Side Street Saloon Chicago

Dive bar with pizza

Sophie from Chicago

"Side Street Saloon in Lakeview is the perfect no-frills dive bar with a cozy Italian vibe in back, great pizza, pool, and a quirky neighborhood charm."

I don't think there's a more quintessential dive bar than Side Street Saloon in Lakeview, Chicago. It's one space that juxtaposes two very common Chicago spots; there's a dive bar in the front and an Italian restaurant vibe in the back. Side Street Saloon, as its name implies, is a corner bar in a residential neighborhood. It's oblong and houses a pool table, jukebox, bar stools, and booths to chow down on cheese curds, affordable thin-crust pizza (that may be my favorite pizza ever), or "beer buddies" aka stuffed potato skins.

This bar has no frills but draws in all kinds of people looking to relax after work or on the weekend. It's a quirky space where you may find a pumpkin-flavored beer on the menu in July or a group of friends playing Connect Four at the table during the winter. At Side Street Saloon, you won't find "Instagramable" moments, but rather it's a great spot to unwind, put your phone away, and chat with locals or whoever you may be sitting with!

If you're here in the fall, consider stopping by to watch a Bears game and order their consistently succulent pizzas that easily wash down with a cold pint.

Bars

This week 25% off

with the code fall25

*on our yearly membership

Chicago Spotter Sophie

About me A proud Chicago native and past Fulbright scholar, I hold a BA in English and Spanish from the University of Iowa and an MFA in Creative Nonfiction Writing from Columbia College Chicago. It was during graduate school I really started exploring many of Chicago’s 77 neighborhoods. I occasionally teach English classes but am primarily a copywriter. I also host an open-mic reading series in Lincoln Park (and on Zoom), write essays, and travel in my free time. I'm on the pursuit for the best cup of brew and have been to over 150 different coffee shops in Chicago. ...

About this spot

1456 W George St

Beer:

USD

7733271127

Social

Nov 10, 2025

Our Chicago City Guide

Find your way with 115 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters

Discover hidden gems and all our locals’ favourites! Get full access to our Chicago guide.

Loved it? Join us!

Loved this Spot?Join your international community. Share your favs and become part of our international community!

Nice place right!? There’s so much more to discover:

Discover all other hidden gems in Chicago

Luft Balloons

Decorating Chicago with balloons

Luft Balloons in Chicago isn't just a balloon shop – it's a female-operated & owned business that makes balloon sculptures specifically for marches...

Shopping

Sophie

Amado

Nov 14, 2025

Little Madrid

A bit of Spain in Chicago

Little Madrid in Chicago feels so European, it's surprising — trust me, I've spent some time in Madrid myself. Great place for a date or coworker night.

Restaurants

Sophie

Amado

Nov 14, 2025

Rice'N Bread

Cozy Korean restaurant

Rice'N Bread in Chicago is a special spot for dinner or even pre-gaming a baseball game, a Korean restaurant that always makes my day. Try the bibimbap!

Restaurants

Sophie

Amado

Nov 13, 2025

Vegan Plate

Hearty Thai food

I'm not vegan but I do think that "Vegan Plate" in Lincoln Park is one of the best bang-for-your-buck restaurants in Chicago. Try the curry combo plate!

Restaurants

Sophie

Amado

Nov 13, 2025

Argyle Street

Chicago's only shared street

"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...

Art & culture

Restaurants

Shopping

Claire

Conway

Nov 13, 2025

KOVAL Distillery

Craft distillery

KOVAL Distillery doesn't only produce delicious craft spirits, they're also a city landmark — the first fully operational distillery in Chicago in years.

Bars

Sophie

Amado

Nov 12, 2025

Four Moon Tavern

Dive bar with panache

Four Moon Tavern in Chicago may seem simple on the outside, but this neighborhood bar has a lot to offer. Make sure to come here hungry!

Bars

Sophie

Amado

Nov 12, 2025

FLW Home & Studio

Architecture of the ages

Step into Frank Lloyd Wright’s first project in Oak Park — an inspiring tour through the birthplace of the Prairie Style, just off Chicago’s Green Line.

Art & culture

Sophie

Amado

Nov 11, 2025

Wormhole

Time-traveling coffee shop

Wormhole in Wicker Park, Chicago is my favorite coffee shop in the city. When you walk in, it feels like you have stepped back in time to the '80s...

Coffee & tea

Sophie

Amado

Nov 10, 2025

Will's Northwoods Inn

Wisconsin in Chicago

Will’s Northwoods Inn brings Wisconsin charm to Chicago with Packers pride, fried appetizers, quirky decor, and a moose-topped patio near Wrigley Field.

Bars

Sophie

Amado

Nov 10, 2025

Christkindlmarket Chicago

German Christmas market

I've been going to the Christkindlmarket Chicago for as long as I can remember. I definitely recommend visiting on a weekday!

Art & culture

Sophie

Amado

Nov 10, 2025

Tesfa Ethiopian

East African comfort food

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.

Restaurants