Carol's Pub Chicago – Country & Western dive

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!