Orbit Room

Bar · Avondale

Orbit Room

Bar · Avondale

1

2959 N California Ave, Chicago, IL 60618

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Orbit Room by null
Orbit Room by null
Orbit Room by null
Orbit Room by null
Orbit Room by null
Orbit Room by null
Orbit Room by null
Orbit Room by null
Orbit Room by null
Orbit Room by null
Orbit Room by null
Orbit Room by null
Orbit Room by null
Orbit Room by null
Orbit Room by null
Orbit Room by null
Orbit Room by null
Orbit Room by null
Orbit Room by null
Orbit Room by null

Highlights

This dark yet cozy bar offers a laid-back vibe, classic cocktails, and a lovely patio, though it seems to have undergone some menu changes recently.  

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2959 N California Ave, Chicago, IL 60618 Get directions

ludlow-liquors.com

$

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2959 N California Ave, Chicago, IL 60618 Get directions

+1 773 754 7492
ludlow-liquors.com

$

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Last updated

Mar 5, 2025

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"The Orbit Room in Avondale has been slumbering since New Year’s Eve when the ownership team of Wade McElroy and Jeff Donahue closed the decade-old bar/restaurant." - Ashok Selvam

A New York-Inspired Cocktail Bar Will Replace Avondale’s Orbit Room - Eater Chicago
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T B

Google
This place wasn't even bad: good atmosphere, decent drinks, etc. but I will never come here again. You guys literally chased away 3 customers. We got ran down almost a block by our bartender for a DOLLAR. We put down what we thought was the right amount of money for our last drink but apparently we were a dollar short. We leave and after a couple minutes we hear a distant "HEY!" and dude is running across the street after us. He gets to us and says "I'm not trying to be petty, but..." YOU CHASED US FOR A DOLLAR! THAT IS PETTY! We gave him his dollar and even tried to tip him for our mistake but he just walked off annoyed. Suffice it to say I will never go here again. Maybe don't do shots with your patrons if you're worried about money!

Christopher James

Google
The first time I went it was great. Good food, good portions, good selection, fair prices. Not anymore. I went back recently with a friend after talking the place up all evening. To my horror, everything had changed. Tiny, boring, overpriced menu, uninspired watery cocktails, a couple terrible beers, bland food, and portions so insultingly small I asked for a manager. I guess it's run by different people now, which is a shame. I left hungry, sober, and disappointed after spending $30. What a rip-off.

Denitsa Kosharova

Google
Good place - the beer list is somewhat limited for someone who doesn't have a taste for strong local brews, but the cocktails are pretty good. The tiki bar is adorable and great for the summer and the food is surprisingly impressive for what looks on the outside as a dive bar. Try the Jack Mac and Cheese - I like it "plain" which means it comes with bacon and red peppers, but you can add pulled pork, blackened chicken or sausage if you are craving more meat.

mig rod

Google
one of a dying breed of original neighborhood bars with a diverse and unpretentious crowd. the beer list is tiny by chicago standards and the drinks are just okay. the food is always good, not excellent, but more importantly, never bad. the atmosphere is unique. it's dark and modern, yet comfortable and cozy. the patio is a well kept secret. there's not one thing to crave, but the entire atmosphere, intimacy and friendliness of this place a common go-to.

Tom Schumacher

Google
One of the best and friendliest bars in Chicago. You can be yourself at this place. Great music and food. Beer selection is limited but it should have something for every palate except for Belgian styles. The outdoor area is easily in the top 10 of the city.

R Colon

Google
I agree with Kara,who just left a note...I was there with my wife & 2 friends. We bragged about how the service and food were great. To our disappointment, the menu is now downsized,the food is totally different in taste, not the way it was before,only to find out from the waiter that the restaurant now has a new owner. That explains that. I too used to enjoy this place for over 6 years but now it am sad to say it has all changed. Too expensive and not the same flavor. the owner has to go back to the original flavors and prep of the food. I can understand reducing the menu but stick to what we knew was good there. I don't see the place lasting any longer now that it has a new owner. Changes here are sad. My wife and her friend had the last old meal there,which was the angus beef burger and fries and they loved it. Not the new one which is not angus beef and just 2 cheap patties.....Disappointed.

Erica Smith

Google
My husband and I went on a Saturday night a few weeks ago and loved the food and patio atmosphere. We were looking forward to taking our kids back because the patio is big and the food seemed kid-friendly but when we walked in, we were told to leave because they have a firm "no kids" policy. That's pretty rare in Chicago and I can understand it at night, but during the day when you have a big patio open?

Alex Walentin

Google
love this place, been swinging in almost every time I'm in the neighborhood. But last night I learned there were some ownership and menu changes, and upon getting my food, I was super bummed out. I usually get the nachos because they were some of my favorite bar grub in the city, and last nights were gas-station chic at best. My friends food didn't look all that appetizing, either. Drinks and everything else were great, but I feel the new management is trying to cut corners/costs in the kitchen and the quality suffered. Next time I'll stick to the margs.