The Gman Tavern

Excellent bar with incredibly friendly service

Love Gman tavern! This is my favorite place to stop at before a Cubs game and when I’m in the neighborhood, the staff is always friendly and they are always playing the best music. I always have and will look forward to returning.

I’ve always loved the Gman. It has a great atmosphere, nice staff, good prices, and it’s conveniently located next to Metro. I recently rented out the backroom (for what I thought was a great/fair price for 3hrs) for a birthday party. We showed a movie, brought in catering, and had our own dedicated bar tender. The staff was so kind and accommodating! An amazing experience top to bottom and all of our guests had a great time too. It really solidified The Gman as an all time favorite bar for me. If you are considering holding an event here, do it!

Unknown Pleasures, a Joy Division tribute band played. House was packed. No valet, felt like no a/c. The musicians rocked the house and we danced into a frenzy! Owner of club and Metro feels like I've known ya for years.

Great Staff and Live Music! Gman Tavern is your friendly watering hole over the left field wall. We feature live music and an assortment of events alongside a carefully-selected rotating draft list and vinyl collection. Stop on by, grab a cold one, and relax with your pals (and maybe some Jeopardy!)

Tavern next to the Metro music venue with it's own stage. No food- adults only. Good happy hour. No parking during Cubs game.

Fantastic bar, I typically go there to do a bit of idling (and pre-partying) before I go to Smartbar nearby, excellent beer selection, same with the liquor selection, the atmosphere is lovely and the backroom has lovely events (like just now with this DJ set). Would recommend coming here if you're like me, waiting for either Metro or Smartbar to open up (especially as it's getting colder outside!).

Been here a few times, one to catch a show in the back and rest to catch a drink. Environments good and bartenders have been friendly/attentive.

Great little dive bar next to Wrigley field. I enjoyed a quiet start to the late morning here and had a friendly conversation with the bar tender and other wait staff. Prices for beers were reasonable and I would definitely stop here again before a Cubs game. Seems much better than the other bigger bro bars in the neighborhood.

This is one of my favorite dive bars in Chicago. Super busy on concert nights but usually a chill cool vibe. Sometimes have shows in the back room. You are always ID'd so bring ID. Cheap beer, dark room, cute merch. Good industry bar for people in the area.

Our bartender at Lucky's recommend this spot. We stopped in before a show at the Metro next door - it was fun watching people lining up for the concert...several hours early. We opted to hang out inside this cozy bar vs out in the cold in line. We only had a couple drinks here, but our experience with the bartender and other patrons was good. They don't seem to serve any food but have a decent tap list as well as several canned options. I liked that they have non-alcoholic options like CBD water and Thirst Mutilator. Seems like a really cool, old neighborhood bar with fun events and live music. I'd come back in the future if in this area again.

Well I'll start by saying we brought our own food as we had a party here!! Well technically OUR friends had a party here but we helped with it ;) But the staff y'all!!!! SO kind. Totally took care of everyone and we are a thirsty bunch!! They tolerates us WAY longer than I think we were supposed to be there for. It's party people in a party place. A really nice bar very Chicago at its heart as it's attached to everyone's favorite Venue The Metro. I just honestly cannot say enough about how great the staff was. We had a great time and very small bar tab for what I got! Thanks y'all!

This place is just across the street from Wrigley Field. This is a fun place to wind down and have a few Old Styles and talk about the game. The service here is super quick and super reliable. While it does get crowded after the game, it didn't take too long for a seat to free up so that I could sit down and appreciate the drink. The strangers in the bar are quite friendly and open to wild conversations. They're also a bunch of pranksters too (lol). One local suggested I try a shot called "Malort." It was described like it was Jäegermeister or Uzo which I had many times before over my life. When I shot it down into my system, it didn't seem that bad but was slightly bitter. Then there was this disgusting aftertaste that reminded me of an orange peel/turpentine smoothie. Ewwwwwww!!! Nearly vomited but all of Chicago laughed at my silly tourist ass for taking on that $4 recommendation. All in all, great times here.

The bartender was so kind and made me a drink I had been really wanting to try even though it's uncommon and not on their menu. The only downside of this place is Teddy (pictured) played a gig here a few years ago and no one showed up to watch. That's not the bar's fault, but it's something to note.

*** first time I've ever had my temperature taken at a bar *** The Gingerman Tavern, aka Gman, is a short walk from Wrigley Field. It's a divey place, but I liked it. On Easter Sunday 2021, my masked up brother and I walked in and headed for the bar in the back, but then we got caught up by an employee stating that we needed to get our temperature taken and a glob of hand sanitizer. Lol. Uh, okay. This bar needs my temperature and phone number for their log, but places like LAX, Chicago Midway airport, my hotel, and ALL of the restaurants we went to did not require any of this. Just masks and half-assed social distancing. Makes me wonder... Drinks were affordable. The staff is nice. Good catch on the falling bottle of Tullamore Dew I ordered, bartender. That would have been a travesty. A round of applause was warranted by us and nearby patrons. The brickwork was appealing. The back room has a little stage for live bands. Cash or plastic accepted. Overall, it's my kind of place.

The Gingerman is the Gman now! Everything in my previous review still applies- save for they got rid of the pool tables (from Color of Money movie) in the backroom- boo. But the times they are a-changin'. There's a small music stage in the triangular back room now, which actually looks like a nice hang. Gman still has: -IDs checked at the door -Hard working hot bartenders with cool tattoos -Best Jukebox in Wrigleyville, seriously! -Great beer selection at an affordable price -Relaxed atmosphere with no "airs" It's still my favorite place in the neighborhood to go before or after a show at the Metro, or a Cubs game. Gman, you're alright.

Great bar, great service. We had a blast. If you're looking for a cool place to hang out near wrigley, this is it

The folks that work here are truly wonderful. They create a welcoming, safe, and fun vibe regardless of whether there is one other person or fifty other people at the bar. I can't recommend Gman Tavern enough!

Nice spot near Wrigley that doesn't seem to be overflowing with rowdy college students. Spent about 5 hours here after a midday game got too hot to stay in the stadium. Friends and I spent the afternoon drinking good beer, watching the game, and having a great time. Bartender was very welcoming and the place had a great environment. $4 beers really can't be beat!

Wow, bartender cannot, in a less than half full bar, keep track of a tab. Was charged twice what we ordered and our inquiries were rapidly dismissed as we had "put down cash" ... not sure what the difference is if it was cash or a card, but clearly in this place the customer is wrong, wrong, wrong ... no place for discussion.

Gman is a great spot for craft beer before going to Wrigley. The description said divy, but it just seemed more no frills versus actual dive. They had a pretty solid draft beer and bottle list. Unfortunately, they were out of stock of a few things I wanted to try during my visit. The bartender was apologetic and was good with suggesting alternatives. The bathroom was clean but oddly cold. There's no table service but ordering from the bar wasn't too hard. I read it was cash only, but can confirm they take cards. Everything was pretty much market price for beer. The crowd seemed older and not just a group looking to pound back light beer. I bet this place would be cool on a non event day.

To be totally honest, I would never ever have thought to drink here before. I was attending a Sadhaus production of "happiness" (which was art-tastic btw) and all of us showgoers stopped here before we all trekked over to the venue. Decor was pretty legit, old-school Chicago, with original wood, vintage bar, and a "Cheers" style feel. Beer list was solid and the bartenders poured a Guinness correctly. Lots of spirits to choose from, cocktails were well served and service was efficient. Even though GMan is about a block or so away from the stadium, they still served drinks in actual glassware - that's always a plus for me. I would for sure come here again, but due to the close proximity to Wrigley, I won't be coming on game day/night.

Overall: A humble alternative to the clubby scene in the rest of Wrigley, come to G-Man for your borderline-dive desires. The good: One of the few bars in the area that has character, not to mention a more chill clientele than, say, Dueces. It's not quite a dive, but it's definitely teetering the line in a good way. When available, the pool hall is the place to be and there's a decent amount of space. The bartenders are friendly and the beer list is better than some of the other Clark St. options. They have some weekly local shows that go on too. The not-so-good: Uncomfortable chairs in the front space, and not a ton of them to go around. In the winter if it's not crowded it can get a bit cold, we had to throw our jackets on. The bathrooms are meh. Atmosphere: 8/10 Service: 8/10

This is my go-to pre/post Cubs game bar. Always friendly and attentive service and s great beer/liquor selection.

The Gingerman is the best bar in Chicago in my opinion. I used to hang there a lot in the 1980's and 90's and still is a great place, though I get there far less than I used to. Bartenders are laid back and very inclusive. You can be a complete newcomer on your own, and they treat you well and chat you up. Many bars in the area treat non-regulars like interlopers who are there to be tolerated. The Gingerman is a friendly place, to say the least. Way back in the day they had a backroom full of pool tables that were free on Sundays - I played countless games of Sunday afternoon pool there. The pool tables are gone now - too bad. I most recently visited while waiting for a Dead and Company show to start. We checked out one of the Wrigley hot spots bar (read frat house central) and paid $6 bucks for a beer. I suggested we hit the Gingerman and were very glad we did. Pints of PBR for a couple of bucks, and they had a clearance shelf of booze they were selling for a buck. My friend has a good eye for whiskey and spotted a very high-end bottle of Irish whiskey on the shelf. Needless to say, we had a couple of those. The bartender explained they were trying to work down the inventory and this almost empty bottle made it to the clearance shelf. If you are going to a Cubs game, this is the place to stop before and after the game. If you are going to The Metro, a few doors south, this is also the place to go. If you just want a beer in a cool bar and are in the area, this is the place to go to.

The bartenders were nice to my stupid drunk boyfriend, even when they didn't have to be. Thank you bartenders. Also great inexpensive drinks and lovely atmosphere.

This is a fun bar located next door to the Metro. When there's a concert going on, you'll find a concert-going crowd in here. And it sometimes can be overtaken by hipsters. But when it's relatively uncrowded, it's a great place to chill and have a good beer. The beer list is well above average. The bartenders are nice and friendly. So yeah, if you like good beer, come in here.

This joint is a classic dive near the lake. No frills, no complaints. Does BK still work here on Monday nights? I'm waxing nostalgic... Long Live Larry Arms!

I typically only go here before or after a Metro show or Cubs game, since this is basically the only cool bar in the dumpster that is Wrigleyville (yeah yeah, I'm a Cubs fan too). Last year I also started regularly attending their monthly music trivia nights in the newly renovated back bar. The staff is friendly and attentive, the service is fast and the prices are the best in the area. They'll occasionally have comedy or music shows in the back room, too, so make sure to keep an eye out of that's your thing. Note that they don't serve food, but there are plenty of places in the neighborhood to grab something and I'm pretty sure they are cool with you bringing it to the bar to eat.

If i had a list entitled "Best dive bars", this place would top it. We originally went in because we thought it may have been affiliated w/ The Gingerman in NYC. Wrong. We had a fantastic time, none the less. Katie was an awesome bartender. She was really nice and talkative (we were 2 of 5 people in there for about 2 hours). I love that they have a pile of phone chargers you can use if you have a low battery, we all partook. Good taps, better bottles (mmmm Angry Orchard). And yes, Virginia. They actually DO take credit cards. If ever were in Chicago again and near Wrigley, this place is a must visit.

This is a classic Chicago bar. I've gone here many times over the years, and always hit it up to meet friends before a Metro show or event (Bhangra!) at the Smart Bar. So yeah, geez, I've been going here on and off since 1985 (oh the fashion disasters the walls of this bar has seen on me over the years). The bartenders look all tattoo'd and gruff, but they are total pussycats. Great place to play pool too - my brother and SIL and I had a streak where we'd come here on Saturdays to play pool, and it was always really chill and friendly (even for sucky "girl pool" players like me and my SIL)

Classic, institutional type bar in heart of Chicago that's been playing live, emerging artists/bands for many years... love the character. Not flashy. Just good.

My favorite local bar. Some meaningful life moments happened for me while I was here. I'm moving out of the neighborhood and I will miss this vibe.

If your hanging out on Clark street before a game, concert at the Metro or your just in the area, the The Gingerman is the best bet for your buck. They always have the best drink specials on the block. They have a great beer selection on tap. They have a couple of pool tables but the sticks have been crappy for the past 10 years there. It's easy on the wallet with great pitcher prices. It's cool to see a real old school bar still making it on Clark street. Super cool staff that has me always coming back.

Rory is awesome. Everyone is treated like local family here. Highly recommend it. Excellent service and friendly staff! Ugly sweaters welcome! Open on Xmas day! Solid options on tap!

Monday March 23, 2015. A little busy before the show at the metro around 8pm. There were atleast 10 people trying to get a drink and almost everyone sitting at the bar had empty glasses. I am standing behind two lovely women sitting at the bar. They said something to the bartender to get his attention so they could get a drink since they were empty for 10 minutes. He says " Oh, you want a drink? Turn around, that's right, turn around!! You see all these mother*******s behind you?!! I am fucking busy here, jesus!" Then he storms off to the other side of the bar. Me and my friend left immediately. I wouldn't give my money to that douchebag. It's unfortunate since I have been coming here for 15 years and always liked the low key atmosphere, good beer, and pool. I'm not a regular by any means, but it seems that this bartender only cares about the regulars and isn't interested in moving faster than a snail and do what he gets paid to do, which is make drinks! It's not like he is working at the aviary, he's pouring beer. Not that hard, bro. I have never seen such a classless move by someone in the service industry and I've seen some real d bags. It's unfortunate that you would employ someone so bad. I get that you don't really care what people think and the Gman is supposed to be "cool". But don't forget who pays your bills, its the people that you are lucky to serve. Show at least a shred of respect.

When it's not overrun by hipsters, this place is the best!! Great bottle and draft beers; I love the feel of the front bar!! Pool tables are great (when it's not overrun by hipsters). Not a lot of spots in Chicago have Lone Star bottles, so this place kinda wins for me! Relatively inexpensive, too....when it's not overrun by hipsters. :-)

Leave the Bourgeois behind and come on over to the Gingerman. I pretty much despise all Wrigleyville bars fro the obvious reasons. I'm not an immature 22 year old white cubs fan. However I've been frequenting the Gingerman for a few years now and even though ownership changed and they gnarled up the sign so it now says the G-Man (federal agent much?) it's still the same good service, with the same affordable drinks in a low key environment. It gets a little nuts on game nights as idiots pour in from the overflow at other bars, but generally if you're looking for a good low key spot to have some drinks, chat and have a good time, this is the place. Very professional door men and bartenders.

I love this place! A great indie bar with a mostly chill indie crowd! Different in a good way from a lot of the bars in Wrigleyville!

Dear Gingerman, What in the fuck are you doing in Wrigleyville? You have an *amazing* jukebox that is set at an appropriate volume that allows for easy listening AND conversation. What in the fuck are you doing in Wrigleyville? You have some interesting craft beers on tap, at least one of which tastes like a glass full of cookies and hops at any given time. What in the fuck are you doing in Wrigleyville? You have a back room that manages to be secluded and quiet, and also full of pool tables that are not ripped or crappy in any way, shape, or form. What in the fuck are you doing in Wrigleyville? You do not appear to be full of the usual Wrigley douche-tards. What in the fuck are you doing in Wrigleyville? Your sign has a chick riding on a fucking panther with her boob hanging out. I love you Gingerman, I'm glad you're in Wrigleyville. I hope you stay forever as a quiet refuge from the general retardation of the area. xoxo Stacey

Don't ask me to explain how it works, since I've never been that good at science, but one of Chicago's most famous (and yet least known) landmarks is the invisible fence just north of Metro in Wrigleyville that keeps Brah Dogs out. They stumble drunkenly out of Wrigley Field or John Barleycorn or wherever, but find themselves mysteriously stopped cold near the Gingerman unable to go inside. I don't think it's a high pitched, annoying sound emitted that does the trick (like for other kinds of dog besides the Brah). Since, after all, this is a breed that finds Dave Matthews, Jimmy Buffett, and Steely Dan tolerable. However this thing works (maybe it produces mild electrical shocks when it senses Ed Hardy gear) though, I'm glad it does. The Gingerman is a low-key, low-cost pre-Metro (or even pre-Wrigley if you can get past the wall) stop, free of said Brah Dogs. And since Metro posts the set times on the door, one is even able to time a visit perfectly. I've found that I'm getting too old to stand for opening acts and the bar stools here are more comfortable, quieter, and have better music a lot of the time (to satisfy my 1980s and 1990s "modern rock" sensibilities). Plus, the beer here is cheap. Cheaper than anywhere else in Wrigleyville (including inside Metro). They have PBR on tap for $3. And they have a ton of craft beers that stick out in a neighborhood where Stella Artois is considered haute couture. But my favorite topper here is Crispin Cider. They have cider on tap. I mean, half the bars in Wrigley, a dude would get mauled by a Brah Dog (or at least insulted) for even drinking a cider. The one downside (and maybe the real reason there's no Brahs here) is that they don't show sports on their televisions. But, hey, there's about a dozen bars within a block that do that. And there are a dozen bars within a block for the Brah to use mommy and daddy's credit card. This cash only place is not one of them. I'm willing to put up with both inconveniences to avoid those on the other side of the invisible fence.

I came here for a friend's birthday. I hadn't been here in years, years before the smoking ban was in place, perhaps when I would imbibe on one or two. (No longer.. no longer). Friends and I would come here to saunter up to the pool tables, knock some balls, drink some beers and have a good time. Glad to see not much has changed. Yes, smokers are designated to the outdoors, but the staff is still smiling and friendly and pour a fine stout, the beer selection is still pretty darn good, the pool table area is still packed with the sober, semi sober and the wee wobblers. The setting is rustic wood and stone, nothing fancy, but really its all about enjoying a good time with friends. The crowd is a mix, but pretty friendly. A few tips, leave the attitude at the door, this place thankfully doesn't have one, nor should you. Bring cash, because that's all they take, no cards, perhaps bartering... but I haven't tried that, don't intend to. Lastly, grab me a double chocolate stout please? Thanks, I'll get your next round.

When I walk into a 'Tavern' and the first 3 songs played are by Interpol I pretty much KNOW I'm going to fork over the Full 5 Star Monty. It would've taken a brazen act of malevolence to take it down to even a four star after that point. Like maybe I order a beer and instead they hand me a dirty baby diaper and tell me to eat sh*t and die or something... and even then, it'd still only *maybe* drop to a 4. And that's a BIG maybe. Luckily, I never even had to consider dropping my changing mental rating (emphasis on the 'mental' - obvi) to a 4--- or what I was gonna do with my new dirty baby diaper gift basket. If you're seeing a show at The Metro you've obvi got the attached Smart Bar (very cool) as an option but if you're looking for something a little more chill, where you could possibly and very probably meet the band before or after the show, you're defo gonna want to stake out some real estate at the Gingerman. For me, there's no where else... at least in Godforsaken Wrigleyville. I mean, I'd totally be down for John Barleycorn or Cubby BEar but my Ed Hardy embroidered button-up is in the wash and I can just never manage to starch my collar enough to stay properly popped. C'est la Vie, eh? Anyway, the environment is chill as a mutha and the bartenders are cool as sh*t (in the good way- not the baby diaper way). IMO, defo some of the best around. Plus, they've got a great selection to offer up. Craft beer, anyone? Yeah, I thought so. See you there, Gingers.

A haiku: A great place to drink In Wrigleyville if you aren't A huge piece of shit

Somehow I knew I'd like the Gingerman before I'd even stepped in. I love gingerbread which admittedly has absolutely nothing to do with the bar's perceived coolness, but... it did look very cozy and inviting on a soggy night. Right off, the bartenders welcomed us in with their congenial manner. I made instant BFF status with the bar once I noticed their draft selection-- yes to Allagash, please! The jukebox-- love it. And there's pool tables too. I, however, was more than content to hang out on my bar stool, front and center to all of the bar's action. Once the show at the Metro let out, more people streamed in though it never felt TOO crowded. Just the way I like it. If you're lucky, the bartender will order in from Art of Pizza and being the oh-so-friendly girl that she is, she'll offer you a few slices! Get cash-fortified at a nearby ATM because they won't accept your plastic, kids.

I think it's gotten to the point in my reviews of my time in Chicago that they are a bit clouded (in a favorable way), mostly because of the company. I got to hang out with MORE fabulous Chicago yelpers for a lovely's birthday, after being escorted here by Rob. I'm also starting to think that I'm making Rob sound like a caveman who just drags me around by my hair to the best Chicago has to offer. His fantasy, not mine. As many of my SF friends know (actually, probably all of them since I have a weird addiction to it), I LOVE Hemlock Tavern. I don't know why, but I do. And it's not just the use of the word "Tavern" in their respective names that make me also develop a crush on this place, it is the non-ostentatious vibe that it eminates. The staff are friendly, the crowd seemed chill, the drinks were good-sized and affordable, and their beer selection impressed me. Like the Hemlock, I'm frustrated that it's a cash-only place, but what can I do? It works.

Only righteous people allowed!!! This bar really shouldn't be in Wrigleyville!! But when I absolutely have to be in this area I'm glad it's here. After a show at the Metro or dinner at Raw Bar this is the only place to go to. I think that the punks (young ones) and drunks (frat boys coming from a cubby game) are afraid to come in here and they should be.....with a killer jukebox, wrapped pool tables, funky people, cheap drinks, and down to earth bartenders..... they might turn into people I can actually stand to be around. Cash only!!! Some for drinks, some for pool (free on Sundays), some for the best jukebox in the whole city!! The big guy checking ids at the front with the beard and piercings..his name is Blue (not sure on spelling) say hi.

My first experience with Gingerman was for Beer Appreciation Society, and I fully appreciated the hell out of this place. So much so that I ended up staying and playing pool until way past my bedtime on a worknight. It was relatively easy to get to, parking wasn't too bad and they have a really good selection of beer on draught and in bottles for the right price. They also carry my beloved Sweet Tea Vodka. What else could a girl really ask for? Well, I found out last night that they are also dog-friendly given the right circumstances. They don't like pooches in there when it's super busy (weekends, game/concert days), but if your dog is well behaved and you call in advance then they just might let you bring them along. It was great for Mandi G and I because we were coming from a puppy playdate and looking for somewhere close, cheap and accommodating toward our companions. The pups chilled while we chatted and drank. Bartender Katie mixes a great Jeremiah Weed & Minute Maid Lemonade. Again, I stayed longer than I anticipated, which is typically a good sign that the bar is doing something right. I'm pretty sure it had a lot to do with the warm wood atmosphere and the sweet jukebox with Interpol, The Bravery and Social Distortion.

Super good jukebox, and they have Sweet Tea vodka. Ummm....what's not to love? ** **(it's in Wrigleyville, hence one star deduction)

Will definitely return for their amateur Monday nite comedy acts. Found a posting on Facebook for this event. Boyfriend and I had a wonderful time, nice place to go

It's true: when you walk out of Wrigley after a Cubs game, you are not 100% obligated to go somewhere that will make you feel out of place if you have not been slurring loudly and spilling beer all over yourself in the bleachers in lieu of watching said game. The Gingerman has a super laid back atmosphere, a ton of space, and is never crowded. It's pretty much the ideal post-game situation. There is a pool table in the back room and plenty of beers on tap. And they serve up a killer bloody mary! How can you ever go into a place like the Cubby Bear when The Gingerman is up the street?

In addition to the L&L, which is much farther south on Clark, this is my other Wrigleyville safe haven! And my favorite place to go after a show at the Metro. Cheap beer (it was like $7 for a pitcher of PBR, if I remember correctly and my friend once got a big can of Strongbow for around $4), there's always been a nice mix of people with typical Wrigleyville douches at a minimum, good juke box (I've only heard punk/new wave when I've been there) and the bartenders have always been real cool. So, if you feel any sort of disdain for Wrigleyville - but find yourself in the neighborhood - this is the bar for you!

You know a bar is awesome when you walk in and hear Rancid followed by The Smiths... I went here for the first time last night for the FBC, Fucking Bike Club, ride to Twisted Spoke. There was this sweet dog in the bar, Jasper, who kicked ass. They have lots of options on tap, including my fav PBR. Also there was this guy at the bar with his laptop stealing interwebs from one of the neighbors so they have wifi by default! This place was awesome and totally unlike the lame ass flip flop frat bars that line Clark near Wrigley. Check it out...

I used to make it a point to avoid Wrigleyhell at nearly all costs, save an outing to the Metro. The people, the bars, the traffic put me in a sour mood and make me think evil, evil thoughts. But I now make the trek down Clark just about every Saturday because I love the Ginger Man so very much. It's amazing to me that a bar of such charm exists in that area! It's only sometimes crowded, but never wall-to-wall packed, and the clientele tend to be a laid back, interesting sort. Drink prices are reasonable, and they've got PBR on draft! The juke box is just great, even if a bit loud at times (but the high-volume music is typically good stuff, so I don't mind the noise). The bartenders are mostly friendly and speedy, and remember familiar faces. My good friend and I visited the bar only a few times before our bartender was asking our names and making us shots. My coolest Ginger Man experience was during the aftermath of that recent August storm. After the hurricane-like rain and wind knocked out trees and power lines, Clark St. north of Addison looked like a ghost town. My friend and I had plans to stop in at the bar, but were disappointed to see Clark in darkness. But, low and behold, the Ginger Man was open! Candlelight, still-cold bottles of beer, and a saloon-type atmosphere. Now, that's my kind of bar. UPDATE! The staff added a few new discs to the already kick-ass juke box and now I'm pleased to say that The National's "Boxer" (one of my nearest and dearest albums) can be part of the musical rotation each and every night!

As I was walking into the bar on Tuesday night, it occurred to me that I have spent many a night in here. Of course, I usually can't remember much from those nights except for their juke box. It's probably one of the best juke boxes in any bar in the city. No Tom Jones or bratty pop here. PJ Harvey, MC5 and The Faces -- how can you not love a bar that plays music like this? Drink prices are standard for that area and the crowd is usually of the rock ilk, unless you are there when a Cubs game ends. Still, you will see more tattoos and body piercings in there than yuppies.

I always forget how much I love the Gingerman until someone says we should go there. Then I remember I haven't been there in months, and I'm always amazed and surprised all over again at the hospitality of the bartenders, the awesomeness of the jukebox and the relative cheapness of the beer. I tend to avoid this place like the plague during baseball season, for the obvious reasons; and sometimes the place fills up with some real stinkers depending on the type of show happening next door at the Metro. But on a random Tuesday when there's nothing else going on and you've got money to spend and time to kill - head over to the Gingerman. If you remember it's there.

I'm sooo fucking surprised I've never been thrown out of here. I've come close a few times, I'm sure. Look, I like this bar because it's the only decent thing in that god damn neighborhood that's not crawling with dickholes and yuppies. I like that they have free pool on Sundays and that the bartenders are fucking always on their game and easy on the eyes. I like drinking in a bar with a pinball machine and MC5 on the jukebox. I like girls with tattoos and bathroom art that really deserves to be published in the paper. Maybe not the Tribune, but for real in the Sun Times. I even met Stephen Malkmus there and asked him if I could take a bite of his hot dog. He said no. I will forever frequent this bar as often as I am in Wrigleyville.