Stanley's

Bar & grill · Back of the Yards

Stanley's

Bar & grill · Back of the Yards

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4258 S Ashland Ave, Chicago, IL 60609

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Highlights

Old-school tavern serving homemade blue plate specials & cold beer  

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4258 S Ashland Ave, Chicago, IL 60609 Get directions

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$10–20

Information

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4258 S Ashland Ave, Chicago, IL 60609 Get directions

+1 773 927 0033
facebook.com
StanleysAshland

$10–20

Features

wifi
payment cash only
reservations

Last updated

Aug 8, 2025

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Where to Eat and Drink in Chicago’s Back of the Yards Neighborhood | Eater Chicago

"The stretch of 43rd Street immediately south of the stockyard was once known as Whiskey Row because it was lined with taverns where workers would stop on their way home to drink away their sorrows after a day on the killing floor. Stanley’s, which opened in 1935, is the last of those. Longtime owner Wanda Kurek, daughter of the original Stanley, died in 2019, but Stanley’s continues to serve lunch on weekdays." - Aimee Levitt

https://chicago.eater.com/maps/best-restaurants-back-of-the-yards-chicago
View Postcard for Stanley's

Reginald Garrett

Google
I attended the opening today with a group of friends. We were greeted by former Chicago Bear, Israel Idonije, who is also one of the partners of the establishment. The food was delicious, and the wings were a hit! The service was excellent. We look forward to making this one of our spots, whether before or after a game or just for happy hour with friends. I highly recommend this place.

Abuelita Maco

Google
Yes, it's a bar, but they also serve decent food (at a reasonable price), which is why I go there. The menu changes, so call ahead. Some days, they have meatloaf, breaded pork chops, turkey dinner, roast pork, burgers, steak sandwiches, etc. Basically, American Diner food in a casual relaxed atmosphere. The specials come with mashed potatoes n gravy, a vegetable, and sometimes apple sauce. I wasn't crazy about the turkey, but the meatloaf is good with a baked ketchup top, a great homemade flavor (and it's a large portion). The breaded pork chops are my favorite, crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. I wish they served them on more days. The steak sandwich is great on some days, but sometimes the steak is kinda chewy. But for the price it's all great! Tip your server generously. She takes care of the bar and the tables, so be patient. The bathrooms are kept very clean and this place is CASH ONLY. Lunch is the best, they open at 11 am and there is a lot around back.

Roxanne

Google
I rated this tavern a 5 because it is awesome. Wanda was the best. A Chicago Icon. It was so terribly sad of her passing 💔 but we all know someone has a new guardian angel 😇. I'm happy to see that Stanley's is going great with the love of the neighborhood and the family and friends of Stanley's. The food is delicious and the staff is awesome especially the one they call Darla the darling. She's as tough as nails but as sweet as she is nice. I love her dearly my very good friend of mine and my husband and we are very happy she is in our neighborhood 😊. Good luck Darla💋

John Shostack

Google
The last tavern left on Whiskey Row, where a dozen or more bars (all on the same block) quenched the thirst and hunger of Stockyards workers starting in 1924. Park and enter in the rear, join the locals, and experience a little bit of old Chicago!

Justin Waugh

Google
This place has the best homemade meals ever seriously I've never had a bar cook food that makes you feel like you're at home

M Timmy

Google
Wanda. & Bruce the bartender. She is the 93 (?) yo owner, a great conversationalist & beautiful soul who will ply u with as many chips and snacks as she can. He is the best bartender in the city. He will make you a hot toddy if you're sick, a light refreshing drink in the summer or a round of shots for the crowd. Must visit!

Leo Kennedy

Google
Really cool place, friendly people and delicious homemade food that was generously portioned at an inexpensive price.

Paul Mulchrone

Google
The best bar in the city. Run by 93 year old Wanda. Best bartender in Chicago, Bruce. A true master of his craft. Absolute professional.
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Grant A.

Yelp
Bar is one of the remaining bars from the days of the Stockyards. Got on just after they opened. Had the TV on wgn. Was trying to get in through a door they didn't use for admittance. Eventually found the right door. Ordered a Hamm's on draft. The other patrons there seemed to enjoy the lunch. I'm not the biggest fan of meatloaf though so just went with the beer. Neat being in a bar with so much history.
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Chris M.

Yelp
If you're looking for old school/blue plate special type of food, this is the place. They've been around since the old stock yard days and continue to serve the same style food at reasonable prices. Lunch is from 11:00-2:00, they're closed on Saturday and Sunday. The server/waitress Dar is awesome. Today I had beef vegetable soup, Salisbury steak, mashed potatoes and corn. Check them out!
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J P P.

Yelp
A time-warp bar when packs of 'Cigs', slabs of Red Meat, Mashed Potatoes and overflowing shots of Whiskey was Lunchtime Bliss! Long gone are the days of high-noon indulgence, but a pit-stop at 43rd and Ashland just might punch your meal ticket. Stanley's has been around awhile and knows a thing or two about a 'liquid lunch' or the daily 'Blue Plate Special'.
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Michael H.

Yelp
This is the last of dying breed.. a Back of the Yards Corner Bar founded in the 1930's.. I can't imagine what it was like when the yards were in operation! Walking in you'll see a pretty standard set up.. large bar, some tables, kitchen in back. And by kitchen I mean it looks your Grandma's kitchen back there, that's for sure. They do "Daily Specials" as well as a small menu and food is very good! Beer is cold and cheap and the locals are quick to spark up a conversation.. must see joint! PS- Great Windows
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David S.

Yelp
ICE COLD HAMMS on tap for $2.00. And a very nice spread put out by Wanda on Friday. I love this place!!
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Adam C.

Yelp
Great old bar in the heart of Chicago, Bruce the bartender with his handle bar mustache is a worth the visit. Wanda (93) the owner is a treasure. Make the trip but don't come late, Wanda may lock the doors at 8 pm
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Sidney U.

Yelp
Built to serve the hordes of the Chicago Stockyard, Stanleys has been here since 1924. It has been a staple in an area that has gone through a 180 degree change in the last 93 years and that includes Wanda, the epic woman at the end of the bar doing the books and running the joint for lord knows how long. Walking into the place, it gives you the feel of how the neighborhood used to be...a time when men would come in from the stockyard during there lunch break to talk to one another and share a meal and a shot or two. The woodwork is beautiful and breath taking, reminding you of a time when men worked with there hands and created pieces of art that would stand the test of time. Our bartender, Bruce brought the experience full circle. He shared his knowledge of how things used to be but in an elder type of way like your uncle would and you end up being drunk in the process. His service was second to none and made me enjoy Stanley's that much more. Stanley's... here is a salute to old Chicago. A Chicago that will be forgotten if not experienced the way I experienced today...Cheers
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Region R.

Yelp
Great old tavern, stuck in time, and my fav place to go for lunch. Cheap sandwiches, a daily special, and strong drinks. I wish I had been able to meet the proprietor Wanda before she passed on (95 years old!) but I'm glad I discovered this place regardless and that her family plans to keep it open. Entrance is on the side of the building, btw.
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Jim O.

Yelp
Stanley's is a pretty solid lunch spot. I don't think you can get as much food for as little pay anywhere else around except maybe a VFW. The bar has a really classic look too which sets the mood nicely. Make sure to stop by on Wednesdays for the polish plate.
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Alexander C.

Yelp
One of my favorite bars! Support one of the oldest bars in Chicago and have a great time. The food here is really really good and the atmosphere is perfect. Nothing fancy, nothing new, just a honest neighborhood bar that stands the test of time. Cheap drinks and good people. This isnt a "dive" its just a great bar. I cant praise this place enough. I hope i will still be coming here for years to come. Stanleys your the BEST!
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TheWindyCity P.

Yelp
Love old school places with genuine hearted family running their business. Best $7 lunch as if my Busia cooked it for me! So friendly and warm are the folks here. They serve one item daily. Call for the special. Sometimes chicken, or a breaded veal cutlet, or a Polish plate. Drafts are $1.50, bottles $2.75

William B.

Yelp
Stanley's is an old school tavern with great food and service. Fun atmosphere and the food and drinks are reasonably priced.
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Jack K.

Yelp
What a great little gem. Had lunch with some friends last Thursday. First time for all of us but we were treated like regulars. The daily special was ham, potato salad, sweet potato wedge and a pickle slice. It was delicious but not a big portion. But for $7 and $1.50 beers you can order two. The owner Wanda made the rounds to all the tables. She said she started working at Stanley's in 1942 and at 94 years of age, she's still going strong. Located on the Northwest corner of 43rd and Ashland in an industrial/commercial area. Place opened in 1932. Not many of these bars left in Chicago.

Maureen B.

Yelp
Celebrated Lunch on St Pattys day @ STANLEY'S and Wanda the Polish 92 y/o owner /prepared an outstanding melt in your mouth corn beef dinner. Bruce Bartender and ex owner of Puffers Bar Is full of knowledge and makes s great Bloody Mary Both take time out of the duties to meet and greet new and old customers. It's a hideout kind of place Only open M thru Fri. Till 7ish !! The bar has an old timers atmosphere and is very clean !!! Snacks are alway placed on the bar and tables for customers !! Anyone that visits is sure to return. Just meeting Wanda and Bruce is worth the visit!!! Someone you should know

Edward B.

Yelp
One of the last remnants of the old Back of the Yards. Wanda is a fantastic barkeep with a great personality. Didn't eat here but heard the lunches are fantastic from several patrons. Drinks were very reasonable. Love supporting places like this.
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Audrey T.

Yelp
Wanda is the coolest bar owner in the city of Chicago.

Caroline M.

Yelp
I'm a beer geek and this is a favorite spot of mine. It's laid back, has a great rotating selection, with a bottle shop up front. I love the format, which is a hard find in Chi.