The Green Door Tavern
Restaurant · River North ·
Historic tavern with vintage decor, pub fare, and speakeasy
Historic tavern with vintage decor, pub fare, and speakeasy
"Sure it’s not the hippest River North spot, but you’d be a fool not to grab a whiskey at one of Chicago’s oldest drinking establishments. The building itself dates from 1872, a year after the Great Chicago Fire fizzled cold (not the sports team kids). Its status as a beloved neighborhood watering hole dates from 1921. A speakeasy during prohibition, grabbing a cocktail today is a little less subversive of an activity – although a trip downstairs to The Drifter keeps the spirit of that tumultuous era alive and well (see our post on The Drifter). Timelessness beats trendiness any day of the week." - One Design Company
"Located just next door to Mr. Beef, the Green Door Tavern is visible in several shots, and Richie mentions its closing in Season 1 as evidence that the neighborhood is changing. But just like River North isn’t nearly as gritty as it’s portrayed in the show, the bar, dating back to 1921, is alive and well, continuing to serve an excellent selection of beer and whiskey along with classic pub grub. Be sure to visit the Drifter, the speakeasy hidden in the basement." - Ashok Selvam
"Grabbing drinks at The Drifter is a whole experience—assuming you’re able to find it. Spoiler alert: it’s in the basement of The Green Door Tavern, right next to the bathrooms and behind a shelf of tchotchkes. Beyond its secret entrance is an intimate space full of antiques, an old American flag that hangs above the bar, and short burlesque performances that’ll spice up your night more than the peppers at Mr. Beef next door. Throw in their rotating cocktail menu with fun drink names printed on individual tarot cards, and you have a whole night of mystique, intrigue, and maybe a table full of Kimmy Gibbler Gimlets. " - sam faye, adrian kane, john ringor, veda kilaru, nick allen
"Located underneath the century-old Green Door Tavern, The Drifter is a tiny dive-like speakeasy with Prohibition-era style, complete with burlesque performances on a small stage and an old American flag hanging above the bar. But expect a wait and a $7 cover before you enter using a door knob on a shelf full of tchotchkes. The drink menu adds to the mystique by changing every day, and cocktail names are printed on individual tarot cards. Is it kitschy? Yes. Does it make for an entertaining night with built-in conversation starters? Also yes." - veda kilaru, john ringor
"The show uses the restaurant’s exteriors, right next to Green Door Tavern." - Ashok Selvam