The Glunz Tavern

Oldest pub in Old town, must visit place. The atmosphere takes you back to 1888 Chicago. Pretzels and bratwursts, beer and gluhwein, artifacts the original owner brought from Germany.

I’ve been here many times now and really love the selection of cocktails and the atmosphere at the bar. I’ve spent five months in England earlier this year and this definitely has an authenitc pub feel. The customers are friendly! There isa game on and the staff takes care if you. The staff are wonderful and It’s a great place to stop for a nosh or watch a game. I’ve also met some friends there and it was a comfortable place to chat. I have to agree with some of the reviews on the menu, But the things I’ve ordered i’ve enjoyed I i hear they are working to improve the menu.

The staff was perhaps the friendliest in Chicago, from the host to the cook, who came out personally with a side of onions. The lemon drop shots were the best I've had, and the pretzel with beer cheese was fluffy and perfectly salty. The main dishes, on the other hand, were laughable. $16 for barely seasoned food (we got the burger and fish and chips.) The burger was wet - there's no other way to put it. I took a bite and the entire middle slipped out from between the buns. Such a disappointment after the great appetizer.

Nice bar with outdoor seating. The food was good but nothing to write home about. Ordered the brats and pretzel with a few beers. Our server was incredible which made the experience even better. Only reason I’m giving 3 stars is bc they had a really limited menu when we were there (I think they’re short staffed in the kitchen), but all in all would recommend giving it a try especially when the full menu is available.

Nice and old place right on the corner of Division and Wells street where OLD TOWN starts. Good collection of beers and wines. You can also find almost all the liquors here. This is an Austrian/German place. I really liked their food menu but unfortunately we did not order anything. Outdoor patio seating available.

I can only comment on the atmosphere, service, and drinks since we sat at the bar only. Atmosphere is very old world, reminds me of an oktoberfest tent. There was open space at the bar on a friday night. The bartender was very friendly and our drinks appeared immediately. Great liquor and beer selection. Excellent location right across from happy camper pizza.

Food was ok but made up by the half priced wine bottles on Tuesday. Simple tavern food but better beer and wine selection. Great place to drink and chill with friends

It was a limited menu when I was there but we had the potato pancakes, weiner schnitzel and deviled eggs. Everything was delicious! They had an excellent scotch and wine selection.

This place is a Chicago icon. The bar dates back to the 1880s. The old bar, the tin ceiling, and wood floors are original. The beer is cold, the food delicious. I had the bratwurst sandwich with potato pancakes. Absolutely great. This place is a must see. Chicago history at its finest.

Classic old bar that's one of Chicago's oldest to be exact. It looks like it to be sure about it. The Glunz Tavern is best for the atmosphere and history, and not as much for the actual menu. Has good drinks. Maybe skip the food because there's better and cheaper around here. Bar is old and looks like it's been around. It's actually been around since the 1800s if you can believe it. The drinks are the better options. Kind of overpriced at $8 for basic cocktails. That's the location though. Food isn't impressive. Limited vegetarian choices and one of these is the Pretzel. It's $12 and pretty basic. We wouldn't bother with the food again the next time. Kind of a laid back bar. This is pretty quiet it seems. For those who like old bars, come and check out the history. It's also next to House Of Glunz, a wine shop. Try something here and then get something from there.

Really cool old school atmosphere here! The manager and workers were so so nice to me and patient and kind. The wings were pretty decent too! Pretty sure it was homemade blue cheese with them

I do not usually give a bar, a pub, a tavern, a bad review. It's not hard to serve a beverage and a snack At noon time. Sadly not at Glunz. Walked in on Open House Chicago day. The bar wasn't overly crowded. Did the short tour and settled in for a drink. Bartender not very attentive, but I got his attention and placed my order. I ordered beer, a non alcoholic drink and a pretzel with mustard. Had to remind them twice For the pretzel. Noticed the table next to mine, complain about the fries not being cooked through. 2/3 way through my beer the pretzel finally arrived. Stale and awful. I could get a better pretzel from the frozen section at Jewell-Osco. The one waiter walking around looked like he'd rather be somewhere else but Glunz. I had to walk up to the bar to clear my tab. Not sure why I left a tip. Probably out of pity. $40 for a beer, a non alcoholic drink in a can and a stale pretzel. Won't be coming back anytime.

This tavern is historic, but don't eat. We went for lunch Sunday and were served food that should have made the restaurant embarrassed. The menu was not as posted online: a stripped down version which was disappointing but we thought we would still be fine. But the quality and value turned out to be uncomfortably bad. Top of the list was an $18 entree-priced schnitzel sandwich with lingonberry on brioche (sounds nice?)... which turned out a slider-sized chicken-puck looking portion on a 5-inch appetizer plate, no plating. Bun that looked like it came from jewel. No fries (the server had said yes, it did come with fries), which what appeared to be a packaged mayonnaise. Literally thought they sent the wrong item. Our server (who was kind throughout), even looked embarrassed when she sat down the sandwich "These used to be a lot bigger." The brat they sent was supposed to be "grilled" and was in fact, boiled to much and served on a dry hot dog bun. The cheese fries were served in a bowl with what looked like a pump cheese in the middle - would have been happy with these from a street food cart perhaps. Turns out the owner was in the house and she said she'd ask him to stop over. We watched him turn her down and send her back to us to say "food prices are expensive" and then he walked away and ignored us. I felt terrible for the server who was put in the middle. This was unreasonable. We know what we should pay in Chicago for good food and happy to do so. This was below the professional standard. We walked in positive and walked out negative. The historic pub and family story here is cool. Enjoying an Oktoberfest beer in this space, probably would have simply enjoyed. But the food experience was in the realm of embarrassing for an established restaurant.

The coziest spot! A few friends and I were in search of a spot on a rainy and gross Saturday afternoon. Everywhere else in Old Town was packed with people watching college football, so we ended up at the Glunz Tavern. It had the warmest atmosphere. We were able to sit right away and the servers were all so pleasant. They had a great beer selection with lots of German beers available. We ordered the chips and dip and they were delicious!!! I saw they had French onion soup that had great reviews, so I need to go back for that soon. Loved this spot!

The bar looks great, but do not order food. It tastes and looks frozen, like the packs you can buy at Whole Foods for the same price. The waiter even confirmed to us that some of the dishes came frozen. The menu looks like it was designed by someone who has given up on their establishment, which is a shame because this place seems to have so much potential. The sangria was good and the wine and liquor shop next door is excellent.

Enjoyed our meal and drinks. Place was pretty chill as well and the atmosphere with some of the old tavern signs was pretty cool.

Bartender messaged me directly that he worked till 3am the night before. So can blame sleep deprivation. So he's not an IDIOT as previously stated. Just poor service all around. I'd still never return

Came down to Old Town for cocktails and an early dinner after the Air and Water Show. Sat outside and Peter served us. I wasn't sure what beer to order... Peter inquired what types i enjoyed and suggested the Hazy IPA, it was exactly what I wanted! To eat, we started with the warm giant pretzel with cheese and mustard, (yum!!!) and the Ruben egg rolls! Peter suggested multiple brats, the cheese brat was our favorite... And the beet salad to start! We split the cheeseburger, schnitzel sandwich and onion rings. The food came out hot and delish. The experience was very welcoming, inviting and relaxing! We also enjoyed the people watching and the cute dogs that passed by! A must try!

I really like this old German place. The atmosphere, food (OMG food), beer... even the bathroom (girls understand). Service always was nice. I really recommend to give it a try.

I had brunch at Glunz Tavern and had a fabulous time. It's a great Old Town brunch option, they aren't just for drinks and late night eats. Though I did have some drinks with my brunch...it is a tavern after all! The Glunz Tavern is old school spot with a vintage look, surely fun to dine in. Don't even get me started on the adjoining liquor shop with incredibly cool & creepy private rooms you can rent out. They have so many dessert options, it's hard to pick a favorite but you can't go wrong with any of the options. Beer options aren't overly exciting but they do have a decent tap list including some reliable favorites like Steigl's Grapefruit Radler to cool off from the heat without being high potency. During brunch, I had the Bologna Sandwich which was an interesting twist on the classic sandwich. Bologna, salami, giardiniera relish, aged cheddar, horseradish-mustard, chopped lettuce on baguette with a generous helping of fries on the side. Solid sandwich and even better french fries! Service was impeccable from start to finish and fabulous eats. I would definitely hit up The Glunz Tavern for another meal!

It is what it is... This place has been here forever. It has been through the last famine, the depression, numerous stock market crashes. It has its originals floors and ceilings, can you say that? This place should be praised and not nit picked about the wait staff or some other trivial detail. The atmosphere is incredible, period. The place is iconic. The staff is attentive and knowledgeable (Armenian wine, come on, how can you not try that) and the food is solid. If you don't go here, you are truly missing a Chicago icon!

Atmosphere and drinks were great. Bartender with half blonde half black long hair was a total jerk. I never write negative reviews because I've worked in the restaurant industry and I know how hectic things can be, but this guy was a new level of jerk. Seemed like we were just an inconvenience to him the whole time. Would highly recommend if you don't get the guy who has half blonde hair half black hair as your bartender.

Seems like an ok place to have a drink, but the food is overpriced, even for the area. Quality wasn't great and service was kind but not considerate of the details. Would advise eating somewhere else on the street!

The 2 times i have been here, it was only to have a short casual meeting to have a drink with friends last min. This is a relaxed, local spot where you can guarantee there to be seating as it is rarely crowded. I never really "plan" to come here. The service is always pleasant and ambiance is German tavern. We tried an appetizer with 2 sausages which was okay.

Gluntz Tavern was packed right before Christmas and seems to be a popular spot for hosting events. It's a cozy place with only one server on the floor so getting drinks took a while, but I liked the German feel and intimate size. Spiced wine was flowing, and their version was a pleasant sweet wine. House of Gluntz next door was also hosting a wine tasting so it was nice to be able to walk over and check that out. I had already eaten, but wanted to try their French Onion Soup given the great reviews. When the server brought it out, there was a very pungent smell - I thought it came from the towel she had around the bowl since it reminded me of stinky wet laundry, but it still lingered afterwards. Smell aside, the soup was average. Later, my friends mentioned the smell thinking it was from a lady at the bar, and we had a good laugh over it - fairly certainly it was the cheese. Soup is a pass for me, but I'm open to returning for drinks or trying out other things on the menu.

We love having the Glunz Tavern in the neighborhood as it is totally unique to the area. The German food is outstanding, and I highly recommend the Schnitzel Sandwich. My wife has ordered the Salmon Burger several times and always loves that as well. In addition to their German beers on tap, they have a really nice wine list filled with ones you wouldn't typically find, as well as great cocktails. If you're a bourbon fan, I suggest ordering the Horse's Neck or the classic Old Fashioned.

Bad experience. Not a GermanAustrian place -- -- just greasy bar food. The older bartender woman is overwhelmed and mean. Don't go.

Super mixed drinks, particularly the Spicy Margarita Bartenders Naomi and Pete bring a lively and entertaining atmosphere. If you're in the neighborhood (or an Uber ride away) be sure to stop in!

Have been here 3 or 4 times and the food has been consistently underwhelming and overpriced Finally hit the last straw with a "medium done" burger that was cooked beyond well done and then turned into charcoal for good measure (not to mention missing a couple toppings) Waitress didn't come by to check on the food for a good 10-15 minutes at which point everyone else was done eating Please go anywhere else, and let's never ever pretend this is German food

Once again we had a great meal at a favorite corner of Chicago's Old Town. This is it at its best. Great drinks but you'd expect that at a restaurant next to one of the most remarkably stocked liquor stores in the nation. But unless you've tasted the curry deviled eggs you would know what you missed. And French Onion soup? Not to salty a broth, delicious onion taste and just the right amount of cheese and croutons. The veggie gnocchi was delicious. The same was true of the pretzel bread pudding. If this were a walk away, we'd be there every night.

A Chef friend and I stopped by to indulge their French Onion Soup. It was a few weeks ago,so they had to comply with City Ordinance, hence why we sat outside. They had the heaters outside,and provided blankets as well(SUPER KUDOS!). We indulged in the great beer selection and though, it only took 12 minutes for our soups,pretty darn quick! SO much flavour,croutons were SO crunchy ,and the cheese was perfect toasted. Jezzus-h. That was a perfect meal,on a perfect evening to impress my True Chef Friend. When I find a "not so known " place,I am adamant about it if I am impressed. So,YES....the French Onion Soup!

Sat at the bar and chatted with the bartender. Very good service, nice bartender, nice atmosphere. All around good experience. Would definitely go back.

Had chicken fritters and German sausages. Nothing special or extraordinary about the food. It's a spot for hanging out with friendly service, and the wine store next door has an amazing collection.

We were entertaining friends from out of town and chose the restaurant on the strength of its German-Alsatian selections. When we arrived, we discovered that the menu online in no way reflected the offerings that night---the menu had been pared back to essentially a handful of appetizers and a schnitzel sandwich. The manager explained that they only had two people working in the kitchen and we were offered a discount on our final bill, so to their credit they did what they could do under the circumstances to ameliorate the situation. However, the experience was a disappointment. I would suggest updating the web site to reflect the actual offerings for theevening and informing people who make reservations by phone that the menu will be truncated. I do plan to visit them again in the future when their staffing issue is resolved and will review anew, since they did make an effort.

Menu wasn't the same as online. Better food can be found at your local high school cafeteria. Drinks were fine, place is cozy, service was ok.

Great neighborhood bar and friendly staff! Highly recommend the latkes! Their bartender, Austin, is great! Only complaint, not the best place to watch a game!

It looks fabulous. Too bad they aren't open when they say they are. "Staffing issues" apparently preclude social media updating.

The atmosphere, service, and drink list here are impeccable. As soon as I walked in, I felt like I was transported to 19th century Germany. The history here is amazing. The founder's original passport is in the wall, along with the original menu showing items priced at ten cents. Also, the ceiling is as old as the building, which is over a century old. Since there wasn't a huge selection of food in the menu, I ended up ordering the chicken noodle soup (with homemade noodles). Not bad. As someone who prefers spicy food, though, I found myself dousing it in salt and pepper. The wine and beer selections, on the other hand, were extensive and could suit any palate. As far as service, it was excellent. My server, Donald, was prompt, courteous, and very knowledgeable about the history of the business. Other businesses take note!! This is how you should be serving your customers! This place gets a perfect score for fantastic service, an amazing atmosphere, and an excellent beer and wine selection. It gets a four star rating for limited menu choices, as well as some items coming up short on flavor. Overall, though, the feel of this place is fun, and would make for an amazingly fun time socializing with friends.

Came here with my husband and son, after an afternoon at Christkindlmarket. We know there's German food there, but it was crowded and we didn't want to stand and eat. My husband and I both had the Veal Bratwurst and Thuringer platter. Two sausages or you can mix and match, served with bratwurst and a small portion of home fried potatoes. We hot a side of potato pancakes to share. There's two small potato pancakes, but they're thick. Served with sour cream and apple sauce. I had a bottle of Schneider Weisse beer and my husband had Anchor porter with our meals. Great food/service and nice casual atmosphere.

We ate here tonight for the first time and loved it! A great neighborhood staple and enough variety on the menu you could have a new experience every time you go! We started with the soft pretzel and beer cheese sauce (YUM) and then my husband had the two bratwurst and I tried the french onion soup. Neither disappointed! It paired perfectly with the champagne cocktails and the APA draft beer. Dessert was creme brûlée and apple cobbler! We are definitely going to return to try the brunch and to make a regular date night hang out! By the end of the meal, we were stuffed and have plenty of food to take home to enjoy tomorrow.

Excellent Chimay draft (thinking about how icy cold and delicious it was makes me want one right now.) In terms of food, the "big plates" are a good size for 2 people to share. The schnitzel was delicious, but sadly did not leave me wanting more (also a bit over-priced at $24.) Beautiful and cozy outdoor seating. Single-user restrooms - clean and classy (always important)

Happy The Glunz Tavern has outdoor dining during quarantine! The staff was quick and heaters were available. I enjoyed the food but thought it was a bit pricey for what I got. I ordered a meatloaf sandwich and also tried the French onion soup.

As a disclaimer, I'm not the biggest fan of German food, but I found myself in the area on a weekday night and decided to try out Glunz. I really liked the atmosphere. It felt like an authentic German bar. The restaurant is small but cozy. The menu had some interesting options- traditional German food but also some French dishes and small plates. I ordered the corned beef gnocchi small plate and the french onion soup (claimed to be "best in Chicago"). The gnocchi had good flavor and I liked the corned beef but the texture of the dumplings was not right- they were basically falling apart and turning to mush. The soup was good but not memorable. I was also underwhelmed by the beer selections. Overall, not terribly impressed by the food but I liked the atmosphere so I will probably be back to try new things.

I ate here last night with my girlfriend and I mildly enjoyed myself but I'm in no rush to return. The beer selection was a bit underwhelming for a German restaurant. I was expecting a robust list of options, similar to Prost in Lincoln Park. I ultimately settled on a dark lager that was fine but not memorable. For my meal, I had the bratwurst and thuringer. The brat had a very unique texture, it was smooth, with no familiar crunch of casing I typically associate with brats. I enjoyed it but it took some getting used to. The thuringer tasted good but was mostly unremarkable. The meal was served with a side of potatoes that were perfectly cooked, crisp outside and soft inside, probably the highlight of the meal.

The worst service I've experienced in a restaurant. Came here for brunch, the food took more than 45 mins for corned beef and two eggs with toast to come out. The food was soggy and the corned beef had just fat in it. I returned the corned beef and ordered a Benedict. I was given an omelette that I did not order by mistake. The waitress took the omelette to another table which I'm pretty sure violates health standards. Left completely unsatisfied.

Glorious. Real, legitimate history and old-fashioned service: countless places try and fail to evoke this ideal but it cannot be faked. In look and feel, Glunz Tavern is a genuine early 20th-century throwback. It was originally founded in 1888 by a forebear of the proprietors who re-established it in 2012, and I can't imagine it being any better in 1888 than it is today. Although now I would happily sit here for hours enjoying beer and soaking in the atmosphere, the purpose of my original visit was to scratch a gustatory itch. Something intangible about the onset of serious autumn this year made me long for a big Bavarian pretzel. Then looking through the photos of a trip sparked a hard craving for German food in general. Finally, a piece in TimeOut previewing 2013 restaurant trends gave me a concrete target--Glunz Tavern. "[Its] menu includes a warm pretzel with Düsseldorf mustard; Thuringer sausages simmered in Bavarian-style sauerkraut with potatoes; and späetzle überbacken, a spaetzle gratin with Black Forest ham and Gruyere." SOLD! I ate all of those things, and ironically the pretzel was dry and disappointing. Everything else, however, was outstanding. I started with the beet salad, with mache greens, shallots, pistachios, goat cheese, and caraway and sherry vinaigrette--a practically perfect version of one of my favorite dishes. The späetzle überbacken is essentially German macaroni and cheese, but it obliterates all but the very best of its American cousins. Between ham, gruyere, and caramelized onions, this dish is almost impossibly rich and should be shared...or taken home to eat as leftovers to stretch out the pleasure over multiple meals. For the sausage dish, I requested one of each, the bratwurst and the smoked Thuringer; of these I far preferred the latter, but the best thing on the plate was the sauerkraut--far, far superior to the sour, stringy stuff from a can that gets thrown indiscriminately onto various sausages in this town. I am sorry that it took me until March to come in, because there are many more tantalizing items on the menu, as well as thoughtful and compelling daily specials. Besides a small but satisfying selection of imported draft beer, they offer a classic cocktail menu, and their bar staff is as adept at crafting these drinks as the kitchen staff is at the food dishes. From excellent food and drink to gracious, good-humored service to the unique history and atmosphere, I just love this place. Dare I say that Glunz Tavern is my new favorite bar/restaurant in Chicago? Yes, I dare.

Drinks = top notch! Our server took us both on a wonderful libation journey that included Sazerac, Horse's Neck, The Bronx Cocktail, and Champs Elysee. Oh - and then M ordered a bottle of wine. She drank half of it, recorked it, and brought it home. And I loved our server. He was perfectly charming, flirtatious, and gosh darn easy on the eyes. He was adept at choosing my drinks and helping me narrow my food options. He was initially very attentive but that TLC waned as the tavern became busier. The food was good. M absolutely loved loved LOVED it. I just thought it was okay. We got charcuterie, pretzel, deviled eggs, and gnocchi. I tried all of the charcuterie nibbles and then let M conquer it all. We decided that the pretzel was just a means of delivery for the scrumptious mustard dipping sauce. I liked the deviled eggs and M wasn't as much of a fan. I thought the gnocchi was good but too salty whereas M was completely blown away and said it was even better than what was served at the now closed Maison Brasserie. Our bill with tip came to about $175. We really liked the old school spirit of The Glunz Tavern. Besides the one flat screen television by the bar (and it was turned off the whole time) everything else about the place was old. Like, antique and not worn down or out dated. It's a family business and there were members of the Glunz family working that evening. Besides the girl who toppled her stool and fell on the floor the place was quiet. Not awkwardly quiet or anything like that. It was just good for conversation and being chill. We'll go again and definitely when we want to unwind.

Drunk waitress and overall poor customer service. The flatbread we ordered looked like a poor attempt of combining leftovers after a drunk night out. Confronted management... Management does not seem to care! Would stay away from that place.

I'm giving Glunz, the benefit of the doubt . . . .for while the night started very well- there were a few service hiccups along that way that put a small question mark in my mind. So time will tell . . . . The night started off so great! Karl, the bartender, was terrific, mixing our martinis with vigor and making sure that we were comfortable at the end of his bar. This place is lovely inside with stained glass windows, an old style wooden bar, high tops in the front windows and a small dining area in the back. Just the kind of place you would hope to find as a neighborhood place! When it came time to eat- we were seated at a great little table right in the front window allowing us to watch the activity as Old Town came alive on this warmish night. Not sure if our table wasn't "officially" in the server's section or if he thought others were taking care of us but getting any service once we moved to the table was a bit of a challenge. We finally flagged down Karl again and he brought us menus from behind the bar. At that point the server came over and took our orders. But that was the last we saw of him. And the drink orders given to Karl were wrong. What the heck? And when the manager (owner?) came over and asked us how things were- we mentioned the service challenge and suddenly Karl was back in place taking care of us from behind his bar. So I'm going to assume that Karl was our server for the remainder of this review- thus the 4 stars- for if it was for the other server- it would be less! I had the brick chicken which was quite good but my friend had the pork chop which was definitely the better of the two. Also- we had a chance to taste the deviled eggs as well as the cheese and chacuterie plate. While the eggs were good- the chacuterie was a bit on the slim side - definitely not anything to rave about. If you drive- street parking is pretty easy right on Wells or you can park in the new parking garage just north of the location which will run you about $14. All in all- I liked this spot to connect with friends and enjoy a drink. But if you go- be sure to sit at the bar for Karl will take excellent care of you!

Housed in one of the first brick buildings built in Chicago after the fire, the building is awash in original detail and/or historic artifacts. Built in 1883, from the original tin ceilings, wood floors, imported German stained glass windows and other fun stuff, the place has the authentic cham of yesteryear Chicago while being a comfortable, contemporary community treasure. Tuesday is half price wine night. Oh and BTW, the family owned House of Glunz Wine shop, also a treasure, is the oldest continually operating spirit house in the nation, so they have a great selection of interesting and reasonably priced wine (and beer). The food blew us away. Best described as a contemporary twist on classic German food as well as some hearty salad and fish options, everything, and I mean everything, was sensational. The food had a real authentic home style taste that only pride, talent and slow cooking can achieve. We had the roasted brussel sprouts, a beet, goat cheese, pistachio and caraway seed salad, sauteed red sauerkraut, and s salmon vegetable fish dish that were as home style delicious as it comes. The home made strudel was the final blew that brought the much sought gustatory orgasm we all desperately seek in our dining experiences. My final bit of advise, listen to Stephanie and order whatever she says. She's delightful and knows her stuff.

One of my favorite brunch places in Old Town. The staff is friendly, the food is great, and I love the old school vibe. The accompanying wine store is rated the best wine store in Chicago. My mommy likes it there. And my daddy likes the bourbon. Me? I like the scrambled eggs and milk.

Had brunch today and we ordered the fruit crepes with warm cinnamon apples and berries as well as fried bologna sandwich. Very filling on both accounts and delicious. Topped off with a Mimosa and Bloody Mary made for a relaxing Sunday treat. Cozy and friendly atmosphere.

I ordered a burger, medium rare and it took an hour and a half to come to me. I watched tables and patrons who came in after get their orders long before I did. When I got my burger it was rare, which I don't mind, but the bread was burned to black, so all I tasted was burnt bread. Unacceptable. The bartender was very nice about it and compensated me, but I went to Glunz because it made a list of best burgers off the redline and it absolutely did not deliver. When the bartender went back to ask about my order the cooks were laughing. Great floor service, but with the kitchen staff I would never, go back. Ever.

This is a German style tavern that is serving authentic German beers and a hand full of different bar food items. The bartender was very knowledgeable and even knew some German, and the other staff member was very friendly. The atmosphere was very relaxed, and it was a chill environment. The German beers were excellent, and to pair with our beers we ordered one of their soft pretzels. The pretzel was giant, but it was extremely dry and quite hard; thus, it was not worth the $9 that it cost. Also, if you want beer cheese that is another $5. That seems a bit excessive and that is why I knocked off a couple of stars.

I am the very last person to write a review like this but experience at this bar was truly something out of a "Punk'd" or "Bar Rescue" TV episode. We sat outside to enjoy the nice evening on their patio and the minute we sat down everything started going wrong. Our waitress appeared heavily intoxicated, bringing the wrong drink, stumbling about, slurring her words with squinty eyes, and then even brought the wrong food order with the excuse that "she thought it looked wrong" after we asked her to check. Not to mention, we had to ask for water and silverware. Another waiter working the patio seemed sick and coughed multiple times into his hands and the air beside our tables and people's heads. Other tables were experiencing the same equally poor service. One table sat down beside us and was not served for 20 minutes, having to flag down a waiter. Another table just got up and left after waters. There was even a loud, dramatic dispute happening at a nearby table where two angry gentleman were shouting inappropriate, verbal threats at each other. Staff did not acknowledge nor make effort to contain the matter in respect of other patrons. Once our check came, we went inside and complained to the manager, who offered nothing but airy excuses to all behavior and did not make any effort to accommodate us for our poor experience. As I was leaving, I was stopped by a man at the bar who was midst writing a negative review, as well, and could tell I was upset. We should have left but we hoped it would get better - and honestly we were so hungry we stayed. We will never make that mistake again. It was NOT worth the price we paid (not even the food was worth it.) As a bar/restaurant... your reputation depends heavily on your staff, customer service experience, and food quality.... tonight's experience was appallingly unacceptable. We will absolutely not be returning.

Great little German tavern with a spectacular Octoberfest menu so I suggest you hurry in here to enjoy before October passes you by. I'm so glad I took advantage of the outside seating area last week before the weather here in Chicago cooled off. Last week I sat outside and tried a rich chicken liver pate, bratwurst with fries and apple strudel decorated with a chocolate rose on the plate! My waiter was very knowledgeable and training a new young waitress while he waited on me and others seated both inside and outside. Dogs are definitely allowed outside and so a couple brought their dogs along with. I returned this past Saturday and tried the fully loaded spaetzle which is a trio of three different spaetzle options with various toppings like cheese and bacon. The potato pancakes I ordered had a great crispy texture but very bland tasting. I asked why they were unsalted and my waitress told me it's for people who have high blood pressure but honestly a pinch of salt, black pepper and a bit of minced garlic and rosemary would have saved this dish from blandness. The Glunz Tavern has a nice laid back vibe in the early evening and I just came here to eat rather than drink but next time I'll have a sugary beer called a Framboise lambic since I haven't had one in eons. This tavern has a full selection of tavern appetizers, desserts, wine, beer, charcuterie and German dishes so it's a wonderful place for a low key bite to eat here in Old Town.

The food is overpriced and not great. The food also takes a long time to come out and the staff isn't very attentive. Would not recommend unless you're just coming to grab a beer.