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
"Argyle Street" is Chicago's first shared street. The concept allows cafes to extend outside their doors and provide spaces for the summer night market...
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The food here is prepared by Moses Sake, chef and co-owner of Tesfa, who learned how to cook from his mother. He runs Tesfa with his brother, Samuel Sake.
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I recommend getting the traditional breakfast combo, a sampler with three dishes, that comes with complimentary warm, crispy bread!
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The star of the show is De Luna's "volcano" taco, made with spicy poblano pepper and melted cheese. It may be one of the best tacos I've eaten in my life!
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Here diners sit in the naturally lit patio while enjoying traditional homemade Costa Rican food: sweet plantains, grilled veggies, rice and beans.
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My favorite thing to order here is the vegetarian arepa, which is stuffed with black beans, a generous portion of avocado, and sweet plantains.
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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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