Carol’s Pub has been an Uptown local’s favorite for over four decades. Regulars, including myself, have cherished Friday nights for a particularly special band known as Diamondback. The lead singer, who kind of reminds me of a Chicago-style blend of Loretta Lynn & Reba McEntire, is somewhat royalty in the eye’s of Carol’s goers. She and her accomplices have taken song requests for years, so long as you stuck it to the official request pole wrapped in duct tape in front of the stage. It recently closed in 2016 for some necessary structural work and reopened under new owners who have maintained the spirit of Carol’s. They are committed to ensuring that dancing, live music and shenanigans fill the bar and dance floor to the wee hours–Carol’s Pub is one of Chicago’s few 4 a.m. bars (most nearby bars stop serving at 2 a.m.).
Diamondback is still on the schedule every other weekend, and a variety of other bands and musicians are scheduled Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights, even Sunday night/early Monday morning. They range from Country to Bluegrass, Alt-Country and Folk, even some Blues and Gospel. I’ve been frequenting Carol's for almost ten years, and for many like me, it holds a dear place in the heart as a classic dive that’s primary focus is allowing locals to let loose.
The best way to get there via transit is the #22 Clark bus. It’s about a 10-minute walk west from the Wilson Red Line station. Best boot-scootin’ in Chicago!
Find your way with 116 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
Founded in 1948, "Superdawg" is THE quintessential Chicago hot dog place - they'll bring your order right to your car, like they did in the '50s!
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The lentils are filling and creamy; the veggies are lightly cooked and nourishing; the injera bread is the perfect balance of slightly tangy and spongey.
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OMI has many good menu options, but their Japanese dessert toast is their all-star. Think of it as a fluffy French toast served with vanilla ice cream.
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Choose from multigrain sourdough, their house sourdough and miso rye sourdough; pastry choices include croissants, morning buns, and fruit danishes.
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Momos are bite-sized dumplings from Nepal and Tibet, usually filled with meat that is seasoned with spices like turmeric, garlic, cumin, and chili peppers.
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Their bread that has the perfect ratio of chewy on the inside and crispy on the outside. The 1979 multigrain sourdough is some of the best bread I've had!
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They are arguably most known for their "Kurdish breakfast" an elaborate spread of cheese, jams, fried cheese, olives, fries, cucumbers, tomatoes and bread.
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The tent is run by Adan, who mans the booth entirely alone. His ingredients are kept fresh in coolers which are grilled on the spot in front of customers.
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There are many pastry options like croissants, an assortment of macaron flavors, fruit danishes, quiches... My favorites are the fruit-stuffed beignets!
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While most croissants are buttery and flakey, the ones at Hendrickx are denser and chewier. In my opinion, this makes them even better.
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BULSHO serves a traditional Somalian breakfast that is comprised of seasoned meat or veggie stew served with anjero - a fermented flatbread.
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Start with a freshly steeped cup of sweet mint tea, a staple of any Senegalese meal. Then order fataya, triangular fried pastries with a savory filling.
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