shot of some kind of Eastern European brandy and an Old Style here for $2.50. The bartenders are friendly and the patrons don't seem like they would like to stick a knife in you. Really, there is not much you can ask for. If all this cheap liquor leaves you only wanting more, they also have take out that they sell until 2am.

This place was an amazing find on our walk back to our Airbnb. Agnes was an entertaining bartender. Make sure to ask her what her dog's names are.

Ola's is the most honest bar in Chicago. There is no pretentiousness here - they are exactly who they say they are... a great place to buy a 6-pack, have a shot, and drink some cold beer. Old style and PBR are $2.25 - $2:00, you can get a ton of local bottles and cans for cheap.. $1 shot specials, and the best of all - you can bring your own food! Nothing like buying a gyro from the place up the street and washing it down with cheap beer and mixed drinks. Not the place to visit if you're looking for a cocktail or a decent scotch... this is an old fashioned beer & shot dive with an ancient jukebox and tough, friendly Polish bartenders. The Polish vibe carries over into their drinks... Try the bison grass Vodka with Apple juice (won't regret it). (Cash only)

Ola's is the real deal in Chicago, and my favorite dive bar. This is the only establishment I know of where the bartender will serve you a drink, jokingly insult you, offer you a free shot and slam Frank down against the bar when he gets too rowdy. Frank is an Ola's staple. He doesn't speak English, drinks heavily and is known to ruin all of your jukebox selections by "Naaa naaaa Naaaaaing" over each song. If you look at him, your evening will change drastically. He will stand right next to you, chattering loudly in Polish, until you complain to the bartender, who will then slam his back against the bar. Quite unsettling. Doesn't matter if you're a girl or a guy... just don't look at him, and you'll be fine. Great jukebox, though.

I am a household name at Ola's. This was my first destination upon returning from a trip to Central America this past Spring. I had apologized to Agnes because my Polish was a bit rusty since I had spent the past month focusing solely on my Spanish. She then says,"Kenczik honey, enough with the Spanish garbage. You're home now. You fucking speak Polish." I might have to add that the Polish love to change peoples' name. My family calls me Kenczik, pronounced "Ken-cheek." Old Style is on tap for $1.75 and they've got plenty of liquor to choose from. Many of them, unless you're from Eastern Europe, or just live in this 'hood, will likely leave you scratching your head. On a busy night, expect to hear plenty of screaming, and if it's Agnes, don't be alarmed! She simply has an abrasive personality that comes loaded with sarcasm and dry humor. Her insults are all in good fun and it keeps me bringing more and more of my friends through their doors. If Anna is working, expect it to be a much more low-key night. That's not so much my thing, but not everyone can handle the force that is Agnes.

I used to live right around the corner from Olas. How I love this place. Play a Polish tune on the jukebox, use the sink that's outside the restroom to wash your hands and have a cold, cheap beer. Avoid anything made with tonic as it's inevitably flat, unlike the funny and entertaining older gentleman who hang at the bar. Don't expect anything fancy, but come ready for fun.

I really liked this place. Anna was my bartender and she was really cool. The bar wasn't super crowded crowded but you could tell the people were there because it was a comfortable neighborhood spot and the liked the chill interaction with their bartender. I asked Anna what her recommendation for Polish restaurants were and she gave me the inside scoop. A good dive bar has what Ola's has good drinks a cool bartender and a comfortable setting. Another thing that was cool is this place is bar and part liqueur store, I've traveled quite a bit but never seen that before. Cool points

This might be the best dive bar I've ever been to. This is one of those places that doesn't seem to have a name-- just an old style sign and a sign that says "cold beer" (in Polish). also... everything behind the bar is for sale, just in case you want to run in, buy something and leave. There were a LOT of gay dudes there the night I was there, which was GREAT! A little fight broke out with the bartender and a couple of the Polish gays-- she asked them to stop touching people inappropriately. They tried to start the Polish Stonewall. I am definitely coming back here. So cheap, so friendly, so odd. Did I mention cheap?

Ola's is small and dirty. They've got cheap drinks and cheaper patrons. I've never run into Agnus but I can't wait. The $3.50 jack/cokes keep me hammered and ensure my return. It's as GANGSTA as a dive bar can get.

I get that Its a "dive bar" but it was just gross. 2 liters for the mixers. Rude staff. Semi cold beer. No thanks.

This place doesn't like outsiders. My 2 friends and I came in on a Friday night. One of my female friends was speaking and some regular patron (trying to hit on her) rudely put his 2 cents into a conversation that didn't involve him. She told him to mind his own business. Long story short, he felt disrespected by a female and wanted to fight. The bartender broke up the squabble and sent the other guy out to have a cigarette. We got the blame because he's a regular and were asked to leave. Then we proceeded to try another bar. Wouldn't you know it, it was owned by the same person and we were refused service. They'll never see a penny of my money. Even if it was the last bar/liquor store on earth.

I am a big fan of neighborhood bars. I am a HUGE fan of dive bars. On a recent trip to Chicago, Ola's Liquor is both of these things. Ola's is a cornucopia of awesomeness in my book. We've got a horrid bathroom, jello shots, real shots(!), gruff bartender, wasted octogenarians, Polish beer, cheap beer, and I do believe the bartenders have been instructed to never cut anyone off. I swoon over this place. (Or the Old Style sign, whatever).

Bernie is the best person on earth! Juke box is amazing! Only bring awesome people here or they won't be able to appreciate it! Drink prices are 5/5 stars! Bernie is 5/5 stars! Only problem is that I have a job and I can't go here more often. I usually go on Friday & Saturday nights if I can.

Never have I been so ridiculed, belittled and sworn at, but felt so welcomed. The fact that I was dressed as Mr. Potatohead may have encouraged our lovely bartender Agnes to scream and laugh at me as a choked down some Jim Beam or "pussy shot" as Agnes referred to it. (she shot jäger) Good dive bar and decent beer prices although $2.75 for the champagne of beers is a tad steep, it wasn't even served in a flute.

This is my go to wine store! They are so knowledgeable and kind. If you tell them a style or flavor or region you're looking for-- they will guide you around the store and show you all your options at various price points.

The ultimate Polish dive bar. We used to come here because it was the most hassle free, no b.s., fun time in the area. Agnes is the best bartender. I've seen her toss plenty of big drunken dudes out the door. She's tough. But she's always really sweet to my wife. The locals are a good time. Almost as much fun as trying to pick a song out on the jukebox. Polish disco or New Order? Just don't act like a douchebag and you'll be fine here.

place is tight. THE go to dive in the area. Another liquor store/ bar hybrid. Not cheap for carryout per se, but not unreasonable. The bar is decent. Prices are right. Agnus is a burley polish woman who has a propensity for kissing late in the night. be ware. Also, do not make the mistake of using the woman's bathroom (even though its a single stall and should be unisex), 'cause agnus WILL set you straight. "It says women, Beitch! get the fuck out!" The juke box is a challenge in a good way. the only think this place needs is perogies and kielbasa. w00t. The yelp rating in this case is currently appropriate.

Ola's - oh how much i luv thee! it certainly is a piece of americana, or perhaps even Polandia... it is smoke stained and the juke box has terrible music that hasn't been changed since the advent of the computer. it is extremely bright and the only decor is a portrait of JFK high above the bar. HOWEVER, the staff is extremely friendly and the beverages are the cheapest in 5 counties... Ola's - let me count the ways....

Ola's has an old polish dive bar feel with the convenience of a liquor store, too . If you are in the neighborhood to get some cheap drinks, give it a try. If you are looking for a 12 pack to go, it can be pricey. Here is one for the locals.

When you want to just go and have a beer and not deal with the typical crowds of this neighborhood I would highly suggest this place. If you are one that enjoys people of character then you will either hate or love the infamous "Agnus". I for one find her over the top behavior entertaining but I have not really found myself on the receiving end. Cheap beer, cheap drinks and beer to go if you so desire. Check it out.

Love this place. Cheap drafts, total dive. Mostly polish hang out there. Tons of take out at rock top prices. Cash only.

i am unsure about this place. that being said, i am totally willing to check it out again. dan and i decided, during dinner, that we wanted to go and get some more booze (because apparently the beers and drinks at smoke daddy weren't enough) so, since we are dive bar connoisseurs, we checked out ola's it's cheap. and by cheap i mean DIRTY CHEAP. we got a vodka and soda and a pbr for $5 total. they also have malort, and i did a shot of this random booze (it's a rite of passage if you are going to hang out with dan) and...well...it was interesting. service was not great...but what do you expect? the people watching was off the chain, though. since they sell "to go" you can see such an interesting mix of peeps buying tall boys of budwiser. going to have to come back with more people next time.

Holy shit. If you thought Rite Liquors was a dive, check this place out. I pulled a 12 pack of Stella out of the cooler and brought it to the bar. The bartender/cashier looked me up and down, and said, "Nineteen," with a heavy accent. I guess that's the yuppie-in-a-polo-shirt price? I hope to up this review after drinking there sometime.

1st visit - dismissed b/c my company didn't look old enough. to be fair, in his id pic, he looked straight out of a sleeper cell. a regular at the bar reading a newspaper agreed he should be booted, reminding the bartender of his experience w/ the cia. i love these people. 2nd visit - noon on a sunday while doing laundry across the street. 1 pbr, 1 stoli & soda - $4.50. yes, that's the total. 3rd visit - same order, $1 more. Olympics on the new flat screen. I love this dump, charge me more because I am drinking after dark. Every other visit... just lovely. There was the abba singalong lady, cash and carry, free shot from the bartender, a dirty glass or two, brighter lighting than the dinginess would typically dictate. Ola isn't ashamed.

Cold, cheap beer, and a barkeep who resembles Babe Ruth in drag.

The bartender Agnes challenged my masculinity because I don't drink alcohol.

I like these kind of neighborhood bars. We specifically enjoyed the jukebox and played quite a playlist, to the delight of the Polish brothers we met there. Ask the bartender to make you the drink with grass-flavored vodka and apple juice.

$7 pitchers of PBR the size of your head, get insulted by the barkeeps and regulars in a language of who knows what, choose a miserable, bizarre song on the juke. How the hell could you not love this place?

Can I give a negative rating? I have lived down the street from this place for the past four years. The only time I actually enjoy myself and the beer I order is when Angus is not there. She is a wretched person who is constantly drunk and picks fights with patrons. After my most recent encounter with her I will never step foot in this place again. Cheap beer yes, if you can but up with the bullshit. Plenty of places in this hood that have cheap beer. I'd rather go somewhere else.

Coming from California, we don't have 'slashies'. This place was a kick. Cheap beer. Crusty regulars and a rough, no nonsense bartender that reminded us of 'Red' from Orange is the New Black. Go for the experience.

Authentic, unpretentious. People were enjoying themselves. I was happy to write my post cards and drink Polish beers (Okocim and Zywiec), nicely priced. Very friendly.

Best bar ever. Aggie os the best bartender besides Gosha. Great ppl n cool times. Drinks are cheap and a very freindly plae.

Great neighborhood bar, they serve Polish beer!! Very inexpensive and good!

I always have a hilarious time at this place and the liquor-store-meets-bar ambiance still amuses me. Definitely my favorite of the dives I've ventured to.

Never had an opinion about Ola's before because the area is already full of great little neighborhood bars, but I recently stopped by for a quick drink & had a weird experience. The small crowd was really friendly, but the bartender was drunk & rude.

Absolutely one of the best dives I've been to. Agnes was around and we had some great Okocim. We were there for a while, we played some vintage polish disco songs, and then observed as Agnes and an old man got into a shouting match. Pure art. Dbags, beware.

The mood in there was chill, totally a dive, but in a nice way, with package things to go if you like. Staff nice, if I'd had time I might have stuck around for a pop. Next time though. I was there about 12AM, can't say how it is later though.

this place is cheap, authentic, vulgar and smokey. you won't hear lots of english. and infiltrating-stroller-pushing-yuppies with pure breed dogs won't set foot in here! i love it.

Cheap booze and great bartender Angus. Racial jokes and foul language welcome. Great dive bar.

When Agnes is working, this place is great and she is fun to drink with, unless she doesnt like you. Anna is a good bartender also but not as interactive with the crowd. When its a different bartender its usually dead. The prices for carry-out liquor are good for a bar. Also sells lotto tickets.