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Name: Gale Street Inn
Address: 4914 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL, 60630
Telephone: (773) 725-1300
Price range: Under $11
Rating: 4.12

Gale Street Inn

4914 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL, 60630

(773) 725-1300
Store is closed

Gale Street Inn Menu

Starters

Crab Cakes

Smoked Chicken Wings

Vegetable Potato Skins

Bacon and Cheese Potato Skins

Bacon and Eggs

Spinach & Artichoke Dip

Fried Calamari and Peppers

Guacamole and Chips

Clams

Crab Cakes

Smoked Chicken Wings

Vegetable Potato Skins

Bacon and Cheese Potato Skins

Bacon and Eggs

Spinach & Artichoke Dip

Fried Calamari and Peppers

Guacamole and Chips

Clams
Soup

Spicy Chicken Tomatillo Soup

Spicy Chicken Tomatillo Soup
Salads

Prime Steak Caesar Salad

Chopped Chicken Cobb Salad

House Mixed Salad

Small House Mix Dinner Salad

Side of House Mixed Salad

Strawberry,Feta and Almond Salad

Heirloom Tomato Salad

Prime Steak Caesar Salad

Chopped Chicken Cobb Salad

House Mixed Salad

Small House Mix Dinner Salad

Side of House Mixed Salad

Strawberry,Feta and Almond Salad

Heirloom Tomato Salad
Chef's Summer Features

Saut?ed Lake Superior Whitefish

Surf and Turf

Half Chicken

Herb Crusted Cauliflower Steak

Shrimp and ClamWin Linguini

Saut?ed Lake Superior Whitefish

Surf and Turf

Half Chicken

Herb Crusted Cauliflower Steak

Shrimp and ClamWin Linguini
Nola

Javier's Jambalaya

Etouffee

Javier's Jambalaya

Etouffee
Ribs & Combos

Full Rack of Baby Back Ribs

1/2 Rack of Baby Back Ribs

1/2 Rack of Ribs and Fried Shrimp

1/2 Rack of Ribs and Jambalaya

1/2 Rack of Ribs and King Crab Legs

1/2 Rack of Ribs and Lobster

1/2 Rack of Ribs and Filet Mignon

Full Rack of Baby Back Ribs

1/2 Rack of Baby Back Ribs

1/2 Rack of Ribs and Alaskan King Crab Legs

1/2 Rack of Ribs and South African Lobster Tail

Full Rack of Baby Back Ribs

Full Rack of Baby Back Ribs

Full Rack of Baby Back Ribs

1/2 Rack of Baby Back Ribs

1/2 Rack of Ribs and Fried Shrimp

1/2 Rack of Ribs and Jambalaya

1/2 Rack of Ribs and King Crab Legs

1/2 Rack of Ribs and Lobster

1/2 Rack of Ribs and Filet Mignon

Full Rack of Baby Back Ribs

1/2 Rack of Baby Back Ribs

1/2 Rack of Ribs and Alaskan King Crab Legs

1/2 Rack of Ribs and South African Lobster Tail

Full Rack of Baby Back Ribs

Full Rack of Baby Back Ribs
Steak & Chops

Filet Mignon

New York Sirloin

London Broil

Pork Chop Vesuvio

Grilled Salmon

Slow Roasted Prime Rib

Filet Mignon

New York Sirloin

London Broil

Pork Chop Vesuvio

Grilled Salmon

Slow Roasted Prime Rib
Sandwiches

Crispy Chicken Sandwich

Steak Sandwich

Grilled Vegetable Club Sandwich

Crispy Chicken Sandwich

Steak Sandwich

Grilled Vegetable Club Sandwich
Burgers

Pullman Burger

Turkey Burger

Pullman Burger

Turkey Burger
Sides

House Cut Fries

Au Gratin Potatoes

Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Baked Potato

Broccoli

Orzo and Spinach

Broccoli

Asparagus

Mac of the Night

Cold Bean salad

Roasted summer squash

House Cut Fries

Au Gratin Potatoes

Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Baked Potato

Broccoli

Orzo and Spinach

Broccoli

Asparagus

Mac of the Night

Cold Bean salad

Roasted summer squash
Desserts

Flourless Chocolate Cake

Key Lime Cheesecake

Flourless Chocolate Cake

Key Lime Cheesecake

Healthy Meal suggestions for Gale Street Inn

Starters

Crab Cakes [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Smoked Chicken Wings [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Vegetable Potato Skins [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Bacon and Cheese Potato Skins [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Bacon and Eggs [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Spinach & Artichoke Dip [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Fried Calamari and Peppers [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Guacamole and Chips [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Clams [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Crab Cakes [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Smoked Chicken Wings [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Vegetable Potato Skins [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Bacon and Cheese Potato Skins [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Bacon and Eggs [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Spinach & Artichoke Dip [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Fried Calamari and Peppers [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Guacamole and Chips [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Clams [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Soup

Spicy Chicken Tomatillo Soup [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Spicy Chicken Tomatillo Soup [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Salads

Prime Steak Caesar Salad [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Chopped Chicken Cobb Salad [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

House Mixed Salad [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Small House Mix Dinner Salad [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Side of House Mixed Salad [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Strawberry,Feta and Almond Salad [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Heirloom Tomato Salad [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Prime Steak Caesar Salad [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Chopped Chicken Cobb Salad [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

House Mixed Salad [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Small House Mix Dinner Salad [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Side of House Mixed Salad [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Strawberry,Feta and Almond Salad [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Heirloom Tomato Salad [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Chef's Summer Features

Saut?ed Lake Superior Whitefish [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Surf and Turf [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Half Chicken [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Herb Crusted Cauliflower Steak [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Shrimp and ClamWin Linguini [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Saut?ed Lake Superior Whitefish [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Surf and Turf [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Half Chicken [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Herb Crusted Cauliflower Steak [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Shrimp and ClamWin Linguini [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Nola

Javier's Jambalaya [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Etouffee [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Javier's Jambalaya [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Etouffee [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Ribs & Combos

Full Rack of Baby Back Ribs [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

1/2 Rack of Baby Back Ribs [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

1/2 Rack of Ribs and Fried Shrimp [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

1/2 Rack of Ribs and Jambalaya [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

1/2 Rack of Ribs and King Crab Legs [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

1/2 Rack of Ribs and Lobster [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

1/2 Rack of Ribs and Filet Mignon [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Full Rack of Baby Back Ribs [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

1/2 Rack of Baby Back Ribs [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

1/2 Rack of Ribs and Alaskan King Crab Legs [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

1/2 Rack of Ribs and South African Lobster Tail [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Full Rack of Baby Back Ribs [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Full Rack of Baby Back Ribs [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Full Rack of Baby Back Ribs [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

1/2 Rack of Baby Back Ribs [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

1/2 Rack of Ribs and Fried Shrimp [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

1/2 Rack of Ribs and Jambalaya [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

1/2 Rack of Ribs and King Crab Legs [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

1/2 Rack of Ribs and Lobster [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

1/2 Rack of Ribs and Filet Mignon [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Full Rack of Baby Back Ribs [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

1/2 Rack of Baby Back Ribs [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

1/2 Rack of Ribs and Alaskan King Crab Legs [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

1/2 Rack of Ribs and South African Lobster Tail [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Full Rack of Baby Back Ribs [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Full Rack of Baby Back Ribs [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Steak & Chops

Filet Mignon [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

New York Sirloin [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

London Broil [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Pork Chop Vesuvio [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Grilled Salmon [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Slow Roasted Prime Rib [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Filet Mignon [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

New York Sirloin [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

London Broil [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Pork Chop Vesuvio [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Grilled Salmon [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Slow Roasted Prime Rib [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Sandwiches

Crispy Chicken Sandwich [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Steak Sandwich [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Grilled Vegetable Club Sandwich [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Crispy Chicken Sandwich [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Steak Sandwich [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Grilled Vegetable Club Sandwich [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Burgers

Pullman Burger [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Turkey Burger [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Pullman Burger [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Turkey Burger [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Sides

House Cut Fries [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Au Gratin Potatoes [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Garlic Mashed Potatoes [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Baked Potato [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Broccoli [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Orzo and Spinach [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Broccoli [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Asparagus [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Mac of the Night [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Cold Bean salad [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Roasted summer squash [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

House Cut Fries [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Au Gratin Potatoes [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Garlic Mashed Potatoes [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Baked Potato [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Broccoli [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Orzo and Spinach [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Broccoli [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Asparagus [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Mac of the Night [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Cold Bean salad [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Roasted summer squash [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Desserts

Flourless Chocolate Cake [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Key Lime Cheesecake [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Flourless Chocolate Cake [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Key Lime Cheesecake [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

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Write An Anonymous Review

Brenda M.

Great service and even much better food!!! We had the Buffalo shrimp, stuffed mushrooms, fried calamari and fries.
(5)
Pauline D.

Love gale street inn. You have to try the BBQ ribs. I come here all the time. Tonight I had the crab legs and petite filet with mashed potatoes. As an appetizer we had oysters rockfeller. Large fresh tasty oysters. Delish! The service is always friendly and great. Thank you to oscar. Ps they brought us carrot cake with a candle for our anniversary!
(5)
Madi R.

Went to the Gale Street Inn tonight with a couple friends. The service was pretty crappy and the food was cold when it arrived to my table. Not just mine, but the 4 other plates as well. To top it all off, I found a hair in the sauce on my ribs. Pretty gross. I don't plan on returning seeing that there weren't any redeeming qualities to this place.
(1)
Dan O.

Gale Street Inn is an institution. Always packed, expect to wait at peak times, but it is completely worth the wait. They have the best, most tender, fall off the bone ribs in Chicago. The sauce is amazing. To my surprise, their beer selection was much better than what I expected from a place that's been in business for 50+ years. Definitely worth the drive from downtown Enjoy.
(4)
Amanda E.

The best ribs we have ever had in town. We're highly recommending this restaurant. Yummy!!!
(5)
Taylor G.

Gale street inn is 5 stars for so many reasons. But most importantly it is consistent. You can always count on great service, great atmosphere, great food, and great drinks. Perfect for whatever you are in the mood for. They have the best ribs in Chicago, but I have yet to try something on the menu that wasn't plate licking fantastic. Ribs, pork chops, salads, buffalo shrimp(have to have), soup, burgers, and the sky high desserts are outstanding! Even the bread basket is something to shout about! You do not want to miss out on this gem!
(5)
Nicole B.

After being invited back to the restaurant by owner George after a so-so visit I am pleased to give this resturant another 5 star review. I also have to say Claire is a wonderful attentive and funny waitress! The ribs were outstanding, as always, even our 2 year old loved them. Their version of tortilla soup is delicious. Thank you very much for a welcoming visit, we enjoyed our dinner and will be back.
(5)
Terrel K.

Always a nice experience.food is nice.had the ribs before,tasted pretty good.the soups are all pretty good.drinks are ok,could use a bigger mixed drink selection.very nice ambiance in restaurant.nice and cozy.we enjoy coming here,its a nice solid restaurant in our area.
(4)
Talia G.

This restaurant is very nice, and the food is good, especially the ribs. But I'm not such a fan of their drinks menu they don't have a lot of different varieties.
(4)
Valerie O.

Gale street has always been a standby for birthdays and special occasions. They have great ribs and steaks. Try the jambalaya if you're looking for something different. It tends to get a bit loud in the dining room and bar.
(4)
Katie S.

We've been coming here for years and it never seems anything changes. Even as I sit the tables seem to be a little too high for me, my feet can barely touch the ground and I am a little girl again smelling all the deliciousness around. Maybe the front door is a tardis and I tunnel down the rabbit hole into a time and place where everything was perfect. Dad was still here and carrying me on his shoulders and mom was a hottie in a size 3 gogo dress. Good food, good times. Better memories.
(4)
Amy H.

Came here in May for the first time in almost 10 years for my brother's birthday. I have to say I have no idea why it had been ten years. This place rocks. Great ribs, awesome twice baked potatoes, solid service, reasonable prices for quality food. Great place for a family dinner or a date. My family has been dining here for years and I hope it's around for many more years to come.
(5)
Joe S.

This place has been around forever, a true Chicago staple. If you're looking for Ribs that fall off the bone and melt in your mouth then this is the place. Food and service always spot on. This place is old school and straight forward. Gale Street always delivers great food at a reasonable price.
(4)
Annette R.

Best ribs ever. We also had the jambalaya, shrimp, and stuffed mushroom - all excellent. Also, the atmosphere in the bar area was a nice, fun environment. Good food along with a good time.
(5)
Jasmin V.

Ribs: I usually split a rack or get a half rack. It's pretty big! Meat falls right off the bone. Amazing all the time! Chicken Tomatillo Soup: I honestly haven't tried any other soup or *gasp* gotten a salad because this soup is amazing. Potatoes Au Gratin: Basically amazing. Cubed potatoes swimming in melted cheese. Doesn't get any better than this. Bread Pudding: Warm, gooey, orgasm in your mouth. Ice cream on top perfect with the melt in your mouth bread pudding. I order all these every time I go. You can't go wrong!
(5)
Lorelei C.

Okay.. Best Ribs in the City Hands Down! Tender, Fall off the Bones, The Meatiest Ribs I have ever had in my lifetime! So.. I must admit that my son Nick balked at the price of $25.00 for a slab of ribs..and do I think they were worth this fairly hefty price? A very Emphatic "Yes" would be my opinion! Seriously, these ribs were so perfect, with a perfect sauce.. Not an ounce of fat could be found on these ribs! And the garlic mashed potatoes that was my choice of a side was delicious as well! This place is quite old school in many ways, classic yet casual enough for people to bring in their familes/children. They have a great bar area which was packed tonight, as was the restaurant.. but no complaints from me, we were seated in less than 15 minutes. We had a great server by the name of Andreas and my son Nick just couldn't resist telling him that he looked like Mike Meyers Austin Powers.. Which.. he kind of did and he told us that another customer had previously told him the same thing! Too funny! Seriously.. Andreas was a great server he called me "Dear".. geez.. am I getting old or what? "Dear" or "Maa'm" is what I get nowadays.. He was very courteous.. And.. yes, I should have skipped dessert but.. couldn't resist the chocolate mousse.. Also.. if you should decide to come out to visit Gale Street Inn they have a private parking area right next to the restaurant for their customers. So.. what it comes down to is this.. I indulge in Ribs about once a year.. Glad I had my yearly dose at Gale Street Inn. Such a great dining experience.. These people do ribs.. and they do them well...
(5)
Paul B.

When you make a fat guy feel unwelcome at your restaurant - you're doing something very wrong. This is exactly how I felt entering the Gale Street Inn for a quick dinner before a concert at the Copernicus Center just (sort of) across the street. I tried to explain that I would be dining alone - but then I would be joined by friends who would be interested in consuming large amounts of beer. The hostess quickly let me know this was unacceptable. "We can't have people sitting around at our tables," she said. I was too hungry to argue so I followed her to the deepest recesses of the restaurant where she tried to cram me into a kid-sized booth. She sashayed away. After a minute I got up to leave. She made me feel like I didn't belong there. I have my limits and there are plenty of restaurants - like Subway - that offer better customer service. When she saw me trying to leave - she seemed to alter her tune a little. She brought me to an actual table and forced a smile in my direction. I was done. I was hungry. Let's get on with it. The waitress was a sweet and gentle woman who noticed the book I was reading and spoke of how much she enjoyed it. In a different context - she and I would have surely had a great literary conversation. Alas the die was cast for the night. I ordered a "classic" cheeseburger. The waitress suggested I try the burger of the day. A Crescent City burger with sweet potato fries. I agreed to give it a try. The burger came in a reasonable amount of time. It was lovely to look at. It was barely room temperature - but it was aesthetically pleasing. The fries were well below room temperature. I still can't figure out how they took the food from raw to cooked to room temperature so quickly. The Crescent City Burger is a "prime steak" burger covered with whole grain mustard slaw with jalapeno and jack cheese on a toasted brioche bun. The burger was perfectly prepared - it just wasn't warm enough to be considered good. I should point out that I am not a picky eater. I should also point out I eat in restaurants an average of 10 times a week. (That's pretty conservative.) I don't think I have sent food back more than three times in my life. I wasn't about to start tonight. I just wished it was warm - dare I consider hot? The order of sweet potato fries was laughably small. I didn't really mind the temperature - it seemed to be the theme of the evening - but there were hardly enough fries to fill a cavity. At these prices - there should be an order that equals one sweet potato. There was a shot glass-sized container of delicious slaw. To their credit - and this is the only credit Gale Street Inn management gets - is the hostess didn't hover. The lovely waitress up-sold me a cup of coffee I actually got to sit at their table to drink it. (Oh, the humanity!) When I was finished with my coffee - I went across the street to meet my friends who were smart enough to heed my warnings and ignore the Gale Street Inn. I walked into a shot-n-a-beer joint where I was made welcome and I was encouraged to use their chairs for sitting. If you have an evening planned in Jefferson Park - there are many better places to go. There is a Subway and a Baskin Robbins and other venues that will treat you better and give you a hot burger and an adult portion of fries. Just to be clear - I want to reiterate - my issue was not with the server. She was on the money. My issue is with the wonky hostess and the managers/owners who allow that type of behaviors. The food wasn't great - I've had worse. Not worth a return visit either way.
(2)
Adrian T.

Have been to Gale Street Inn numerous times but every time I have only gotten the ribs with the side dishes. The ribs are outstanding! I can probably put away 4 full slabs if it wouldn't cost me so much money. Hopefully one day I can come here and try the other dishes but I'll most likely order the ribs again. Yummy...
(5)
dave m.

Another great meal at Gale Street! Can't believe I have yet to take the time to write up a review. George, Jill and their entire staff always do an excellent job. Was meeting an associate for lunch (her first visit) and when I arrived she exclaimed, "a hidden gem!" to which I smiled and agreed. Today I had the newly revamped steak salad. They changed the presentation and modified the dressing to more of a greek style which was fantastic. There were a couple blocks of feta on top that were excellent and there was almost too much steak - I actually finished the greens first. A good problem to have, especially when the steak is as flavorful and tender, and served warm. Gale Street never disappoints and today was no exception. They clearly take great satisfaction in their craft as evidenced by their spotless dining room, attentive service and attention to detail.
(5)
Cali G.

This is a fantastic restaurant in a charming neighborhood. This has always been our go to restaurant for family parties. The reason you come here is for the ribs of course, but they have great calamari, salads, fries, and lets not forget drinks. The restaurant is very low key, and they have a lively bar area. Great place to visit..
(5)
tomas a.

Ribs to die for a mainstay in Jefferson park very good food good vibes its not unusual to see patrick kane from the black hauks here from time to time
(5)
Courtney C.

I think my favorite part of Gale Street Inn was the ambiance. It reminded me of my favorite restaurant as a child called Redwood Inn--RIP :( Whenever we went to dinner there, I knew that it was going to be a good night and it was a temporary escape from a somewhat dreadful childhood. Since Gale Street Inn reignited those happy feelings in me, I knew it was true love from the moment we walked in. Gale Street Inn has low lights, dark wood and maroon carpeting. It seems somewhat brooding--like a place that Edward Cullen would hang out to hide from the sun (sorry had to fit a Twilight reference in to at least one review)-- but sooo wonderful. The service was equally as fantastic as the ambiance. We sorta had two waitresses as one was in training and the other one would come back to check on us and make sure that the other waitress was meeting our needs. I liked that a lot as it showed that they really cared and that our needs were being met. I had the herb roasted half chicken. This isn't something I'd normally order but the reviews were great and reviews don't (usually) lie! The chicken was REALLY good but humongous. I was only able to finish about half of it. Next time, I'd probably order that to share. The juice/sauce that accompanied the meal was plate-licking good and the mashed potatoes were phenomenal. I also had the chicken tomatillo soup and the pumpkin cheesecake (seasonal.) They were both equally as scrumptious and ignited even more happy feelings in me. Overall, the prices seemed fair, the service was good and the ambiance was great. I can't think of a single thing to complain about which means Gale Street Inn gets my stamp of approval!
(5)
Michael H.

Cool place... real old school feel inside, especially at the bar! This is based just on BAR/ Appetizers experience..first off, we had a great bartender! We went on a Sat afternoon and she really knew how to make a great martini and recommend some beers. Believe it or not, they have a great beer list with some obscure locals on tap. Tried a couple apps and they were def very good. I'll update after I go down a slab of their famous ribs! gdd
(4)
Beatriz T.

I've been working across the street from this restaurant for about a year and have never tried. Went in last week to celebrate a co-worker's birthday and I had a great experience from the minute I walked in until I left. The staff was very friendly and attentive, even the people surrounding us eating their lunch. Their was a gentleman there having lunch with his grandfather and the grandfather kept chatting us up and highly recommending the banana pudding. We were a little pressed for time so I didn't have any dessert, but I will definitely try it if I come back one day for lunch. I saw a lot of people in the reviews raving about the best ribs in the city, so I ordered that. NOT. They were just ok, don't get me wrong I enjoyed them, but I have definitely had better. They are just your typical ribs. Nothing stands out. The Chicken Pot Pie was very good. It was decent, I would go again on a lunch break if I felt like splurging on a 20 dollar celebration lunch. I wouldn't make a special trip
(3)
Renise A.

Seriously the best BBQ place I've ever been to! Being from the south, I know good BBQ, and Gale Street Inn is top notch!! The meet falls right off the bones and the fries were seasoned and crispy- even the sweet potato fries. The only thing I didn't like were the garlic mashed potatoes. Best sangria I've ever had!!
(5)
Abigail F.

Dined here for Father's Day and I was surprised how much the restaurant has changed - it is nicely updated. I especially liked the new bar area where they have two tall bar tables to stand/lean against while you wait for your table. I had the porkapolooza and enjoyed every bite and as for the ribs, the meat still falls off the bone. I was really surprised how good the chicken tomatillo soup was - I recommend this soup above all! Overall, family had a great time and enjoyed the food and service.
(4)
Shaun H.

This is one of my go-to spots for special occasions. Their ribs are great. They're a little too "fall off the bone" to be my favorite ribs in Chicago, but the slightly spicy barbecue sauce makes them so good I almost always have to order them. They have a great salad with blue cheese crumbles AND house dressing. Not your average blue cheese dressing. Yum. Their potatoes au gratin are great as well. Also, they make great Bloody Marys and other cocktails. But, if you order a Bloody, and you don't want a skewer with shrimp on it, be sure to tell them. Some people love shrimp, but not me and I almost sent it back. The menu is well prepared and the staff is spot on.
(5)
Carm B.

We used to come here years ago for the prime rib on Saturday nights. We traveled over 35 miles for dinner and we were so disappointed. Meat was cold tough and fatty. Grilled calamari was awful. Twice baked potato tasted only like onion. This place has gotten old and tired.
(2)
Kevin M.

We had a great time here. Craft beer, ribs with meat that falls off the bone, pleasant server. There's really not much to complain about here. I'll be back.
(5)
Ron S.

More like "Just OK". This describes our recent visit. My wife and I had the ribs and shrimp combo. I felt I needed to give the ribs another chance to see if I could fall in love with them like so many people. Unfortunately, I find them to be so-so. The breaded butterfly shrimp are OK, nothing spectacular but the garlic mashed are terrible. Institutional grade, box preparation that GSI doesn't even try to doctor up. The only reason I'm giving 3 stars are for their drinks. They mix a pretty good drink and have a decent beer and wine list. If I'm in the area, I'll stop at Gale Street but it's not a destination restaurant for us.
(3)
David W.

Great ribs!!!!
(4)
Neri B.

Well I ordered the rib and lobster tail combo. As always the ribs were good, however the lobster tail was dry. The last time I was here the lobster tail was dry as well. So, in the future I will not order the lobster tail. Maybe I will try the crab legs instead of lobster tails. I had the black bean soup which is always great. The service could have been better. I had to ask for water at least three times. If I have to ask for it, that means the waiter and or the assistance is not coming around enough checking on their tables. Overall, the experience was good but not great.
(3)
Robert J.

Very good family-friendly atmosphere, delicious pulled pork sandwich. Warm and friendly service. Worked for me.
(5)
Jared G.

The employees were respectful and the overall service was wonderful. The ribs were okay but they were far from world famous. The sides made up for the ribs. The French fries were tasty.
(4)
Melanie S.

This place is fantastic. Best ribs in the city! I hadn't heard of it and was there for a business meeting. The service was good; all of the food was amazing (stuffed mushrooms, tomatillo soup, shrimp salad, ribs) above expectations; and the owner even took the time to come over and have a great conversation with us. I will definitely be back and recommend it to others. I don't usually go that far northwest, but it is very conveniently located right across from the Jefferson blue line stop (also metra stop). Clean, friendly, feels like a classy old-school joint with jazz music but not out of date. They certainly know what they're doing, and I can see why they have been there for so long.
(5)
A. T. T.

Since I posted my initial review, the owner, George, has been sending me notes disguised as compliments, basically saying it didn't happen, I'm a liar, and that I have to call him to straighten this out. Why would I call someone who is basically telling me that I am lying? Initially, I was not responding, simply because there was no point, since I was turned away and my birthday has passed, and we ended up going to Smoque and having ribs there. But, I have been getting these notes ever since, and they appear to be getting more and more vitriolic with each new one. And reading some of the other reviews, it seems this is a pattern with this owner, and that he feels it is okay to be abusive to his customers. So, not going back, not calling this person who is harassing me, and really not recommending anyone patronize this restaurant because what restaurant deserve patrons if the owner feels it is okay to abuse them?!?
(1)
Ad B.

Gale Street ROCKS great food great atmosphere and conveniently located. The ribs sirloin tips and the chocolate cake dessert are awesome. Also a great place for a lunch meeting.
(5)
Helen H.

My husband order the ribs and he is usually picky with his ribs, he is a naive from California. He said it has been by far the best bbq ribs he ever tasted.Spicy chicken tomatillo soup was delicious. Service was ok, but I can understand because it was busy. Will definitely be back!
(5)
Steven P.

Honestly the best ribs I've ever had. Service is great. The only thing I didn't like was the live piano that was being played but the ribs tuned the noise out. Delicious
(5)
Joe B.

What a great place to eat! Me and my friend enjoyed wonderful service, drinks and food from this place. The ribs are maybe the best in the city and the service was equally as good. We sat at the bar, and I've sat at regular seating as well. Tommy and Shanna were phenomenal in recommending food and drink and were very accommodating. Check this place out, not to be missed.
(5)
Steven E.

I had stuffed mushrooms and potato skins for appetizer. A bowl of broccoli cheese soup, salad, and bread. FULL rack of ribs and grilled vegetables. Turtle pie for desert. It all was delicious. The ribs were better than I remember them. The service was great for our nine person party.
(4)
Christina M.

I can't believe I haven't reviewed Gale Street. The food and customer service here is phenomenal. I've been coming to Gale Street for about 15-16 years...Always happy to see the same faces...when I come in. Ribs, Fish, Steak Phenomenal. DO NOT ORDER A HALF RACK... TAKE A FULL AND HAVE LUNCH THE NEXT DAY....SO AMAZING!
(5)
Tim J.

Food was great. No complaints at all with the food. I gave 2 stars simply because the waitress would not split the bill. Have any idea how incredibly annoying and a inconvenience it is splitting a check between 11 people? If it was not for my family picking this place for their birthday I would of walked out when the waitress refused.
(2)
Lora S.

Gale Street Inn truly supports their community, and I love them for it ;) As a bonus, their food is delicious, their staff and management are extremely friendly, and they do an excellent job of packaging carryout orders. They make it so easy to literally carry your order out. The soups were sealed and wrapped inside a cardboard box that made the ribs and the rest of the food easy to carry. I got the grilled shrimp salad and they put the shrimp in a separate container from the salad and also put the wonton strips on the side (meaning warm shrimp, fresh lettuce, and crunchy wonton strips). I know it seems silly to get so excited about packaging, but I'm sure we have all had an experience where sauce, soup, or something else has spilled out into a bag or box of food that we picked up or got delivered. Or maybe salad just was not as good as in the restaurant. This is NOT the case with Gale Street Inn. All of the the food was amazing, and although it was kind of pricey, the portions were big, and I did not spend as much as I thought I was going to spend. We ordered the Grilled Calamari, Grilled Shrimp Salad, the Full Rack Ribs Special, and the Skuna Bay Salmon. All of it was just so delicious. Three of us were able to share the salad, and the shrimp were seasoned so well. I liked the grilled calamari, but my parents LOVED it. Hopefully everyone in Chicago already knows that Gale Street Inn ribs are excellent. The meet was falling off the bones, and they were so good I was reluctant to share them. The salmon was also seasoned and cooked to perfection. And I almost forgot, the bread they serve with dinner is always soft and yummy, and the sweet butter they serve it with is even better. The manager I talked to on the phone before placing my order was so friendly and helpful, the person who took my order was so nice, and the people at the counter when I picked up my order were especially friendly and kind. I say that Gale Street Inn truly truly supports their community, because they recently held a #WeLoveOLV fundraiser where 20% of dine-in AND carry out proceeds went to Our Lady of Victory grade school. Originally, a flyer was required, but the day went so well that they generously offered to donate 20% of the money from ALL dine-in and carryout orders that day to OLV School regardless of the flyer. All of my experiences with Gale Street Inn have been delicious and enjoyable, but this review is specifically based on my most recent experience. If you have not been there yet, I definitely recommend visiting ASAP.
(5)
Rachel S.

Amazing tasting fall off the bone ribs, great soup. Our waitress Rosanne was very professional, and efficient. She also told us about the specials they have through out the week. There was at least a 30 min wait but it was a Saturday evening so of course that's expected so we sat at the bar first. The bar tender was awesome, got us drinks right away and very attentive even while being extremely busy.
(5)
Jean Z.

Thank you, GSI, for putting little pieces of broccoli in my salad. It was a nice Suprise.
(5)
Barbe Q.

An old Classic, Always good, usually busy as hell, but worth a little wait if you've got the time. Nice but crowded bar.
(4)
Ryan S.

I ordered carry-out and was very disappointed in the outcome of the food. I got an appetizer of grilled calamari which was ok could have used more of a kick. But the ribs and shrimp combo meal was bullshit. 2 shrimp really, really? and I thought I was getting a half slab of ribs not 3 little things.
(2)
Douglas B.

I've been coming here for years. I love Gale Street Inn, it has to be one of my favorite restaurants and always a great last minute "go to". Gale street is a Chicago classic. I don't care what anyone says about the place, the ambiance, etc... The place is classic Chicago. Yes you walk in and it has low lighting, dark mahogany, deep red carpeting. You feel like you've been sent back in time. I like that feel, I like coming here with my wife, it feels intimate. They used to have the live Jazz Piano on the weekdays, I haven't seen that in a while. But the place feels cozy. If you think it feels like your grandpa used to go here... possibly, the place has been around for a long time.. GET OVER IT! You don't like it.. head over to your nearest skinny jean rocking establishment and get your jagerbomb, obomb, whatever bomb fix there. Moving on. The wait staff is terrific. Everyone is courteous and they treat you very well. I have never had any rude or bad service here EVER! Drinks are always good, they can make a great martini, manhattan etc. Decent wine selection and basically over all great bartending. The food is all good here. Its classic, simple to the point. You want steak, they have steak, Perfectly cooked filet....you want fish, they have fish. The ribs are one of their specialties. They have an off the menu rib sandwich you can order shhhhh! The ribs are fall off the bone, delicious sauce. But the best thing there that has to be the Chicken tomatillo soup. I can't say enough about this soup. It comes in a little cup, piping hot, spicy with strips of chicken, crispy tortilla and a dollop of cream. It is heaven in a cup. IF you have not had this soup... you are missing out. Go get it. Go get it.... go get it. You will want to inhale a bowl of it. It's that good.
(5)
Mary B.

Great food and staff! Best Martini's in Chicago. We mostly dine downtown but this is one of our local favorites. The ribs, chicken and steaks and wonderful and so are the sides. My son loves their crab legs. The staff are friendly. It's a bit of an old school establishment, which is what makes it so nice. You feel like you are part of the family while dining there!
(5)
Pam D.

Good food, good meat, good gosh, let's eat! GSI has been here forever. I get there about once every 5 -10 years and always enjoy it. It is kind of pricey, but it is a nice stop for a good lunch every decade or so! Christopher had the London Broil and I had ribs. No complaints on the food. We'll be back ..... one of these days.
(4)
Alberto J. M.

This place is a time machine. It's classic beauty, with professional service, takes you back to another time. I've heard of this place and it's history for years, but I only had the privilege of being a patron for since moving into the general neighborhood 2 years ago. I love it. It's whole look, their presentation, and staff just make you wanna come back. Oh yeah, the food is pretty damn good too. The bar is well stocked, and you have plenty of good options. Thank you, Gale St. I'm a fan.
(5)
George J.

My honest review about this place is that it's anything but what the reviews say. I liked the old school look of the place with the wood and the Frank Sinatra songs but thats about it. The waitress was nice but walked away from us twice , first time was okay since we weren't all ready but the second time she disappeared for a while. I ordered the full rack of ribs and my friends ordered the 1/2 ribs, 1/2 chicken the ribs were NOT fall off the bone as they claim and weren't very tasty. My friends ribs came out cold but the chicken was fine, after telling the waitress she took them both back and came out with new ribs fairly quick but the chicken took so long that we were almost done eating we cancelled it. Overall the bbq there was nothing special at all, out of a group of 4 none of us plan on going back.
(2)
Natalie S.

Gale Street, you done broke my heart. For years now, all I've heard is how awesome Gale Street is. I was excited to give it a go. My dude and I bought a house not far from here and decided to have our "wow, we just closed on a house!" celebratory dinner. The waitress was great. Friendly and helpful. The calamari appetizer was delicious, crispy not too greasy. The soup of the day was clam chowder and was kick ass. But it was a big fat fail from there on out. My dude ordered a slab of ribs (because all everyone talks about here is ribs, we HAD to try them) and I got prime rib. I must (**MUST**) have prime rib rare, it's the only way to have it, IMO. But my piece came to the table a very solid medium. When I pointed it out to the waitress, she asked me to cut into the piece to see how it was done in the middle. Um, it was medium in the middle as well. She apologized and said, "yeah, prime rib is best rare and that's definitely medium". Indeed. She did not offer to bring me another piece (because, I assume, there was no rare prime rib to be had in the kitchen... WHO DOESN'T HAVE RARE PRIME RIB?!?!) and asked me to choose something else off the menu. I chose another slab of ribs like my dude. The ribs were not at all my kind of ribs. My husband's neither. We didn't finish them and we ended up tossing the leftovers after three days of them sitting in our fridge. The sauce was far too sweet for our taste and very sticky. They were cooked well, were fall off the bone and such, but the sauce was just not great. We're sad because everyone raves about this place and it's super close to our new home. But we won't be back.
(2)
N B.

Ribs were on par with others I have had in the city. Definetly good enough to make this place a go to for ribs, but I can't say they were the best I've ever had (Pappy's Smokehouse in St Louis comes to mind) or if it is even good enough to go out of your way for. The other reviews are right; plan on at least a 30 min wait, the decor is reminicent of a bygonne supperclub era, and the drink menu is excellent. GF ordered the prime rib. She was not so impressed, but maybe that just isn't their thing. I'd do a return visit especially after all of the accolades re the ribs.
(4)
Mo M.

Always said this is my favorite place for ribs. Went for my birthday this week and still LOVE IT! Ribs are amazing! Fall off the bone delicious. Their sauce is outstanding!
(4)
Jerry G.

Seafood always fresh and the people are nice. The best ribs in town.i give them 10!!!!
(5)
Tracie D.

A friend dragged me to their favorite BBQ place for ribs (Twin Anchors) where I was gravely disappointed. I feared a similar fate at Gale Street Inn but was thrilled with our dinner. We arrived around 8:00 PM on Saturday; had a drink at the bar and waited 15 min for a table. The Chicken and Tomatillo soup was excellent, as was my combo of Chicken and Ribs. The BF had Ribs Crab Legs with were a little on the dry side but not enough to impact the party happening in our mouths. I am very picky and because of that, I rarely order Ribs out. I was very pleased with the quality and portions; dinner for two with a drink each and dessert was $108 and a made for a great date night dinner out.
(5)
Mary K.

Best ribs ever!!! Awesome place to have dinner at, very customer friendly. The servers are always friendly and patient!
(5)
Dana Z.

Ribs and bread pudding - AMAZING. Owner is a nice guy too, makes you happy to patronize a family place. I think Wed is jazz night or something like that- sounds fun but I've haven't been. And one weeknight cuts a deal off the rib dinner price, maybe Mondays?
(5)
Jared G.

I have been coming here for years. This place is our after work Friday happy hour drink spot. George the owner is one of the nicest and most gracious restaurant owners you will ever meet. Larry and Gil behind the bar are the reason why we have frequented this place every week, the food obviously helps to! The Jumbalaya is absolutely, out of this world outstanding. I have eaten Jumbalaya in New Orleans and I would say Gale St. beats New Orlenas in a taste test. The ribs are their staple and with one bite you can taste why. The meat is fall of the bone tender and the sauce is something you want to store in a bottle and just have as a dipping sauce for everything. If you are lucky enough to be there the chef's make a spinach cheese bread that is given away at the bar, it is good enough to be a meal in itself! Don't get me started on how good their fried shrimp is, I think they use a tempura batter for these XL shrimp, always so tasty and crispy! Good mix of people that come in here and you will never see it empty on a Friday or Saturday night. Good people, good food, and stiff drinks what more could you ask for????
(5)
jt s.

Classic Chicago. Meat and drinks are wonderful-Go on Sunday to see the magician. If you are looking for fine dinign this may not be your spot-it is very retro fine...\
(5)
Arlene D.

my family & i have decided that this restaurant is a "must stop" after our first visit! just as impressed with our first, we haven't been disappointed thereafter. we go for the delicious fall off the bone ribs! dinner service is always impeccable, never having to turn for our waitress/waiter. On this stop we made a reservation, we did have to wait due to circumstances outside of the restaurants control however George took good care of us going beyond what we could have ever expected for this minor inconvenience. I definitely recommend Gale St. Inn and they will always have me as a customer.
(5)
Carlton H.

The food was GREAT!! The soup will make you want seconds. The atmosphere is very laid back. When I come back in town I'm coming here to dining!!
(4)
Scott C.

We stopped into the Gale Street Inn for lunch yesterday (we have been here for dinner before). The lunch menu is good providing several salad, sandwich and entree options - the surprising thing is that their boneless rib sandwich is not a mainstay on their lunch menu. It was a special which we both ordered. The sandwich was soft light French bread that was filled with rib meat (pulled off of the bones rather than some ribwich type meat) covered in their delicious BBQ sauce (think but has a nice Carolina tang to it). The boneless rib sandwich comes with sweet potato fries and coleslaw. I also ordered a cup of the split pea soup which was thick and delicious - a nice beginning to the meal even on a hot day! If I'm in Jefferson Park again around lunch time I will certainly stop in for lunch. The Gale Street Inn continues to deliver quality ribs and BBQ and I just can't pass that up!
(5)
David P.

Of the 63 restaurants I have reviewed so far on Yelp, this is by far, bar none, the ABSOLUTE WORST one ever. It only got one star because zero stars wasn't an option. Let's start with their pride & high point - the ribs. First of all, the only sauce available is a sweet BBQ. No other choices, no variety. I am not a fan of sweet sauce, so a lack of options is pathetic. Then when I asked for the ribs to be "blackened" to try and give them a little spice, the manager said that they do not do special requests. WTF?? I was shocked and appalled. I ordered the salad as my side dish, but said not with the standard broccoli and other toppings. Who would have thought that their salads were pre-made? Yep, because when I received my salad, there was still 3 pieces of broccoli that were not picked out. If you have any food allergies, dont order their pre-made, picked apart salads. Fu@king disgusting to pre prep them then take stuff out! How lazy does a restaurant have to be to work in this fashion? The waiter was ok, but nothing impressive, unless he was the one who tried picking the unwanted stuff out of my salad. In which case, he was horrible. The only thing he did right was bring me some seasoning to try to spice up the ribs. The only two things I can say nice are that the ribs were ultimately tender and fell off the bone like a dream. But they still tasted horrible due to the sauce. The only other merit was creamy garlic salad dressing. I would never go back - NEVER, NEVER, NEVER.
(1)
Dave S.

There was quite a long wait for a table but once I started eating, I could understand why. It was a very good meal. We stared out with some good old fried calamari. It was very good with a tasty breading. For my main dish I ordered ribs and jambalaya. Which was an excellent combination The sauce on the ribs was slightly sweet with a touch of tangy-ness. The mild heat of the jambalaya was an excellent compliment to this kind of BBQ sauce. The food was amazing and the service was very good. It was little more than we are used to paying for a meal but it was worth it for a special occasion.
(4)
Leslie S.

Food is great!! Especially the ribs, amazing service (Larry at the bar is great!) My only complaint is the dÃ©cor seems a bit outdated in the dining area but other than that a gem here at JP
(4)
Czarina M.

I'm not a pub/bar kinda girl but I like this place a lot! Ppl are friendly and the food is pretty good. I always get the ribs here and I've never been disappoint. I don't usually drink but plenty of ppl that come with says the drinks are good too .
(4)
Nora D.

A Chicago gem. Filled with locals for great reason - quality food and lovely staff/owners. We were seeing a play at The Gift Theater down the street and stopped in beforehand by Mike's recommendation. The ribs were amazing and they gladly modified a special for my friend who is vegetarian. A great time and highly recommend.
(5)
Jon I.

Fall of the bone ribs in a perfectly sweet BBQ sauce. Best ribs in chicago if not the world. Bread and honey butter to start, ribs and au gratin potatoes and make sure you grab a slice of turtle pie which might be the best in the city (homemade chocolate and vanilla ice cream on a graham cracker crust with toffee sauce and crushed cinnamon pecans on top)... Fuhgetaboutit. Great stiff drinks and loose atmosphere as well. I don't always eat ribs but when I do it's over at gale street.
(5)
J. Chuck K.

I've lived in the area for years and have come to Gale Street Inn on a number of occasions, most recently NYE....and boy was this place a mess. I was expecting it to be crazy, but the madhouse atmosphere was a result of their to-go order customers and lack of organization. The line to pick up your food literally went from the lobby to half the length of the bar. A lady in line made a comment to another person about how unorganized it was and received an earful from a gentleman who claimed to be the owner. Yikes. Luckily we were dining in. With a wait time of about 30 minutes, I think we were seated and eating food before most of those to-go order people. The prime rib was good, but the overall service and setup was disappointing. Without any notice from their website, Facebook page, or my wife calling to try and make a reservation, they were only offering a select menu, which was a fraction of their full one. The waitress was somewhat pleasant, but it took forever to get drinks from the bar, and order food. She would come by and drop something off, and then leave before we had a chance to ask her anything. Since my wife is a vegetarian, we asked for the potato skin appetizer without bacon, but she said because of how busy it was, the kitchen could not take "special requests". We were a little surprised that asking them not to add something to an appetizer was a special request, but we were $8 richer. I'm sure we'll keep coming back a few times throughout the year, but will avoid this place for any major holiday.
(3)
Anna K.

Can't really write much more here that hasn't already been said. The ribs are fall-off-the-bone delicious and the chicken tomatillo soup is my favorite. My only sadness is that the Monday full-slab rib dinner was raised to $21. But you knew that was going to happen after they revamped the old menu and the special was no longer listed. Regardless of that fact, the ribs keep me coming back. Their honey butter that comes with the bread is also amazing, which is included in your take-out if you prefer not to dine in. Lastly, they typically have live music in the front of the bar. I enjoy it, but if you sit too close then it can be difficult to have a conversation.
(4)
dawn b.

Place looks great - the food is less than stellar. I've been going to Gale Street for years. Went last week with my daughter & everything besides the ribs was terrible. My daughter ordered pasta with shrimp - it arrived and had a terrible fishy odor to it. The shrimp had gone bad, yet it was still on the plate. They took back the dish, and replaced with with pasta with no shrimp. The past sauce was watery and tasteless. They also didn't comp a meal or even offer a dessert - which would have been nice since they served us rancid seafood. Every other dish that came out containing seafood that passed our table smelled as if it had also turned. Something must have been wrong with the refrigerator that contained the seafood, because the restaurant smelled like Lake Michigan on a hot summer day. The salads were drenched in salad dressing and the sides were mediocre. Next time I'm going to one of the other BBQ joint in the city - Gale Street should step up their game, it simply isn't worth visiting any longer.
(2)
Mike B.

Gale Street Inn has been providing delcious food and great service in this neighborhood for a very long time. Going you have to try the ribs...I would recommend to try the Monday rib dinner special....it's a steal! The service is always great. I really like most of the food served here...the drinks are kind of expensive with not the biggest selection and it's a little dark. Definitely try this out.
(4)
Candy A.

Nostalgia aside. Great ribs and Great Service. Horrible appetizers, side dishes and overall poorly prepared food. My sautÃ©ed spinach was raw spinach with garlic salt. Our grilled calamari appetizer was sent back for being fishy, chewy and tasting like kerosene. The au gratin potatoes are made with velveeta, I swear! That can't be real cheese!!! No thanks. I live to close to Twin Anchors to say I'd be back.
(2)
Jaime G.

Check it. Gale street ribs are all that! This place is great and serves super good ribs. Went on a friday night and as typical at a popular restaurant, it was hectic. Saw a few patrons leave when they heard the wait times (which weren't too bad actually) and hostess and wait staff running around with their heads cut off. Our waiter was excellent. Clearly had tried the entire menu and beer and could articulate every facet of any item to describe and give solid reco for. Very likable too. His name is victor. I would ask for that dude if you come here. Very old neighborhood feel and very family friendly. The owner was walking around helping and greeting everyone which is always nice to see. Chicken tomatillo soup was as advertised. Hearty and flavorful. Not the best I've had but still quite good. The addition of the crema is a solid touch. And finally ribs. Wow. Very good. I could probably do better but these are worth the hype. Succulent meat that easily falls off the bone with plenty of sauce just cooked in. One of the best in the city and could rival any rib place in the south. Tried the Ebell Weiss beer and Happy dog flying pale ale. The ale paired with the ribs was wonderful. Gale street is a must try. For ribs alone they get 5 stars.
(5)
Carlos R.

So disappointed, been here before but my last experience "Last night " was not good. We had a party of 10 and they could not accommodate us so we had to sit at separate tables. Never experienced that in a restaurant before. They will move mountains to make sure your party sits together. When we ordered our food, "full slab of ribs Monday's special" the waitress asked if we were sharing the ribs, I said yes. She said I will have to charge you full price for sharing food. What! Who does that? My kids were in shock, they ask why can't we share food daddy. I told them to not worry. So we settled for the half slab and the kids meal. When the food arrived we began to eat but we were forgotten about, no one checked on us or if we needed anything. By the time we were almost done, we had no choice but to ask for more drinks. After eating I noticed they could have sat us all together after all. Shady business if you ask me. I still left a good tip despite the bad service and making me & my family feel like second class citizens .
(1)
Jay E.

Fall off the bone ribs, a spicy tomatillo soup, and a live band. Top that off with excellent and quick service. All I can say is amazinnn.
(4)
Jenny V.

OMG. i love this place. the food.the service.the ribs.the soup and the atmosphere! i've been wanting to try this place out because i heard they had good ribs, my bf and i decided to try this place out for our anniversary. we were seated right away on a saturday night because we opted for a high table by the bar. must try: -chicken tomatillo soup -au gratin potatoes - RIBS -jambalaya (bf said it was good, it had shrimp, chicken and sausage) - bread pudding for dessert. i love you gale's! i'll be back on mondays for your rib special.
(5)
Donna S.

Have not been here in awhile and after going the other day I not sure why. Ribs are amazing, best I ever had. The Black Bean soup is also excellent Next time I go I will try the Chicken Tomatillo soup which I keep seeing good reviews about. A little pricey but a good place for special occasions
(5)
Bernie I.

I was first introduced to the Gale Street Inn back in the early 80's. With so many great restaurants in Chicago to choose from, the fact that I still keep going back to this one says something. The food is consistently delicious and the atmosphere is high energy without being too loud. The entire staff is welcoming without being overly solicitous and they all provide attentive and courteous service. I met my aunt and cousin last night for dinner and we all had the London Broil. It was cooked to perfection and the portions were generous enough for another meal. Also the Early Bird Special (until 5:30 p.m.) during the week is a good deal. It's a gem on the northwest side of the city easily accessible from the Blue Line.
(5)
John N.

Hipsters and gastrotypes will probably move on to supper clubs once they're done with southern style food and chicken shacks. If/when that happens, the wait to get into Gale Street Inn on a Friday or Saturday evening will probably become unbearable. Right now, it's a pretty tolerable thirty minutes during prime hours, quicker at other times Any waiting can be passed in the bar area, which gets a friendly mix of Jefferson Park residents, and one of the most generationally-diverse crowds in town: everyone from mating packs of young professionals to families with children to retired city workers. The neighborhood is very white, suburban in feel and relatively conservative (lots of cops and firefighters), but has an active theater scene, and is home to black box stages and the annual, late-summer Fringe Festival. On a recent visit, a flyer in in the window, written in Iron Maiden font, advertised a local production of "Broadsword: A Heavy Metal Play." On an earlier visit, a flyer in a liquor store down the block promoted a CPD vs. CFP charity Battle of the Bands, including a group called Pimp Slap (also in Iron Maiden font), apparently featuring some Chicago cops. Those two flyers pretty much sum up the cultural mix in the neighborhood. There's no kitsch about Gale Street Inn, absolutely nothing self-conscious or contrived or affected about it, which sets it apart from most every new Chicago restaurant on the north side. Gale Street Inn opened in 1963, and seems like its interior was last updated in an early 1990s airport hotel dining theme (unmined retro which arguably makes the interior bleeding edge cool right now). All the effort which could have been spent on image goes into service and food instead. The menu is limited to seafood, steaks, burgers and ribs, the latter of which are among the best in the city, so tender they neatly fall off the bone if you gently brush them with a fork. The crab cakes are also a signature dish, flaky and drizzled with melted butter, and unlike any others in the city. There aren't any real surprises on the menu, just traditional American comfort food and supper club standards, executed perfectly. In a few months, Next will starting selling $500+ tickets to its latest project, an homage to the Mad Men-era American steakhouse. The Gale Street Inn of yesteryear is basically what they'll be trying to channel. When one of the most celebrated restaurants in the world tries to emulate you, that's especially sincere flattery.
(5)
Mel M.

Ordered ribs and tortilla soup. Ribs were good. To me they were probably in comparison to chilis. Maybe I'll come back and try again? Wasn't all for the soup though. Good side dishes.
(3)
Kevin K.

Hands down best ribs I've ever had. If you go here and don't order ribs then you're doing it wrong. I'm sure the other stuff on their menu is tasty, but passing up on the ribs is a huge mistake. As far as service goes, the waitstaff has always been nothing but friendly when I go and food can take a little long to get to the table, but its worth it. There can also be long waits to get a table so I would call ahead before you go; not sure if they do reservations though. On certain nights they have a magician go around the tables and do card tricks for a few minutes. It seems kinda odd at first, but the guy is funny and entertaining - it's also good to keep kids entertained if you are with any.
(5)
Roxanne R.

If I were Scrooge McDuck, I would want to jump into a pool of Gale Street Inn ribs instead of gold coins. I'm a fall of the bone ribs kinda gal. Some people may say they like North Carolina type tangy dry ribs. Not I. I want the meat to fall off the bone and land right into my mouth. I order my ribs to go because I want to do diners a favor and not have them witness me attacking these ribs like an animal. Here are my quick points on the meal: Salad - standard ice berg lettuce salad, nothing to write home about Bread - Sometimes soft, sometimes dry. The highlight is the sweet butter. Twice Baked Potato - Solid. It's a rather big potato baked with bacon bits, onions, and it's pretty delicious Grilled Vegetables - Standard grilled vegetables, carrots, asparagus, zucchini. **RIBSSSS** - I think they're the best in the city. Tender, Juicy, Good sauce. They also give you extra sauce to add for your pleasure. The price is pretty reasonable it's $24 for a full rack a side, bread, and salad. I've dined in once. It's cozy but nothing special. Also, I'd rather eat my ribs in the comfort of my home, with stretchy pants on of course ;-)
(5)
Angela P.

We had reservations for my mother in law's birthday. And we still waited a long time before we were seated. This restaurant has an old-fashioned, classy, dinner club feel to it. Lots of mahogany, very dimly lit. It isn't romantic (they serve ribs) but it's classy without being pretentious. I had the chicken tomatillo soup (spicy!) and I haven't had anything else like it, it was delicious. I also had the special, chicken cacciatore. Chicken was tender and I felt like I was eating a quality meal. Everyone else had ribs and was pleased with that fall off the bone phenomenon. They could use another chicken or seafood item on the menu. Other than a portabella panini, there weren't many vegetarian options available. Our server refilled our wine glasses like a BOSS.
(4)
Claire G.

Do not come to the Gale Street Inn if you are on a diet or in a hurry. This is the kind of place that you need to eat a salad for lunch, and SPLURGE on your dinner. What's nice is that the calorie splurge doesn't have to equal a budget-bust. The prices are reasonable for the amount of food you get. I went here for the first time last weekend, after hearing about it for years. This place is old school Chicago, 100%. The big bar in front was bustling with people, young and old, watching the Blackhawks game and having pre-dinner drinks on a Saturday night. We got there a bit later than we wanted to, and thus had to wait about 45 min for a table for 4. Not a big deal - it got a little annoying as we realized they had forgotten about a few large reservations that were coming in while we waited. But they were incredibly nice about everything and sat us as soon as they could. Two people in our party got the full slab of ribs, I got the BBQ chicken, and one person got the BBQ chicken salad. All the entrees came with potato choice and soup/salad. The salads were much nicer than the standard "iceberg lettuce & mealy tomato" nonsense, so huzzah for that. Both the ribs and the chicken were fall-off-the-bone tender with a sweet, sticky BBQ sauce. We also split the turtle sundae ice cream cake slice for dessert. Please, please, for the love of all that is holy, do NOT order this for only one person. We had 4 people digging into this, and we barely finished it. Good beer/wine selection and full bar. I thought it was a great place to take parents/in-laws for a nice, but not fancy-schmancy dinner.
(4)
Bridget B.

All was well and good until the waiter took my unfinished drink because he was trying to make room for new customers, even though I'd less than five minutes prior tipped him more than 20%. First and last time here.
(2)
Paul M.

Best RIBS in CHICAGO, Period! This place has awesome ribs, shrimp, & chicken! The service is very good and they have a parking lot on sight too. This is a family style restaurant with dim lighting, good atmosphere and friendly staff. Right off the 94 too! I give this place 4.5 stars all the way!
(5)
Michael N.

The food is solid, some of it quite good, much of it was okay. I do not quite understand the glowing recommendations, especially when there are other true bbq places (yes, I am looking at Smoque) with much better flavor. Frankly I did not appreciate the service, which was very uneven. Water glasses filled quickly, but drinks from the bar were ssssssssllllllllllllllooooooooooowwwwwww. I could have distilled my own vodka in the time it took to have a drink order filled. It was just okay.
(3)
Steve C.

The Ribs are great. A bit expensive for what you get. $26?
(4)
Jody L.

Fabulous. Unbeatable ribs. Great king crab. David was our waiter this time, and the service was above and beyond. I always love coming here, before and after having kids.
(5)
Erick R.

Came here on a Friday night with a date a little crowed but the gin & tonics from the nice bar area made me forget about it, the bar has a partition in the middle of the room which in my opinion makes it feel a little easier to hang out & talk to your date if your waiting for your table like we were, kinda like a predate before the main course. the ribs & salmon were awesome.we also had sum oysters on the half shell which where delicious, definitely would recommend a booth feels more cozier.the bill was fair for what we ordered. Depending on what day you go parking can get a little difficult. Went on a Friday had to park at the far end of the parking lot which is connected to the bank Call and make a reservation if your thinking of going on a busy night. if you feel like eating and being cozy sit in the back if you want a more energetic atmosphere sit near the bar lol
(3)
Laura G.

Gale Street can boast about two key strengths for a restaurant: consistent good food and personal service. It has a friendly staff and is welcoming for long time customers as well as newcomers. The ribs put those of other renowned restaurants to shame and are fall-off-the-bone. The seafood is fresh and they usually have specials that are also worth checking out. The bartenders are some of the best in the city, and the owner and managers are on site greeting guests and making you feel at home. A restaurant gets to be 50 years old by doing a lot of things right, and Gale Street's food, service and staff is about as good as it gets. We've been dining there for more than 20 years and can attest to the excellent consistency.
(5)
Brian M.

Great all around restaurant/bar. My new office is located just down the street from this place and I have to say it's definitely the best place in this neighborhood. I've been here several times in the past and I've never been disappointed. Recently I was here with my mom and sister and we had a great experience. Two of us had the ribs and weeks later we are still talking about them. They are literally 'fall off the bone' style ribs. The sauces was delicious too! I also wanted to note that our server was a lady names Teresa and I have to say she was an amazing server. She is a very nice person and she is very passionate about her serving job. She practically catered to our every need and did and amazing job making us feel appreciated as customers the whole time we were there. She does a great job at representing her trade and the ownership of this business. 5 starts all the way here!
(5)
Kelly B.

I've been going here for a long time and it has always been amazing. My favorite item is the king crab legs and filet combination. Honestly, best crab legs I've ever had. (didn't expect that from a place known for its ribs) The service is great and the food is great. Couldn't ask for more! I will be back numerous times!
(5)
Robert P.

4.6 stars! I went to Gale St Inn for a carry-out order before work on a weekend night. The place was packed and there were about 10 people waiting for tables. I thought this would delay my order but the full rack of ribs I ordered came out 8 min after I ordered. This was perfect since I was running late for work anyway. The ribs were great but not the best Ive had. The ribs are worth the trip though. The mashed potatoes were awesome and the tomatillo soup was okay. Overall this place is a great option in Jefferson Park and recommended.
(5)
vince v.

Very over priced and rude server.Went with another couple and had to send drinks back,wrong order.Ribs ,crablegs and prime rib way over priced for fair food.Best part is the bar.Maybe a drink and appetizer next time. Seems like the regulars get taken care of fast and gentle... Miss Carsons on Harlem big time....
(2)
Carly G.

Hands down best BBQ in the city. Gale Street place doesn't take reservations, but it doesn't need too; worth the wait! When walking into this place, it's clear that everyone here is treated like family. Even if you wait, a hostess will walk around with treats for you to snack on while you wait, and the bar area is a nice area to chat and drink. The prices are so very reasonable, and that's not the important part; THE RIBS ARE OUT OF THIS WORLD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Seriously falls off the bone; nothing to waste here. The sides are just as good. I cannot begin to tell you the perfection to how these are cooked. Staff is friendly and the restaurant is very conveniently located at the Jefferson Park Blue Line and Metra station. I will always be a #1 fan
(5)
Jenny P.

This was my first time visiting Gale Street Inn after years of driving by saying "I should eat there one day". Our waiter was friendly but not as attentive as a waiter should be. Their lemonade tasted like powder mix. We asked for bread and butter. Their honey butter is amazing but the bread they serve wasn't great. I'm not a fan of sesame seeds and would have liked to have a different type of bread. We ordered the buffalo shrimp for our appetizer. The shrimp was good and the blue cheese dressing was delicious. My husband ordered their salad with meat (London broil). I ordered the London broil dinner that came with meat, baked potato and grilled veggies. The wine sauce lacked flavor and I actually dipped my meat in my toddler's barbecue sauce (we ordered him chicken tenders). They served me huge pieces of grilled carrots and I was very disappointed with the carrot pieces. The meat was over cooked and I was very disappointed being that I expected the meat to be the star of the dish. Baked potato was good, I think it's hard to mess up a baked potato. We ordered the chocolate cake (average) and bread pudding. The bread pudding was undercooked and lacked sweetness. I would come back and see if their ribs and burgers are any good. I would not order their London broil again.
(2)
Jeffrey K.

Went here with a group of friends after wandering around the taste of Polonia fest. It's got an old school supper club vibe with a menu to match. No complaints, the food was solid.
(4)
Alana L.

Gale Street in is a very classy place the food is superb the atmosphere is great and the staff is good too. Been going here for years and when someone says let's eat at Gale St. I get a bit excited. Haven't been there in a few years now and I'm having withdrawals, it's high time I eat there again STAT. If they still have the honey butter that goes with their warm yummy bread I will be one happy camper, or diner in this case. If you haven't been GO you must try the STEAKS and RIBS! Don't take my word for it go find out for yourself it's worth the money!
(5)
Michael S.

Took the Metra train from Arlington Heights last Friday night to Jefferson Park and walked across the street to Gale Street Inn. Best ribs in Chicago land with meat falling off the bone. The owner, George, came by our table and made sure we were OK! We will be back soon!
(5)
Ryan F.

We try to go here as often as possible. The staff is really friendly. Occasionally, there is a wait, but it goes faster than the time they give you. There is a nice bar to pass the time. The inside is very cozy and welcoming with a neighborhood feel. Gale Street has the best ribs in Chicago. I can see why they have been going for over 50 years!
(5)
Carla G.

Best ribs out there! The sauce is so sweet & they fall off the bone (literally)! We came here for my grandma's birthday and had such a nice time. Our server was friendly and was attentative. I ordered the chicken tomatillo soup (delicious with a little kick) and half rack of ribs (saucy and sweet) with a side of french fries (standard)- all for $16.95 which I would say is worth the price. I also tried some of the London broil and chicken, both very flavorful. Everyone enjoyed their meal without any complaints- overall a very successful dining experience. Also, the live music is a great touch! I would definitely come back here.
(5)
Aaron K.

Great food, great drinks, and a great place to come hang out. JJ was our server and he couldn't have been better. Ribs are amazing!!
(5)
Beebe G.

i haven't been at gale street for quite some time. so much time that i recognized the new decor, nice! we were here for a birthday dinner for my daughter. her sister, my younger daughter rebecca joined us too. we started with deliciously made apps of fried calimari and stuffed mushrooms. jessica ordered a bottle of cab sav, good choice. i had ribs and shrimp with twice backed potatoe. chris had a full rack, bec had porkapallooza and jessica the salmon. we all enjoyed our dinner. our server david was fantastic and attentive with perfect timing. i would highly recommend gale street for a special occasion dinner or if you want to treat yourself to a glorious meal b/c you feel you deserve it.
(4)
PJ J.

Thanks GSI!! This is another place that makes real Chicago a great place to be. Everything here was executed well. I really enjoyed good, down to earth service and the crowd was a great mix of Chicagoans. Ribs are good, and yes believe the hype ...I think they are really something special -very comforting. Good sauce/flavor/texture. I had baked clams...clearly the best I've had yet. Chicken Tomatillo soup was like a soup you'd pay $20 bucks for at Frontera...very good. Honey butter with hot bread was a treat. Even the sautÃ©ed spinach was a knock out! very garlicky, well seasoned -and not at all greasy. I will be back for more ribs and the London Broil.
(4)
Mike S.

Best ribs ever. I've been around the city, and no one can compare. Time after time, year after year, they have not let me down on the tenderness or taste of the ribs. Great for a family dinner or a nice quiet night out with the wife. Don't fill up on the honey buttered bread...it's too good to stop eating.
(5)
Kelly M.

-Bartender is GREAT! (he'll make any of my custom requests) -Servers are awesome (I have lots of questions and special requests and they take care of me easily - and with a smile!) -food is good! -live music! Monday, Wed., Thurs. and Friday (jazz) -ribs:
(4)
Monique B.

Never actually got a chance to try their food because I couldn't get their staff (Jill, I believe is her name) to actually send me a menu (that she said she would send at least twice-with the latest being today when she told me she was looking right at it and after huffing and puffing would send it 'right now') so I could plan my wedding rehearsal dinner there. She seemed disappointed and annoyed by my request when I couldn't guarantee her a guest list of at least 20. Can I at least see the banquet menu so I can make an informed choice and try to stay within budget...maybe I'll pay for twenty people if it makes a difference, you never know. But at least be kind about it. Of all the places I expected to be treated so rudely in the planning our our wedding, it certainly wouldn't be for the rehearsal dinner. All I need to see is the menu, or at least know if there are other options other than the online menu when it comes to pre-ordering for a large party. And yes...15 with one person paying for it can be outrageous if everyone orders a full meal off the online menu. Nevertheless we won't entertain our wedding party there or refer it to other patrons who get married near by.
(1)
Melanie S.

Not quite my kind of place. I was meeting a relative for dinner to celebrate her recent engagement (Her 5th. Seriously) and she chose Gale Street Inn as it was about halfway between us. I'd been there once before and never saw a reason to go back, and now I remember why. Gale Street Inn reminds me of those banquet halls where bar mitzvahs and weddings were held in the 70s. They even have a "band" playing live music. The older gentleman playing the Casio was a dead ringer for my Uncle Irving. My first clue that this place caters to, shall we say, an older crowd, was that at 6:15 the parking lot was completely full. It's a good size parking lot, and the fact that there wasn't one space to be had could only mean one thing - that it was a senior citizen dining destination. Who else eats this early? The food is reminiscent of banquet fare. It's bland and everything is overcooked, like it's been boiled to within an inch of its life. I just picked at my food and couldn't help but silently lament the money I was wasting eating this mediocrity. My aunt ordered a salad as she's got to fit into her wedding dress and needs to maintain her girlish figure. I wished I'd gotten a salad as well as it looked fresh and plentiful. I will say the staff was extremely friendly and our server was very attentive, which was appreciated. He didn't seem to mind that we were camped out for a couple of hours on a very busy night. While Gale Street Inn isn't my cup of tea, I suppose I can understand the appeal, but next time I meet my family's version of Elizabeth Taylor for dinner, I think I will select the restaurant. 2.5 stars.
(2)
Sithfredo R.

Service is phenomenal. This is a quintessential Chicago Restaurant and should be included in all the city's visitor's "To Do Lists" . Ribs are 5 Star!
(5)
Matthew B.

Went to Chicago for the weekend and ended up in a Rib Joint. What kinda fool leaves Memphis and gets ribs in another city? Me, I guess........and I wasn't disappointed. Let's get something straight right now----They aren't Barbecue Ribs, and they don't pretend to be Barbecue Ribs. I did have a hard time figuring out their cooking method, as the texture was very similar to Barbecue. I came to find out that the ribs are par-boiled first, then finished in the char-griller. The ribs get a glaze of BBQ sauce at the end, and are served. While I'm normally not a fan of boiling ribs (some of the flavor gets thrown out in the water), Gale Street has a cooking method that has held up over time. Contrary to some of the reviews here, the ribs don't "fall off the bone". They aren't that mushy. They are perfectly tender with a little outside crust, and the meat pulls from the bone cleanly. Everything that I had was very good----crab cakes, garlic mashed potatoes, a bite of the London Broil, and the Spinach Artichoke Dip. This place is welcoming, and very Chicago. The bar has regulars, as does the dining room. If I lived in the neighborhood, they'd know me. If you're visiting Chicago, they're right across the street from the Jeff Park Stop of the Blue Line. Very convenient to get here, and the food is worth the trip.
(4)
Jeff G.

This was my first stop after getting off at the Jefferson Park Metra station. Its right across the street so its just a quick walk. I did not try their famous ribs, but I did have a small appetizer. The shrimp and Andouille sausage skewers were good, and everything smelled excellent. This was my first stop for the "Meet the Brewer" bus tour during Chicago Craft Beer Week, so naturally I had to try a couple from Tighthead brewing and both were excellent. There were two guys playing guitar and the live act was very, very good. The people were a lot of fun and a lady shared a slice of her turtle cake with me so my blood sugar went off the rails :) I look forward to stopping in again later this summer.
(4)
Jose B.

Obviously it has the best ribs in the city. The wait isn't too bad even on the weekends. Their appetizers are pretty good too. Took my family and my wifes family here to announce our engagement. The food definitely helped! It's a staple in Jeff park!
(5)
R S.

Always leery of establishments self-proclaiming theirs is the "best ribs in town". However the distinction is indeed true as their baby back ribs is indeed one of the best in the city. In addition, they have an excellent selection of craft beers along with domestics and imports to satisfy a beer hound as myself. The waitress was extremely pleasant and helpful. Gale Street Inn, nestled in the Jefferson Park Area is truly a gem whose decor and ambiance truly compliments the food and service.
(5)
ChiTown M.

This is my go-to place. The remodel really updated things. The live entertainment is always good and non-intrusive. The food is delicious. The best asset this restaurant has is the people. The staff is Ã¼ber friendly and super efficient. They truly make you feel at home. I love this place. Yummy!
(5)
Nats A.

Everybody I know raves about Gale Street and their "their fall of the bone ribs". So of course, I was dying to try this place. I made reservations one Saturday for a party of 6, and specifically asked to be seated at a round table so it would be easier to chit chat. When we arrived the manager said he did not have a round table for us at first, but then excused his mistake and found us a round table in the private room, which was perfect! Needless to say I ordered the "fall off the bone ribs", and they WERE fall off the bone. The ribs were extremely tender. You didn't even need to use your hands, the meat came off easily with a fork. However, the reason I provided a three star rating after a great experience is because the bbq was just not quite up to par with the ribs, and I always compare ribs to Smoque BBQ in Chicago. Nothing has quite matched up to them yet. On the other-hand, one person in my party had the steak sandwich. She said it was by far THE BEST steak sandwich she has had. Service was okay. Our server had an accent so at times it was hard to hear what he was saying.
(3)
Ebony R.

I'm not one to eat ribs in public but these are exquisitely prepared finger-free. Each time I go, I can't see past the ribs to get to what else is on the menu.
(4)
Raymond W.

Great place to go with the kids. The magician is fantastic. Great food and atmosphere! Very, very friendly staff.
(4)
L R.

The ribs here are just awful. What kind of place boils there meat to mush. I understand its an old school joint, but really when you feel like your in an episode of Growing up Gotti then u know its for you.
(1)
Nona Gayle D.

Chicken Tomatillo Soup! Let me tell you, I've never had this soup before but I bet this is exactly what delicious tastes like! The ribs speak for themselves ... but if I had to describe them in 5 words... FALL OFF THE BONE YUMMY. Our server JJ was attentive, hilarious, and I'm pretty sure when we left the restaurant we were best friends. The prices are more than reasonable for 17 bucks you can get a side, soup or salad, and a half slab of ribs. It's more than enough for me. This place is so close to my house I'm embarrassed I haven't been here more. They also have a full bar (I can just tell they probably make a great old fashioned) Go here ask for JJ and tell him Nona sent you =)
(4)
Susan P.

Holy ribs! Fantastic bbq, pulled pork, wine selection. Staff was incredibly friendly. Came for an event hosted by Chicago Gateway Green and will definitely be returning.
(4)
Tess C.

Loved it. Our new favorite place. Best ribs in Chicago. Best service we have had in a long time.
(5)
Christine S.

When a huge snow storm hits your area, but you still want to go out to eat because you feel trapped in your house what do you do?? Go somewhere you can walk to!!! GSI is a block away and I thanked my lucky stars for that when the 2011 Blizzard hit. Gale Street only had a limited menu during the snow storm but that was because a lot of staff members couldn't make it to work (I totally get it... I could barely walk a block to get here, there was sooooooo much snow). They did have their staple on the menu (ribs) so I went with it and had a 1/2 slab of ribs with grilled veggies and boy did they hit a home-run with it. Gale Street has an "Old Chicago" feel... So if that's what you're looking for, come here. GSI, thank you for allowing me to get out of the house during Snowmagedan when NO other restaurants in the area were open.
(5)
Brett F.

Gale Street Inn Official Rating ------------------------------------------ Food = 5 stars Service = 1.5 stars Ambiance = 2 stars "I'm surrounded by morons..." Best line of the night spoken straight from a member of my group while dining at Gale Street and certainly the most true! The staff here is downright ditzy, think (if you must) Paris Hilton style. From a lengthy and mentally painful mix up stemming from us requesting the bill to be split between two credit cards, to questions regarding the menu answered in the most quizzical and convoluted way, to the bartender's inability to distinguish a wine menu from a dinner one... wow, calling Larry David, this experience could not have been scripted any better for 'Curb' had he written it himself! youtube.com/watch?v=UsRJâ€¦ Ok, maybe not that bad YouTube, but certainly terribly trying to say the least. If you can get past the boring drop ceiling, dated decor, tragically uncool interiors and positively horrendous service, shockingly you're actually in store for some pretty tasty food. Gale Street Inn does bbq right and ribs even better! Who knew? While I was certainly missing some of my bbq standby favorites (no brisket, mac 'n cheese, bbq beans or cornbread on the menu), the full rack of tangy, fall-off-the-bone, meat-a-palooza ribs were absolutely divine and Gale's crispy, roasted, slathered in that lusciously spicy bbq sauce 1/2 chicken also came packin' the moist, tender, scrumptious goods. Positively no protein complaints from me, no Sir. I'd down those baby back, baby back, baby back's any night of the week and twice on Sunday! Sounds like a recipe for takeout ONLY if I've ever heard one. While the bbq sure is finger-lickin-good, the service is mental-midget-madness. C- Gale Street... much to be improved on.
(3)
Happy G.

Ribs are excellent. Owner is always on site and is always friendly. Double baked potatoes are great.
(5)
Jim J.

The wait wasn't bad for a Saturday night. The waiter was very efficient. Started off with fried calamari which was very Tasty, some of the best I've had. The ribs were fantastic and the king crab legs were great. Hadn't been here in a long time, but now it will be on my regular list.
(5)
Larry J.

Good Ribs - first time I have ever seen a surf and turf with ribs and lobster. The tomatillo soup was very good! Crawfish Mac and Cheese was also a good appetizer. Food is 5 stars. Service is 3 stars - so average 4. It was almost 10pm and the waitress was not friendly and minor things like we had to ask for silverware when food came, never refilled waters, only asked about another drink after dinner was over, no thank you for paying bill or 20% tip.
(4)
Paul C.

I love this place. Can't recommend it enough. Every time I go, the food is perfect.
(5)
Dwyer W.

Hollow. Zero intrinsic value. A "Bennigans" under a different name. Only Bennigan's was better. Overpriced touristy-yuppy. Strictly external look appeal. Every time I am with someone at the Jefferson Park L-station, they always are glad to remind themselves in a Chicago-cognizance type of way, that the Gale Street Inn is located precisely there. And they don't even know why they are happy to see it. Were they having a special on sex or something the last time? No one knows why the interest in the place. No one can tell me. Well, the value of this review is to tell you that there is none. Nothing there for you. Only a ticket to guaranteed sheep-dom if you line up as one of the sheeple who wait to get in, as if it were a concert venue or something. They are nothing, those. The also-heards without a cause. My experience there: I arranged to meet a woman there for the first time, after communications on a dating site. Thought the place looks decent and nice enough to where anyone would feel glad to be going to such a venue. And that is apparently the same thing that registers as the appeal of it with those who flock to it with minds a quarter of an inch deep. So I picked that due to its being near the L station. I arrived a sufficient number of minutes prior to the meeting time. I imparted to the tall manly-looking German-ish woman at the front desk that I would like a table near the entrance to make it easier to meet a first date. The manly woman, either a manager or a proprietess, showed a chip on her shoulder about this from the very start. Pursed lips, a subdued look that wants to kill, but has to refrain... and all that. Weird, that. But never mind, I can't change things now, since I was already there, my date was minutes away, and it was also cold outside at the time. So I took a good table at the front by the window. My date arrived. Mutual recognition happened. Sat with me. Chatted. Inevitably, time came when every woman needs to go to the bathroom. My date got up to do that. The manly-looking tall Germanic-looking woman followed her into the women's room. There the manly woman proceeded to tell my date the following things: -All men from online are no good! What's the matter with you! You didn't know! -Men are no good! -All men from online dating services in general are no good! -Men are a dangerous sex. -One must be a fool to meet a man! -YOU are being foolish! -OMG, I never saw such stupidity in a woman, I am here to tell you to protect you. -Pretend you got an emergency phone call and leave him there immediately! Thank goodness for instant rapport. My date and I had it. That's how she was able to report the above to me, and that is how I came to benefit you in turn. If anyone ever mentions Gale Street Inn to you, challenge them as to what there is that would be considered positive or attractive about it. When I was there they had a good waiter who followed my instruction to cut the three-mini-sandwitches plate each in half, so as to create a finger snack plate out of it, before my date and I decide what to really order. A good waiter. In a place that has a man-hating woman in a high rank. Which cancels out which?
(1)
Liz P.

Amazing ribs. Will always get them every time I come in. Staff is always nice as well. Cannot wait to come back!
(5)
Rob W.

My brothers and I went here to celebrate my birthday. None of the three of us had ever been here and given that the place is somewhat of a Chicago "institution", we were looking forward to it. Overall, a really good experience. We ordered blackened beef toast points - three for $11 was a little pricey, but it was good. For dinner my brothers both opted for a rack of ribs while I chose to go with the Porkapalooza which included some ribs, pulled pork and jambalaya. It was a Monday, so the full racks were $5 off. We were all pretty satisfied with the meal. Service was good too. Busy place on a Monday, though I'm told a holiday party contributed to that. Glad we picked this spot - overall the value was OK and the food was good. Thumbs up!
(4)
Stacey B.

What a great place to have around the corner.......great food, and friendly staff! Never disappoints..........
(4)
Annmarie G.

Here's what to get: Ribs with potatoes twice-baked. Do it! You won't regret it. Best ribs I have ever had, and the potatoes are out of this world.
(5)
Lynelle O.

Everything is delicious there! The ribs, jambalaya, tomatillo soup, & especially the bread pudding dessert. Even the butter for the bread was sweet and tasty. The place was great and our waiter Jose was excellent. We will definitely be coming back again!
(5)
Andrea R.

Shanna and Larry were awesome!!! First time in and will definitely be back. Delicious food and great wine list. great place to relax any day of the week. Can't wait to come back.
(5)
Brenda M.

Yummy ribs, service was a bit lacking. Good old school vibe!
(4)
Patrick L.

I had been here years ago with a friend, before I really knew my way around Chicago. I had forgotten about it until recently, even though I don't really live to far from it! The ribs are great. They give you the wet towel to clean up with but you don't even need it because the meat just falls off the bone. A quick little move with your fork & it's on the way to your mouth!! While I love the ribs, i also got the chicken this time. It wasn't bad or anything but clearly the ribs are their thing so if nothing else, get one of the combos that way you can try the ribs & something else. Oh & dessert too! Get dessert!!! It's right off the Jefferson stop of the Blue line or the express way so getting there is a breeze. Downside, they only offered reservations for parties of 6 or more. Luckily, we didn't have to wait, that just made me a little nervous & so we had & always will have a backup place in mind when going here.
(4)
David S.

We eat here every year on our annual pilgrimage to Chicago and the Gift theater. My wife loves the ribs. I get the London Broil. They have a Gluten Free menu. There is a fine bar if you need to wait. However, they seem to only have Guinness on tap around St. Pat's day, a slight demerit. The wait staff is great. NOTE: They only take reservations for parties of 6 or more.
(5)
Kathleen C.

I'm somewhat torn on a rating for Gale Street Inn because there are so many positives. However, I think I'm netting out on a 3.... Pros: - Really friendly service - Tasty BBQ - Large enough menu to make everyone happy but not so extensive that it's overwhelming Less than pros: - Very bright...for a weekend dinner at 7:30/8pm, I was surprised at how bright the lighting was. I'm not sure if this is typical or just the room we were in, but I would love a bit more atmosphere at night. - BBQ was good - very good - not the best, but very good. I liked the amount of meat on the sandwich - it wasn't dry, very moist and flavorful. I think the sauce was good, though not vastly different than others. - No reservations So, I would go back perhaps, but not necessarily seek it out for a special trip.
(3)
Vanessa V.

I've been coming here for 20 years! A classic neighborhood favorite. I love everything on the menu but you have to do ribs when coming here! Staff is great! My husband got a balloon & free sundae on his bday! Lol
(5)
Kristin R.

We try to go here on special occasions and also Wednesdays are BYOB! It's a little on the pricier side but it's worth it for the ribs. It gets ridiculously busy so always put in a reservation ahead of time or else you might end up waiting a while. I've always ordered the half rack of ribs here, which you can't really go wrong with. The servers are nice, the food just takes a little bit longer sometimes and the service is ok, but not memorable. Parking can be difficult here since it gets really busy, but we sometimes try to find street parking which is easier to find. It gets pretty dark inside and the decor is old school, but they've been here for a long time, which makes it a great go to for someone who is visiting from out of town.
(4)
Hawon J.

Oh how I love this place My go to menu is raw on half shell oyster and rib with fried shrimp. Oh how I love this place. their rib is one of the best. They are so soft, falls off from bone, juicy, and flavorful. All the workers are friendly, casual atmosphere, TVs available in the bar, and family & large group friendly. It is definitely my favorite Jefferson Park restaurant.
(5)
Mary R.

We celebrated my mom's 80th birthday at the Gale Street Inn last night, and have not stopped talking about what a wonderful evening we had there! Our table was ready and waiting for us and our waitress Denise B, made our night enjoyable from beginning to end - from giving the birthday girl lots of attention to listening to our son on the autistic spectrum and assisting with making his dinner perfect (he is picky!) she was the icing on the cake. The food was fantastic....seven entrees and seven empty plates at the end of the meal...but we all still had room for dessert...and all dug in to share the goodies. We are looking forward to returning to the Gale Street Inn....go and have the ribs!
(5)
Simone T.

After years of eating here, Gale Street remains a consistently great place for lunch and dinner. Great soups (French Onion and Tomatillo are two daily offerings along with an additional soup of the day) and the appetizers are substantial (stuffed mushrooms & fried calamari are delicious). The ribs, of course, are great, but other entrees are wonderful too: some examples include panko breaded & fried butterfly shrimps, pork chop(s) with mashed potatoes & peas, baked chicken, and an incredible jambalaya - yes, jambalaya! Good burger too. Good sweet potato fries, onion rings...the works. Great restaurant with full bar...
(5)
C C.

Have been there many times over the years. Recent visit was wonderful like most all the other times I dined there. I like ribs every now and again and this is the only place I seem to get them from because I love their sauce. For me, the sauce is what determines if I like the ribs outside the tenderness of the meat. Nine out of ten times I've dined here they are very moist and such a delicious treat. Every blue moon they come out too fatty, I show them to the server and send them back. They happily bring out a fresh batch to my liking and I appreciate that. The staff are eager, kind and happy to be there. I typically enjoy a baked potato with my ribs and a salad so there isn't too much to review as both are also good. If you are in the mood for some delicious fall off the bone ribs then this is the place to visit. Monday nights are a good night as the rib dinner is a few bucks off. Keep up the good work Gale Street Inn.
(5)
Anna D.

The food is good, one of my favorite rib places in the city. The chicken, crab cake, and their side dishes I can recommend. I want to give them credit for serving delicious food. My only negative is that the place is too dark and too loud - the ambience is just not for me, but this is a matter of preference.
(4)
Tang I.

The convenience of hopping the blue line from Logan Square to the Jeff Park stop and getting some damn good ribs, that's why I love this place. Definitely make reservations. It'd been a while since I've had the ribs at this well respected NW side spot.. and during that time I've come to enjoy Smalls, Twin Anchor, and Smoque. I'm not going to rank which one is the best, but I will say Gale Street Inn ribs is on the same level as those places. Soft, juicy, and a nice sweet sauce. I highly reccomend the chicken Tomatillo soup too! I'm serious when I say being able to hop the train from where I live and moments later sit down for ribs makes this a 5 star place for me personally.
(5)
Diana L.

I wanted the food to be good after everything I read here, but it's too expensive for the quality of the food and service. I did not enjoy my dinner and I will not be returning
(2)
Luis J E.

I'm a rib lover and this here is my new spot. Sorry Lwood I needed a closer place to get my rib fix. Everything was cooked and seasoned perfectly. Wife is in love with the shrimp and arugula salad. Enjoyed their crab cakes. Good meat to bread ratio. They have really good fresh house bread. Will come back to try the crawfish Mac and cheese.
(5)
Alison H.

I have so many memories that involve Gale Street Inn. One of my first dates with my husband was here nearly 12 years ago, and food and service are still amazing. This place has a classy, yet friendly neighborhood atmosphere, with high quality unpretentious food. While I've enjoyed just about everything I've tried off their menu, my favorite dishes are the ribs, the jambalaya, and the chicken tomatillo soup. Whether for a romantic date night, or a quick dinner at the bar, this is one of the best restaurants on the NW side. If you want a meal full of top-notch comfort food served by a genuine and gracious staff Gale Street Inn is the place to be.
(5)
Steve D.

Let's be clear about one thing from the outset: the ribs aren't BBQ. BBQ is smoked, a tiny bit chewy, and meaty. These are slow-cooked, fall off the bone, and soft. They are absolutely delicious, but not BBQ. Now that we got that out of the way, Gale Street is the only restaurant in the area you'd feel good about telling an out-of-towner about if they are looking for a casual but nice restaurant. Everyone, including me, will recommend the ribs, but the other cuts of meat are delicious, and the jambalaya is outstanding as well. Even the (honey) butter is good. They recently renovated, which really opens up the space and made the bar area a nice option to have a martini. One of the few restaurants anywhere in the city that still does the "sympathetic bartender" thing where you can sit down, order a manhattan, and tell Lou or Boney Bob about your troubles while jazz plays in the background. I took my wife here on our first date well over a decade ago, and we still go when our diets allow. The gold standard for Jefferson Park.
(5)
Matthew L.

This review is mostly going to address this as a "family-friendly" restaurant, as, for me, most of it's appeal came from my experience with bringing my kids here. First, they have pretty good, if unspectacular food for a fair price - on food alone, I'd give it three stars, and recommend it as a solid place to eat a decent meal if you're in this neighborhood. For us the location is a fair compromise between our house and my in-laws on the North Shore. The ribs looked good (I don't know about "the Best in Chicago") and I got the fish of the day which was much better than I would have expected - a Hawaiian Ono. The reason l loved this place was how Family Friendly it is on Sunday evenings. First, the manager, the hostess, the waiters and waitresses - they all went out of their way to talk to and treat my 3-year-old son like he was another person at the table - not an add-on (which most places do). They took his order, from him, etc. Second, your kid is going to get a free Sundae. Amazing? Hardly, but it's a nice touch, and the way that the staff got my son excited about it made him that much happier to be there, and, consequently, our meal much easier. Third, and this is going to sound extremely cheesy, but it was great, they had a magician that night who stopped at our table and did a good 8-10 minutes of slight of hand tricks for my son, leaving with a balloon animal. It was my son's first experience with a magician, and the look of awe and joy on his face was something I'll probably remember for a very long time. The term "family restaurant" is one I often use derogatorily, but not in this case. It's friendly, casual, and welcoming. They welcome and cater to kids without being Chuck E. Cheese. The quality of food is a cut above most places you'd feel comfortable taking a 2 or 3 year old to (diners, anyone?). In short, they went out of their way to give my son a fun experience, which, if you've ever eaten out with small children, you know is key to making YOUR experience enjoyable as well. Oh - the Bread Pudding was legitimately great.
(4)
Kimberly A.

It's really more 4.5 stars. My friends took me out to dinner here on my birthday for the first time and i was in a food coma by the time i left. The place is huge! Although we were seated towards the back of the restaurant; when you walk in, there is a huge open bar area which seems like a nice place to just hang out. The atmosphere is very casual and the waitstaff were very friendly as we were greeted enthusiastically while entering and leaving. We ordered baked clams as a starter, and although it was good, there was just too much cheese on it for my liking which i thought took away from the taste of the (tiny) clams. I had the chicken tomatillo soup as well which i really liked. Very tangy with a little bit of a kick. The tortilla chips were a nice crunchy surprise to find while working my way through it. The RIBS! Oh my THE RIBS!! I can see why everyone recommends that you try their ribs. I split a full rack, but still could not finish it all. It was literally falling off the bone as it was transferred to my plate. Very moist (I hate that word but have to use it in this case:P) and tender. Even the next day as a leftover, they were still so soft and dare i say, tasted even better. Potatoes slathered in cheese? Yes please! the Au Gratin potatoes were so yummy! Heck, I'll take anything covered in cheese (excluding the baked clams of course). Dessert?? Like you should even ask! The turtle pie-ooh my mouth's watering now-delicious! From the pralines,to the filling that tasted like ice cream down to the chocolate crust was pure heaven! I cannot forget their bread... or more specifically their honey butter that came with the bread. Reminded me of when i was younger and i used to mix sugar and butter together and just eat it (yes, i was a fatty even then). The waiter was super nice too. He even gave us some to-go containers with their butter. They have a parking lot and lots of street parking. OK, enough of this really long review. Final review--Yes, I will definitely come back here again!
(4)
joe r.

Really my favorite place not sure I wanted to do this review because I don't want to wait to eat more than I have to now.
(5)
Philip S.

After all these years, I should probably just say Thank You. People have been coming here for their ribs for years. I personally like the jumbalaya, steak sandwich, chopped salad and letting the bartenders feed me drinks. Mondays are great for live music. You can find my wife and I sitting at the bar almost exclusively, especially if the Blackhawks are on the tube. Go more than once and you'll find yourself becoming a member of the family. Might just swing over there tonight after having written this. Cheers!
(5)
Mallory V.

I've been here a few times and never had a bad experience. It is definitely one of the nicer restaurants in the area, and the food is excellent. My roommates and I visited last night because we wanted to try out the Monday Nights Rib Special with Live Jazz ($19 for full rack... [STEAL!!!]). I had noticed it on the menu last time I had eaten there and had been waiting to try it out for months. The ribs were GREAT. Very tender. I highly suggest getting the Au Gratin potatoes as a side; my parents previously lived in the neighborhood for about 15 years and claim that the potatoes, ribs, and jambalaya have always been the Gale Street Inn's specialties. However, be warned- if you go on the weekends, they do not start making the potatoes until late afternoon (learned this the hard way a few months ago when we went for lunch on a Saturday afternoon). Service is good; the honey butter you receive with the table bread is amazing. I give 4 stars because last night, to our disappointment, there was no live music accompanying the Monday night rib special. We asked our waitress about it and she said the band hadn't been in all summer, but would probably start up again mid-September. Understandable, but the website and menu were advertising live music. SO, while it wasn't the end of the world, it was a little disappointing. I would suggest updating the menu or at least the website. However, I won't let that keep me away. I will definitely be back this fall! Everything here is very good. Free parking, unless the lot is full. Street parking is $1.75/hr on Milwaukee.
(4)
M M.

I was here for a baby shower. As a vegetarian, they were very accommodating to me. I had grilled vegetables served over wild rice which was actually very tasty. Service was good for a large party. Also, enjoyed the side salad because it had broccoli and kale in it, which was a nice, healthy surprise.
(4)
Pat C.

Here I go again giving 5 stars. Ok Gale Street Inn has great food hands down. so they deserve the 5 stars. The abidance is great, very romantic also for a date night. they also have a banquet room you can use. usually I stop in twice a month after lodge meeting with the guys for a few drinks. I recommend Gale street inn if you love ribs, they have the best ribs in Chicago hands down. They are very clean which is important and the staff is very nice and the service has always been good every time I have been here. Now I want ribs :)
(5)
Erick R.

As good as the ribs are, I cannot pass on the Jambalaya. My favorite Jambalaya in the city used to be Heaven on Seven, but I swear they've changed their recipe. This is now my favorite. They also have a halfway-decent beer selection.
(5)
Rico T.

Almost five stars, but not quite. Great looking place. Very welcoming staff without the pretension. The floor plan was pretty awesome. A big bar area with table highboys up front & more formal dining room in back. I was treated like I've been going there for years, even though it was my first time. The food was excellent. Shrimp po'boy with fries (more like deep fried crack sticks) with a side of decent French onion soup. Something about that po'boy stood out....not exactly sure what it was. I'm happy that my friend suggested this place, even though he got way too drunk & I turned into the designated driver..... GOOD TIMES
(4)
raul z.

We flew to Chicago to spend Christmas with the in-laws. As we used to live in Chi-town, we decided to get together with friends at this well recommended place on our last night. Close to the Jefferson Park L-stop (almost across the street), is very accessible by train or bus with a little problem with parking if you drive over. However, it is a great place once you get in. The bar area is very nice and comfy. There was a jazz band playing great hits and the bartenders were friendly and made great mix-drinks at a very reasonable (price) compared to New York standards. (Ok... I give you the lowdown... in NYC we pay $40 bucks with two drinks, not including tip but in Chicago, we bought a round of drink for 8 people and only cost $53 with tip!) We had to wait a little for our table to be ready however we did not care as it gave us a chance to enjoy the band and drinks. The table was ready shortly thereafter. As we looked at the menu, we realized we were there for the "Monday Rib Special" which is a full-slab of ribs for $18 with one side dish. The main dining area has tables spread out which made it nice for a nice conversation. The decor is a little dark but it is ok. I would do a little revamping of the decor as it is getting a little worn out. Our server was great and friendly. Always making sure everyone was having a good time. We order two bottles of red wine and took our meal orders. I had to order the Monday nighty special with the french fries. My friend ordered the fish special of the day which was a trout with spinach and vegetables. The ribs were delicious! The meat fell off the bone and it was very tasty. The fries were very crispy. The side dish was quite small and I wish I had more fries. The fist was very tasty and delicious too. For dessert, I ordered the chocolate mousse. While it was delicious, it was too sweet and could only eat a bit of it. It also tasted too generic but did not stop me from easting some of it. Everyone had doggie bags to go home afterwards. This is a place I will recommend for the food, ambiance and service. Just a little re-vamping of the decor will make this place even better!
(4)
Laura B.

My boyfriend and I came here for his birthday on Sunday. We had both been here before so we knew what to expect. Our waiter was very nice. We split the full rack of ribs and each got our own side - he had garlic mashed potatoes and I had the potatoes au gratin. I also had the house salad with creamy garlic dressing - so tasty! They put broccoli and kale in the salad that, which you normally wouldn't get in a house salad anywhere else. After dinner, they brought my boyfriend a small ice cream sundae and a green mylar balloon, which we thought was very sweet. They were out of the two beers I wanted to try, which were still listed on the menu, otherwise they would have received five stars. But, kudos to them for listing an amazing beer selection.
(4)
Mick S.

Great ribs, very cool atmosphere, friendly - helpful staff. Definitely a step up from Carsons. Fall off the bone style. Very solid meal. Not really a foodie kinda place, but real solid american style food / drinks.
(4)
Jacob J.

Gale street has some crazy event going on now called RibStock and currently their half slab special is on sale for $11.95, full for $17.95 these are special prices during the entire month. Ribs come with soup or salad and a side dish. I've had the half slab now two days in a row! Crazy isn't it, those succulent tasty ribs just call out to me. For those thinking they can share the experience of a slab with a friend; there is a charge for sharing which means that instead of paying the low sale price, the cost gets bumped to the old full slab charge of $22.95. During this event they have been playing older classic rock music and management is wearing tie dye rainbow colored shirts and glasses. Adding to their theme one could order a vodka cocktail by the name of "bong water" and Miller high life bottles are reduced. If you haven't yet tasted their ribs, now is the time! $11.95 for the half and the sides is a great price. Another reviewer commented on her experience due to her skin color and looks she got from the staff. There are times I've been here and all customers were White and I received weird looks all around. And then there were times when I dined and almost every other table had people of all colors. It really depends on the day. I'm sure most of their regulars are used to not seeing new faces and some people are just plain rude so they gawk. Don't take it personally. Everybody likes ribs.
(5)
Ivanka B.

Was only here to enjoy a cocktail before a show at Copernicus Center - loved the dark wood bar and classy old-school service. Can't wait to try their food!
(3)
J T.

Yummm!! We went there a few weeks ago and this was our first visit. The service was amazing and the food was delicious! I had bbq ribs that were so tender that I didn't even need a knife!! Very very good! If you go before 5:30pm they have an early bird special....check it out! Can't wait to go back!
(5)
Robert C.

OK, had the Gale St. half rack of ribs with jamalaya last night. Awsome! Took no prisoners home. BTW, they really toned down the heat (spice) in their jambalaya. First time I had it there (about a year or two ago when they first put it on the menu) it was so damned hot you could barely taste the file powder or other flavors. I complained to the chef that in Louisiana the gumbo and jamalaya is not overly hot. In fact, it's not hot at all but really flavorful. They put out Louisiana Hot Sauce and/or Slap Ya Mama cajun seasoning if you want to kick it up a notch or three. Looks like Gale St. took my (and probably other customer's) advice. Really, that stuff used to be inedible!! Good job. Let the andouille sausage do the spice heavy lifting and not get in the way of the other dee-lish flavors!
(5)
Jim C.

The Manager Brad left a fully packed restaurant on a Saturday night to come help me jump start my car that had a dead battery due to the severe winter of 2014. All I can say is WOW! Best Customer Service and Satisfaction ever!
(5)
Jacob G.

The food at Gale Street Inn is very good. I love their ribs. Most of the other things on their menu are delicious as well. Try this place out if you're ever in the area.
(4)
Amaris B.

I love this place! The food is amazing and I'm always satisfied with that aspect. Try the ribs and fried shrimp combo with a double-baked potato, its one of my favorites. I'm more of a side salad person but my friend swears up and down that the tomatillo soup is amazing! "Tastes as though the recipe was stolen from a Mexican," he says. The one thing I do have to complain about is this: About 2 weeks ago I was there having dinner with two friends and it was busy for a Wednesday night. We waited about 10 mins for a table. I noticed the service wasn't as prompt that night which is understandable with it being busy and all. Before appetizers and salads came out our server suddenly changed. For a good portion of the meal all we saw was our food runner. The 2nd server was forgetful and distracted with other things going on in the restaurant. Talking with customers and telling stories, which I usually could care less about as long as I'm getting enough love to finish my meal. It wasn't a loss cause or anything, we ate well and got our check. Come to find out a few days later after reviewing the bank statement, there was a charge for $20 more than the actual amount we wrote down. Our server charged for the regular meal and additional tip then what we specified. Before disputing the charge with the card company I called Gale Street and told them about the issue. The owner called back a day later and saw that the receipt was not for the same amount charged and he claimed the server accidentally typed in the wrong amount. I feel as though this is a huge mistake that shouldn't ever happen "accidentally." It really turned me off, and though the owner was helpful and charged the card back for the amount overcharged, he didn't offer any compensation or even apologize for the mistake. He was more interested in defending the server instead of keeping customers. So this left me asking myself, is the food really good enough to go back and worry that an unauthorized tip amount will be billed to me? I guess time and fall off the bone rib cravings will tell.
(4)
Tracy L.

Monday night blues music, and $18.99 full rack of ribs/a side oooOOh YEAH! The rack of ribs is fall off the bone, me and the bf were trying not to eat the ribs we set aside to take home. They really fill you up with appetizers. Complimentary bread and hummus pieces, and then complimentary bread and honey-butter...plus your side...and your meal. WHOA. It's great! Dessert menu is eh. pass.
(5)
Mary P.

They don't lie....the ribs simply "fall off the bone". A group of 8 friends met at Gale Street Inn (there is parking in the bank parking lot next door) and our service was great. Majority of us had the baby back ribs, a rack please (have to have some to take home for leftovers). One had the jumbalya and another the pulled pork. Everyone agreed their dishes were delicious, especially those of us with the ribs. The waitress kept the drinks coming and the water glasses filled. One Turtle Pie desert was shared by all - there was definitely enough to go around - the piece is HUGE. Ate my leftover ribs the next day and they were just as good! The place gets packed on a Friday night so be sure to make reservations. Enjoy!
(5)
Ralph F.

Great place. Remodeled bar area is very nice. George is the kind of owner you always hope to see - still hanging around and greeting customers (most of them by name), leaves the waitstaff and kitchen alone so they can take care of everything. I've had most everything on the menu by now, so I can say the following with authority: Steaks and seafood are great. Well seasoned and cooked perfectly. Ribs are good - my wife loves them (tender, saucy) but I prefer the results I get off the smoker we have at home. All depends on the type of bbq you like. Staff is great - high class but real. No pretensions here. Good food priced fairly and service with a smile = long lasting success.
(4)
Rod D.

I love Gale street inn. They really know how to make great food. What's nice is they have parking, it's not too far off of the expressway and the food is reasonably priced. I love the ribs and the pulled pork there. Last time my girlfriend and I went, she had the special parmesan crusted talapia and I had the combo pull pork, ribs, jambalaya. SO good! Great family atmosphere, clean and well staffed. I would definitely bring friends and family back soon!
(4)
Dan F.

I went here because a friend said the food was outstanding. I started out by going to the door,they asked if i had a reservation and I said no. They said it would be a wait and acted like I was bothering them,so i said no no problem and went to the bar. When we got seated we had a bad server who was so busy with other tables we barley got any service if that's what you want to call it. I ordered the RIBS because they were suppose to be Incredible. I wasn't that impressed as read on all the other yelp responses. I personally was not that impressed for a place oped for many many years. If the service is bad then The food goes with it.........very expensive ,Poor service and not going back to waste my money or time......there are many other smaller places no wait and cheaper and better food!!!
(2)
Jackie M.

God, this place is tasty. I don't have much to say other than... this place is so damn tasty. A little pricey, it is definitely not fast food. I love the ribs, I love the mashed potatoes (SO MUCH), I love the burgers, I love the soup. It's all so good. I mean... it's just GOOD! What else can I say? I went here on a date once, it was delish. I went here with a friend once, sooo delish. I went here for a business lunch once... again, couldn't be beat. I don't go here much because of the prices but I love treating myself to Gale Street Inn.
(5)
Barry C.

We had brunch here (pork belly and french toast). Both the service and food were great here! It has its own parking lot, which is quite convenient. If we're in the area, we'd definitely stop by again!
(5)
Dan H.

This place has a relaxed ambience it's dark and relaxed. Good place to go with friends or on a date. They have nice bar with a lil jazz playing in the back round just a great vibe. Great place to take the whole family on Sundays. But besides all that its the ribs!! You could eat them with a spoon sides are excellent and with a grey goose gimlet it's all just so perfect. This is the best place for ribs period I can't even try any other meals on the menu because I can't say no to the ribs. Thee staple of Jeff park! If you haven't gone yet go.
(5)
Steve H.

You don't even need to get your hands dirty! These suckers can simply be fork split they are that incredibly tender... YUM! My first time at this restaurant and surely wouldn't be my last. Met up with a buddy of mine for a dinner out and get some work completed. We grabbed one of their larger booths which were spacious to pull out the laptops and eat well at the same time. Our server greeted us and gave us a long, but welcome instruction about the place and its highlights within the menu. Oysters Rockefeller was the appetizer special and was decently prepared. Too many places in the chicagoland area don't know what they are doing with these little suckers, but GSI treats them as if they have an oyster harvesting farm behind their building. All entrees also come with Italian bread with ridiculously sweet honey infused butter and your choice of their soup or salad. I reverted back to my childhood days and chose their everyday cream of tomato soup. My gripe with this is that it should really have been named cream of heaven. This place reveals to you why baby back ribs exist in the first place. If you have been reading my reviews in the past you'd realize why I've been on an eternal search for superb chicagoland ribs. I think my journey has ended as I've found something that was truly meat falling off the bone and perfectly prepared timing. I should've passed on the garlic mashed potatoes on the side and chosen something else that was not so common. The place loses a star with the dessert we were sorta pressured into trying. After believing our waitress was the GSI goddess of food she convinced us to go for the keylime pie. Except it wasn't really keylime at all and tasted alot more like cheesecake with lime flavoring. I will be back but from the time we left I truly don't think my opinion is necessary to keep this place open. The place was completely packed on a Monday evening of all times.
(4)
Rick C.

My go-to rib place. Actually, probably my go-to comfort food place. Honey butter with warm bread Super garlicky dressing for your salad Some of the tastiest, fall off the bone ribs you're going to find Huge, delicious fried shrimp if you're so inclined Potatoes au gratin One of my favs. You will be happy here.
(5)
Lisa M.

I have never been to a place where the left overs are just as good as freshly served! Our waiter Billy was amazing! Full of life and so hilarious. The food was spot on perfect as always. I don't live near GSI but I always make it a point to come here when I'm in the mood for delicious ribs!! I have my 11 year old hooked on this place!!
(5)
Maggie S.

While everyone knows the Gale Street Inn for their fabulous ribs (which are indeed tender & tasty ) there are a few other items are the menu worth trying: the Chicken Tomatillo is soup is flavorful with a kick, the Hummus platter is fresh & delicious and the Potato Skins are some of the best I've ever had--smothered in cheese & dripping with bacon, they are just awesome. Also, don't miss out on their homemade bread & butter--truly delicious. Of course, what really puts Gale Street above every other neighborhood joint is the GREAT service. Jill, Steve, Larry, Victor, Patrick, etc. all do a great job of making you feel welcome & at home. We'd come back once a month for the food, but it's the service that keeps us coming once a week!
(5)
Javier B.

Had I reviewed this restaurant a year ago, it would have been 2, perhaps 3 stars. Dined there yesterday and must say the ambiance has improved dramatically. They clearly renovated the interiors recently and the place has a much different vibe. Feels like a nicer, cleaner place. The tomatillo soup is indeed really tasty. The ribs are also very good. Sunday night is family night and they have a magician/balloon artist going from table to table. The kids loved it. Service was good and attentive. Good beer list. All in all, a very solid dining option for the neighborhood.
(4)
Melissa R.

Best ribs in chicago. Thats all I have to say!
(4)
I L.

Seems like a has-been place. Not horrible, but just a bit aged, (along with the clientele) sort of like someplace frozen in the 80's. Food was ok, not great. Chicago's rib and beef game has been bumped up in the last couple of years, and while this may have had a great heyday, I don't really think it even qualifies as an also-ran. There are much better places for ribs in Chicago. Good parking though. Weird wandering magician.
(2)
Roger B.

I came here on my way to O'Hare due to the Yelp reviews. And I think the Yelpers are spot on; get the ribs! I actually tried the Porkapalooza, which is a sampler of pulled pork, ribs, and jambalaya. And I picked the Black Bean soup. The Black Bean soup was good, but it tasted a bit burnt. I haven't had much jambalaya before, but this was one of the better ones that I've had. The pulled pork and ribs were excellent. Except for one end piece, the ribs were fall of the bone tender; I was able to eat most of the ribs with just a fork. Too bad this place isn't close to me. For the price, the food and service are very good. Note: I think they are doing some remodeling, so the entrance area didn't look too nice, but the dining area looks good, but a bit dated.
(4)
Jessica H.

Went here for a family birthday dinner. The food was great but our waiter was pretty awkward. We had a reservation and still waited about 20 minutes to be seated. Its... meh.
(4)
Jennifer W.

Wish I discovered this place years ago, but I didn't. Went there for the first time last week and was very impressed. Best BBQ ribs - meat actually falls off the bone, and tangy/sweet sauce. But that's not the only reason this place gets give stars. Here's what I like about this place. -Cozy, supper club feel -Awesome (and strong!) martinis -Good service -Affordable prices
(5)
Daniel C.

I wish I could give this place enough stars to bump the rating to 5 overall because this place is unbelievable. Hands down the best ribs I have ever had at a restaurant. The meat just falls off the bone. So tender. Whoever gave this place less then 4 stars must be out of their minds. The service was excellent. We were served by Adriana who was such a delight to have as a server. Normally I go to restaurants and more then half the time I get horrible service from younger waitresses. she seems like she enjoys her job and also seems like she has been doing her work for several years. I've lived in the area for many many years and never have been here but now I will be coming back.
(5)
Johnny M.

Great Restaurant years ago,I think George's ego let the place slide a little over the years.It should be about the food,not George!I am not knocking the food,it is high quality,the soups,bread fantastic ribs all pass the test,I just feel the presence of the owner is somewhat over the top at times.Overall a great neighborhood joint!
(2)
Sam M.

I frequent the Gale Street Inn. This is 5 stars all around. service, atmosphere and ofcourse the food!! The tamatillo soup is excellent and I can't say enough about the ribs. So many places with great ribs in Chicago but this is my #1. Thankyou for the wonderful experience each and every time I visit !!
(5)
George A.

The ribs are fall-off-the-bone, probably boiled and then finished off on the grill. The sauce is mild but good. Everything else we have ever had has been good and consistent. Professional service.
(4)
Len W.

Just a terrific Chicago institution. I'm not a rib fan, but the one bite I had was really good. Also tasted the pork chop and that was excellent. Meaty, juicy, but not fatty. Stuffed with apples, etc. I had the London Broil. It was perfect. We also had bread pudding and that was awesome. I thot the dining room was a little loud, but otherwise a really great experience.
(4)
Kate W.

I am a vegetarian and I'm giving this place five stars. No, they really don't have that much in the way of food for me to choose from. But I do love their garlic mashed potatoes. And they make great cocktails. The reason I give them five stars is the service, the decor, and yes, the food. My carnivorous friends and family all love the food. My husband was in love with the pulled pork sandwich, but I think it may not be on the menu anymore. Also, it's just a nicer than average neighborhood restaurant that is as enjoyable for lunch as it is for dinner. Insider tip: No reservations for groups under 5 persons. If you don't have a reservation, get there early or sit at the bar. Parking: Ample if you use the adjacent bank parking lot. Transit: Directly across from the Jefferson Park CTA Transit Center
(5)
Derrick T.

A standard family-esque restaurant with a focus on supposedly steaks, seafood... but from I've heard/seen, this place shines for it's ribs. Fiancee and I decided to swing in and check it out. Monday nights are $4 off for full slab ribs or any combo of half ribs/half something else. This does not apply to take out (dine in only). So we ordered two split orders, and can say the following: New England Clam Chowder: Tasty, simple, and a pretty standard clam chowder. Worth getting. Jamabalaya: Heavy on the green onions, but flavor is right. Nothing outstanding and nothing bad. Half chicken: Breast meat was a bit dry, however the dark meat was perfectly tender. Skin was crisped even with the added on sauce. Worth a second order possibly. South Beach Mash: I still honestly have not found a place that makes mashed cauliflowers well enough to make it fool people into thinking it's mashed potatoes... I'm starting to think it's a myth. Tasty, and mostly healthy (minus the melted cheese on the top). Good for those no carbing. Coleslaw: Standard. And finally, the ribs: From what I kept hearing, the ribs were going to be fall off the bone. Well to be honest, these ribs were not fall of the bone. When I hear "fall of the bone" (now to be shortened to FTB to save time typing), I envision something so tender that you would not be able to life it by holding the bone... as in once you picked up the bone, the meat would literally slide off. That is what FTB means to me. These ribs were not FTB. Now granted, the ribs had great flavor, and the ribs were tender, and separated from the bone fairly easily with a light tug. It was very easy to clean the meat from the bone, soley by pulling with your fingers, teeth, fork, or any other way you want to eat it... but again, this was not the FTB that I had expected. Verdict: All in all, a nice restaurant with tasty ribs and enjoyable. Did I enjoy the experience? Yes I did. Good food, and lots of quantity for a good price. Would I go back? It's not likely one of the top BBQ places for me to go, so unlikely.
(3)
Jonathan C.

The best ribs in the city in my opinion. They are really juicy, fall off the bone and just plain good. The garlic mashed potatoes are great. This is not a bbq joint like fat willy's or Smoque. This is good old fashion Chicago. My fiance liked the food but thought it was decorated pretty bland. To me it just looked old school Chicago
(5)
angela h.

I want to live in a world where I have their ribs within arms reach at all times. The staff was AMAZING. I'm definitely coming back and bring friends with me!
(4)
Lauren H.

This is my favorite place to come for ribs. Their meat literally falls off the bone and melts in your mouth. The service is always great and very nice. This place can get crowded during the weekends at night so its always a MUST to make reservations. Other than that best ribs I've ever had!
(5)
Carolynne M.

So, I make a reservation with Gale Street. In the reservation I say that we are celebrating the 5th year anniversary of the day we met, and we had first met there, and we were getting married in the spring. You'd think maybe Gale Street would be pleased, charmed, perhaps even the slightest bit interested in that information? Believe me, I didn't expect them to have a parade about it or anything, but maybe a congratulations? Maybe a "hey, we are so glad to have played a small part in your happiness"? Well, no. Seated, fed, and paid the bill. No better or worse than any other schmoe that walked in from off the street. And speaking of our average, everyday dinner, Andy is right about the ribs being small. They were tasty, but I know had he received a half order instead of the full slab he would have been hungry again an hour later. I had soup (chicken tomatillo) which was very good, and a dinner salad, which was not. And that is my fault for not asking for the dressing to be on the side. This salad (which is about a cup and a half of vegetables) literally came with a half cup of dressing. Even scraping the dressing off each lettuce leaf still did not help. It was a honey dijon and that stuff packed a wallop. yuk. I just have such a bad taste in my mouth from this experience (and yes, it is only partially due to the dressing) that I hesitate to ever go back. And that is a shame. :(
(3)
Jenn K.

Love Love Love the Ribs here! Fall off the bone for sure. I work in the neighborhood and on Monday Nights, they have a live Jazz Band playing and a great Rib Special (Full Rack for $19). Great place to enjoy music and food with friends and family. They do get very busy on Monday Nights, so plan to do a little waiting or call ahead for reservations. They have a very simple menu and a bar area with lots of tv's. I recommend the Ribs, the side of spinach, and their chicken tomatillo soup. Yum!
(5)
Minh D.

Good bbq ribs here - tender and fall off the bones. The sweet sauce is made using apple is great. Pricing is a bit expensive compare to most bbq joints in the area.
(3)
Jeff B.

Hands down the best ribs in the city. Been coming here for about 8 years and never disappointed. Tried a Polish beer this time, went great with the ribs. In fact so good, I had four more. The ribs are fantastic and never dissapoint. Fresh baked bread is served and the sides are plentiful. It's right across the street from the Jefferson Park Blue Line stop, so if you're on that line, it's an easy commute but the do have a good sized lot if you need to park your car.
(5)
Dave M.

I usually stop at Gale Street for the ribs. They aren't great but they are definately above average. The staff is always friendly and the menu won't break your wallet.
(3)
Tammy Q.

Probably my second favorite place for ribs. So tangy and sweet. LOVE their house salad with balsamic vinaigrette.
(4)
Emerson C.

Came here over the weekend since it was conveniently close to my place. I was really hung over, but i wanted something greasy and covered with barbecue. I ordered the half rack of ribs. The ribs were ohh so delicious. It slipped off the bone. That's how soft it was. They also gave me a jugg of barbecue sauce to add more if needed. I believe i didn't need to, but since it was one of my eat all you can day.. i said screw it.. let's cover this sucker with more barbecue. Like I said the ribs just fall off the bone.. you won't even need any eating utensils, but if you do want to be all clean about it.. go ahead. I would definitely go here again. I'm going to MN this weekend and I usually use the jefferson stop to go to ohare.. so I'll make this my first pit stop prior to the airport...
(4)
Andrea K.

Gotta give it five stars for the ribs. They are the best ribs in the Chicago area in my opinion. Better than Twin Anchors. The meat is so tender it falls off the bone and just melts in your mouth. They have a good menu selection with rib combos. Loved the smoked chicken quesadilla appetizer. Went last night and sat at the bar while waiting for our table. The bartenders were very welcoming and seemed to really enjoy their jobs how refreshing! Should the decor be updated? Maybe but this a neighborhood joint that has been around for years not a trendy downtown restaurant. The food is great, and the staff is great which is why it is still a favorite after all these years.
(5)
Kristen W.

I liked the Gale Street Inn. It definitely had the ambience of an old-school Chicago type joint, complete with jazz trio. It reminded me of an old-school supperclub although the current clientele is more family-oriented. The food was very good- huge shrimp cocktail, wonderful ribs and top notch service. Very pricey though. I tend to prefer to prepare this type of food at home- have hubby smoke ribs, buy large shrimp from the Fish Guy and there you have it.
(3)
Eric W.

Oh my God! A meal to remember. I don't usually splurge when I go here. I am a lifer fan of there fall off the bone ribs and great sauce. I took a gamble & ordered the King Crab Legs (a meal fit for a king) the legs were not just pre-cracked but cut in half. They were so good you didn't need any butter. Don't get me wrong I used the butter. The waters arrived seconds after we were seated the server came buy shortly after. As we were speaking to Oscar our server a porter came to the table and severed complimentary bruchetta. I couldn't not get the ribs so Oscar suggested Crab & rib combo. My wife had the fillet. We both ordered our staple side dish o gratin potatoes. Good luck finding a better dish of spuds & cheese. We also both had the salad with house dressing of a sweet balsamic ??? It was good. They of coarse offered dessert but I couldn't fit another bite. Not to mention I spent my money on the main coarse. No ordered appetizer 2 entrees well mine could count as two on it's own. 2 beers Spaten October fest (great brew) was 101.00 expensive but considering that 1.5lbs of king crab legs at Costco un-split uncooked would probably set you back about 25 bucks. I say a great value. Not to mention my salad bread & o gratin potatoes. And I didn't have to wash pots And pans or dishes. Way to go Gale street you knocked it out of the Park.
(5)
Sean J.

ehhh...what a disappointment. I'd been eager to try this place for years. I'd heard the food was good, and that it was warm and comfie inside, and it certainly looks great from the outside. But it turns outs it's horribly average...the comfort factor is, in fact, great in the front room where there's nice, nearly-enclosed wooden booths, and a nice, long bar. But in what I feel was the larger room in the back, where we ate, it wasn't very comfie at all. And in fact it was kinda plain. The service was great...attentive without fawning...but the food was really plain and boring. I believe you simply MUST have the ribs, because we tried chicken, fish and an appetizer and all were very plain and uninspired. So hopefully the ribs are the stand-out reason to go. But if you're not into ribs (which I'm not) then you're better-off elsewhere
(2)
M. C.

I've been coming to this place ever since I was a little child, and to this day, it's my absolute favorite place to get BBQ ribs. The ribs here are amazing, simply amazing. Not only do they fall off the bone because they are so tender, but the sauce is the perfect blend of sweet and spicy. Don't even bother with the rest of the menu. Don't get me wrong. Everything else is done well, but the ribs are the reason that people come here. Ordering anything else would be doing yourself a disservice.
(5)
JP S.

Excellent food - excellent waitstaff. Old school style of the restaurant makes up for the lack of class of some of the clientele. The ribs are some of the best I've had, but don't miss out on their seafood and steaks, too. It's been a winner every time we've visited this neighborhood restaurant.
(4)
Ralph F.

I've probably dined here 15 times in the last two years. The menu has been somewhat rewritten several times in those two years. Yet I don't really notice anything new. Well known for their ribs and rib combos. And that is what I recommend. The rest of the menu is a hodge podge of items that do not go well together. The other day I dined with by brother. I ordered the onion soup which came out cold and the soups flavor was overridden with rosemary. I sent it back and asked for the tomatillo soup which is always perfect. Then I had the Caesar salad. The veins on the romaine lettuce were not removed, the romaine was cut to large so you could barely get it in your mouth without having to use a knife to cut the lettuce into bite size pieces. The Caesar dressing is very heavy and it seems they may add some sugar. It was so heavy it took away the thirst quenching qualities of the lettuce. My brother had the Cajun chicken bites and the baked clams appetizers. The Cajun spice is good however the way this item is served, the chicken is in random chunks as it they are scraps leftover from some other dish and they simply toss these onto a small plate with no garnish. The clams were a little greasy but fine. We decided not to order an entree this time. Honestly whats happened here is the cooks have too much control in the back without the credentials to come through. George needs to get back to basics this is an easy fix. I still have to say the reason I keep coming back is the ribs and rib combos are awesome the vegetable sides that they offer are well made and they always pour a good drink.
(4)
Terri N.

My family and I have gone to Gale several of times. We enjoy eating here. It's a nice cozy family friendly place. Although, they do have a nice bar set up before entering the dining area. I love their live band during the evening. The waiting time during the weekend isn't so bad. The staff here are all wonderful from the front desk to the waiters and waitress. We love their ribs. I'm not so sure about their BBQ chicken though, it's kind of bland. Their sides are just as great. Especially their garlic mashed potatoes. My daughter and I are a huge fan of their chicken tomatillo soup. It's has the right amount of kick to it. Their cream of potato soup is just as good. We always get their baked clams, it's awesome. They have a nice wine and beer selection to compliment the food. Also, if you can't stop on by, try using their take out service. They are great about it and the food is just as great!
(4)
Theresa R.

Came here for a late lunch/early dinner. Overall great food. I hear the ribs are amazing, but saw a chicken pesto sandwich on the menu and had to order (weakness for pesto). Good sandwich. I think what impressed me most about this place wasn't so much the food, but the service. Attentive and friendly waiter. But even that wasn't it. The minute you walk past ANYONE that works there, they acknowledge you. Saying HI or THANK YOU when you leave. And I mean everyone. Kinda nice and refreshing. Also it's easily accessible via the Jefferson Park Blue Line stop or if driving, they have a parking lot.
(4)
Julie B.

If I could base this place on their ribs alone, i would give them 5 stars. They are perfectly spiced and they fall of the bone! I mean, you can hardly pick them up w/out meat falling off. Ok, with that said..Service is majorly lacking!! First of all, I went w/ some friends and I was about 10 minutes behind my friends. My friends put in a request for a table and they said they would set up the table right away. I got there 10 minutes later and we announced to the hostess that we were all there and she said they were going to set up a table now. WTH? They were supposed to start 10 minutes earlier. It took them 20 minutes to set up the table from the time I arrived! And it was at 3pm on a sunday w/ only a handful of tables occupied. Once were finally seated our server came by and never once smiled or acted friendly. She seemed to be in a bad mood. I know we all have bad days, but c'mon at least don't act like we just kidnapped your daughter or slashed your tires. When the food came out, she forgot 2 of the sides and one of the dishes were wrong. It took her 10 minutes after we were served to come back w/ the correct sides and the new dish came about 15-20 minutes later. My poor friend had to sit there and twiddle her thumbs while we ate. I tried my husband's pork chops and they were SO tough. They should do whatever they do to the ribs to the chops. If I ever go back I will order the ribs to go, until they learn what good service means.
(2)
Alice H.

The ribs...the ribs...the ribs!!!! Not to mention the au gratin potatoes, the grilled veggies, and the warm bread pudding. Did I mention the ribs? They're great. Our first visit there was marred by service that wasn't very good...happens, and it WAS Easter. However, our last visit, about a month ago, was superb. It was a Friday night...the place was jammed. They were going at a pace I haven't seen in a restaurant in a long time. Yet, we only had to wait about 20 min. for a table. We sat at the bar while we were waiting and the bartenders were rocking and rolling but didn't skimp on the service. A woman named Rosanne waited on us and she was terrific. Even with the fever pitch they were working at, she gave us impeccable service. Sure, they have things other than the ribs and they're wonderful. We tried the lobster tails and pasta with chicken. Oh, and the soups...the black bean is yummy and the chicken tomatillo rates a try. But go for the ribs...you'll purr!!!
(5)
Stephanie L.

Great Ribs and great sandwiches The brunch is unusual but great. The service is very family friendly. Every time we go, we are checked on by a manager....very nice touch!
(4)
Patty V.

Nice place that has been around a long time. Famous for their ribs. Can't say, never had them. The fish Items I have had have been very good and good martinis! Place gets crowded on weekend nights, so make reservations. Sunday brunch is supposed to be good, but have not tried it.Not the best , but certainly worth going to.
(3)
Arlene T.

I've been going to Gale Street Inn for years. Hands-down the best ribs in the city! My husband loves the jambalaya. Honestly, I've never had anything I wouldn't recommend. The Big Easy Brunch is a do not miss, although they do not have it all year long so call first. I've never had room for dessert so I cannot comment on that. Great service and atmosphere. Easy to park and it's free--who doesn't love that?
(5)
Darlene R.

we use to go here a lot, but for some odd reason, we don't anymore. actually, the reason we don't go here is because we discovered 10.99 ribs at calo's. i've only had the ribs here and they are good. however, after calos, this place seems kind of like a rip off. the ribs are fall off the bone and the sauce is great, but i wouldn't say its my favorite rib place in the world. the butter that comes with the bread stands out and i haven't eaten here in two years! i might go back just to try something else, but the ribs just aren't worth it.
(3)
Chicago C.

I live 5 minutes from Gale Street Inn, have not been there for a while since they decided to discontinue lunch hours.... Everything I have eaten there was wonderful!! even had stuff to make the kids happy. Never tried the ribs though, considering I love BBQ ribs. I will have to go back and give the ribs a try.
(4)
john s.

I just love the atmosphere of this place. I feel at home, the staff is great and it has a classic aura to it. The food is ok, not the greatest but very much worth its prices.
(5)
David R.

Some of the best Ribs I have ever had! The sauce is fantastic and the meat falls off the bone! The wait staff was very friendly and attentive. Worth the trip to the Northwest side of the city and can't wait to go back for more!
(4)
K. J.

I haven't had anything but the ribs here--they're so completely fantastic, I can't imagine having anything else! The caramelized sauce, the meat that just falls off the bone...drooollll... I didn't even like ribs before I had Gale Street's ribs. The only reason I didn't give it five stars is because my husband and I don't care for the eat-in experience. The place is kinda cheesy. We just get carry-out now.
(4)
B. L.

Famous for the ribs, steaks and seafood, this slightly upscale bistro is known throughout the city and beyond. There is live entertainment on weekends. A popular place for white collar men and women. You may even spot the local alderman and his friends here sometime! I recommend the rib dinner and a cold beer from the tap. They have a separate bar area as well.
(4)
Mary L.

I have been to Gale Street Inn many times over the years. Their food never disappoints & is amazing. The drinks are great. The service is usually stellar. The new remodeling looks wonderful & opens up the bar area nicely. BUT, last night we had a reservation that I called in 2 days prior & it was not on the list when we arrived. They said they'd seat us quickly but we waited 45 mins for a table. We were not put on top of the list or anything. I was really disappointed in this situation. They didn't comp us a drink, appetizer or desert or anything. The man who seated us, apologized but this to me was unsatisfactory. Now, this has also happened to me twice before. I am not sure what the point of reservations is if they don't put your name on the list & you don't sit down in a reasonable amount of time with a reservation. Seriously?? Should I have to call twice--once to make a reservation & then again to confirm a little while before I head to the restaurant?? I will definitely think twice before I head to Gale Street Inn again.
(3)
Karen S.

We used to come here all the time when we lived in the city. The ribs here are amazing. They have the perfect amount of spice and flavor. The meat is tender and leaves you feeling like you can consistently make room for more. I miss this place so much!
(5)
Lizzie C.

What a disappointment! I'd been to Gale Street before and was quite looking forward to it, especially my favorite side dish, the rapini (broccoli rabe). We arrived around 6pm on Sunday to find the place packed, so decided to eat at the bar. Waited an unreasonable amount of time for every interaction thereafter...drinks...menus...taking our orders. We weren't alone. The bartender must have apologized to half a dozen customers, confirming that one lone bartender cannot provide adequate service to a crowded restaurant and full bar. Get the guy some help! Needless to say, due to the circumstances, they were out of rapini and my order was messed up. By the time they corrected the order, we almost weren't hungry any more. Good thing. They forgot my husband's vegetables (didn't even seem worth complaining over an hour into the torture), and had kept his lobster tails under heat while they fixed my incorrect order. His lobster inedible, my shrimp not much better. Such a shame.
(1)
Sarah J.

Every time I go here I leave feeling as if I have gained about 10 L-Bs. Their ribs are a constant crowd pleaser but venturing off that track and to their featured specials has never disappointed me. I recently tried their Mahi Mahi in a teriyaki sauce with stir fry veggies and rice and it was beyond amazing. You usually have to wait a bit but unless you are going to dinner with people you don't like??? it really doesn't matter. If you made the wise choice to attend the meal with someone special I feel it gives a welcomed oppotunity to sit at the bar, chat while you enjoy a drink and take in their live jazz.
(4)
Sunil M.

wow! the ribs!!
(4)
Duyen D.

Hands down, the best ribs in town!!! My husband is a huge ribs fan and we have tried many many places in the city and keep coming back to this place. The meat always falls off of the bone and their sauce is just delicious. I have tried their steaks in the past but in my opinion, you should just stick to the ribs at this place. 5 stars for the ribs and maybe 3-4 stars for the atmosphere. Wonderful place for ribs!
(4)
Greg G.

Good food, and famous for their ribs, as everyone has pointed out. Ribs are good to very good some days. Rest of the menu is good as well. Not the best place I've ever been, but if you're looking for a steak or some ribs, you could do worse. Chicago style steak place, never had a bad meal there. However, it does get busy pretty much seven days a week, and parking can be a pain. The neighborhood though is safe, so if you to park and walk a bit, you'll be fine. Located directly across the street from Jefferson Park station, so if you're coming from the city, its very convenient.
(3)
Marian L.

Famous for their ribs - this place is usually packed. It shares a parking lot with a TCF bank so good luck getting a spot on the weekends! This place was once an Inn where US President Abraham Lincoln stayed. They then transformed the Inn into a restaurant. Don't drive? Hop on the subway and get off at the blue line stop Jefferson Park. It's right across the street! Great family restuarant!
(4)
D. G.

Expensive but the best Ribs in Chicago... better then "Smoque"
(5)
Elvira V.

I just went there last Friday for some ribs and it was pretty good. I'm picky about ribs, all I have to see is a dangling vein and I get grossed out. Anyhoo, hubby and I ordered the ribs and we were satisfied. They did fall off the bone and were nice & tender. They had a tomatillo soup which was surprisingly really damn good, it tasted much better than it looked. I'm not painting a lovely picture by saying it was green and gelatinous (maybe too much corn starch?) but it was tolerably spicy with tortilla strips on top. The garlic mashed potatoes were definitely garlicky, normally I would groove on that but I was too full from drinking...which leads me to their Mai Tai's --- very yummy --- much better than the Harvey Wallbanger. [Ok I still don't know what Galliano is and Do I really I need to know?] I thought it was cute how they had a list of drinks which weren't your typical martini-this or martini-that but old school drinks that you could envision Ray Milland or Cary Grant drinking. We lucked out I guess, service was excellent, our waitress was so cute with an accent like Salma Hayek and the bus boys were very attentive. However, the decor is depressing, no ambience --- c'mon how about some candles?! I understand they have jazz on the weekends; the band was setting up as we left. Not a place to cruise for young tail either (if you're single), it was chock full of corn fed grandma's & grandpa's with asses that spilled out of their seats. (Uh, oh, I see my destiny...) If you like to wear your Bears sweatshirt for a night on the town --- then Gale Street Inn will be a second home for you.
(3)
Renato P.

I love this place , it is in a very nice neighborhood , pretty easy to find parking. Inside there is a nice bar space , which is good because if you don't have a reservation , I've always had to wait at least a half an hour. If you go here , you have to get the ribs at least once , I guess it is some sort of tradition or something. I would have to say that they have ribs on my top 5 list , a little too tender , I usually like em a bit chewey but the sauce is killer. The au gratin potato's are killer as well. It is a nicely decorated room , the service is good , not necessarily great. I had the London broil , I don't remember if I ever had that anywhere else , but it kicked ass. The baked clams are probably top 5 as well , just great. The fried calamari is really good. The blackened Salmon was again some of the best salmon I've had. The prices here are pretty high , just under what your fancier downtown joints charge. For what you get , I can't complain too much about the prices though. Sadly , this was the favorite joint of my buddy and his ex wife. I would go here on couple date night with them and my wife. Sadly the wife hasn't really had the desire to go here since the divorce. This place isn't exactly the place I would go by my self but I know I'll get back here sometime.
(4)
MArk F.

Arrived at Gale Street today to meet two clients for lunch. I arrived at 11;15am and they shortly thereafter. I realize the hours posted say 11;30am they open. As the three of us waited another 6 or 7 congregated for the opening of the locked door. As 11;27 approached my patience was pushed and decided to leave with the other two to go elsewhere. I didn't feel compelled to deliver my money to an establishment that couldn't care less about having customers wait outside their doors. Just bad business and we went to Sabatino's. That's the beauty of Chicago, there is always competition. Don't ever let potential customers wait.
(1)
Molly M.

I came here for a bridal shower where we used the private event room, and we had a great time. The staff was really friendly and fast, and the food was amazing. We all got the London broil, but I heard their ribs are awesome too. One really nice perk is that they let the event set up early, and arranged the tables in a way that was helpful to us. I would definitely recommend Gale Street Inn for private events.
(5)
Beatriz R.

Came here on a Saturday night the wait time was about an hour long the place was packed but once seated it was definitely worth the wait. Appetizers arrived promptly ordered potato skins and the buffalo spicy shrimp amazing to say the least! I had the Rib and jambalaya rice combo And SWEET MOTHER OF GOD these ribs were the most tender and literally fell off the bone in one bite. The jamabalya a rice had shrimp chicken and sausage and it had a great flavor and a bit of a kick! The place seems reasonably priced can't wait to make my way here again! Best ribs EVER!!
(5)
Andrew M.

The best king crab legs in the city! Service is always excellent with good drinks. Get the garlic dressing on your salads. Ribs are excellent with the au gratin potatoes! Plenty of parking. I actually like sitting in the more casual bar than the restaurant proper. Family friendly.
(5)
EatingOutWithAGirl ..

Yep, The Gale Street Inn has an AWESOME neon sign. Making you feel like you might be stepping into the 1960's. And, yes, this same sign indicates that the restaurant has Chicago's finest: Ribs, Steaks and Seafood. At this point, you might be wondering, why would someone, with so much Veggie Love, go into a joint like this??? Well, read on folks, read on... I sat down at the table with some swell, non vegetarian friends. While glancing at the menu, I came across some items that looked splendid. The Veggie Potato Skins and House Salad, drew me in quickly. Since I wasn't doing any fried foods at the time, The Grilled Vegetable Portabella Sandwich was out. (Girl can't eat a sandwich without fries...Duh?!) It did look yummy though...With it's roasted peppers, spinach, mozzarella, and chipolte crema on a ciabatta roll. Mhhhmm... Then came the heavy hitters for all you non veg-heads: Da Burgers, Da Surf, Da Turf and Da Ribs. Not quite for me but wait for it...The BEST is en route...Please read on... In super little print, at the bottom of the menu was what I thought, to be my savior for the night: The Sides. French Fries, Sweet Potato Fries, Au Gratin Potatoes, Twice Baked Potato, Garlic Mashed Potatoes, Grilled Vegetables and Sauteed Spinach. #NomNomNomNomNom I was ALL ready to get a House Salad and Garlic Mashed Potatoes and call it a night and then...THIS happened...#PowPow First thing I told the lovely server gal was, "Hey, I know I'm in steak joint but, I am indeed, a Vegetarian." It was cute because her face got all lit up to tell me about something, not listed on the menu. ...drum roll please...It was one of the BEST pasta dishes, I've ever had! A HUGE bowl of colorful vegetables mixed in with a bit of multi-colored fettuccine noodles. The vegetables we're fresh and cooked perfectly. Carrots, Broccoli, Zucchini, Asparagus, and of course, I had to add fresh garlic to it... All in a simple, but tasty, olive oil sauce. Not too heavy, ALL PERFECT! I kinda forgot to mention, one of the BEST House Salads...Since when does a steak joint put Kale anywhere on a menu?! The Gale Street Inn does! Spinach and Romaine lettuce, Kale, Cabbage and Carrots...Delish... Add some creamy garlic dressing and voila, perfection. Ps: Don't forget to get the fresh baked bread with some crazy GOOD honey butter-ish stuff. Side Note: Was introduced to the BEST Scotch, I've had. "Highland Park, Dark Origins." #WOW #SMOOTH The Gale Street Inn - 4914 N. Milwaukee Ave., Chicago, IL 60630 - 773.725.1300 *Eating Out With A Girl* #EOWAG EatingOutWithAGirl.com #EOWAG *Eating Out With A Girl* - Veggie Love in Unexpected Places. :)
(4)
James S.

A long time family favorite, but I've grown more impressed with The Gale Street Inn since we moved in down the street. The food is delicious, especially the ribs, but I've never tasted anything I didn't like here. On top of that, the staff does a great job of really making you feel at home in the neighborhood.
(5)
Renaud S.

I was there on a Sunday evening with my friend, it was our first time in the restaurant. We waited ~15 minutes to get a table - glad to be seated so fast! We took a burger and the chicken ribs, they were delicious! The food came fast, it was tasty and very good. We also ordered a baked potato with butter. Good point: they usually bring bread and butter with the main course, I appreciate that. Next time I get there, I want to try the carrot cake, it looked tasty. The people seating next to us had one, but I wasn't hungry enough by the end of the meal to order one.
(4)
Lola L.

Food was good...I pick up often a to go order. . ...When my friend ordered her Filet not butterflied... It comes butterflied. Never had an issue before getting it not butterflied. The waitress then tells us that they always butterfly. Not true...ordered many times prior. But... Even when the customer tells you not to butterfly it should have come up at the time of order. We have our food but she has to wait. To add insult to injury....small dark haired Asian woman comes over and tells us they always butterfly their steaks now. Excuse me...they ALWAYS butterfly their steaks NOW! When I say to her.. The customer ordered not butterflied...what happen to the customer ordering what they want and we have been here many times when the Filet was ordered not butterflied...and it came out not butterflied!! This woman then tells me that she cant get anywhere with us and I told her fine...leave our table...she then proceeds to the me I am RUDE! Yes the customer is RUDE!! And asked to speak to George...owner who just left...well George...don't worry about this rude customer coming back...and by the way I was not rude. I have forty years in the service industry... We left and went to Mortons Patio to drink. We were going there initially but decided on Gale Street. No issue with food ....Staff issue. I ate three ribs and packed the rest only to discard in the garbage...not a good evening.
(3)
Janine K.

This place has been here FOREVER! In fact, I'm pretty sure my parents went here on a date back in the 70s if I recall correctly...and how could you go wrong with a place that has been around forever??? I used to live in the area and I can count on one hand how many times I went here, but in recent times I go pretty often just to the bar area because a good friend of mine is the bartender...of course I'm a little biased. As for the bar area, there is a list of craft beer, martinis, wine, etc. - you name it, they got it and can make it! I'm a big fan of their sangria. As for food... I've had other things which are good but go here for the Ribs...don't even consider anything else but the ribs! I'm not a huge fan of ordering ribs in restaurants as they're sloppy and BBQ sauce gets over your face and that's not socially acceptable but you don't have to worry about that here...you can literally cut the ribs with a butter knife and the meat falls off the bone! They are over the top!!! The prices are reasonable too...for $18.99 you get a half slab, a side, and salad or soup. I believe full slabs are on special on Mondays. Along with your dinner comes bread and butter...and not just any butter but honey butter and it is delicious!!!! I joke that I want to eat it straight with a spoon!!! That's just gross but you'd have to try it to relate to this...it's that good though, seriously. And here's a tip...you can BUY the butter for about $5 to take home, as I did...this past weekend after visiting! The service from the staff here is great too...no need to go all the way downtown, this place is right in the heart of Jefferson Park and across the street from the Blue Line and Metra Station.
(5)
Lynn M.

Went for dinner there last night. OMG so food. Attended a shower a few weeks back and had their salmon, food was delish. Who goes to a shower where everyone loves the food? Usually with a large crowd, the food is usually okay if anything. But, here everything was so good. Came back for the ribs. They were wonderful! Stay for anyone of the wonderful desserts.
(5)
Marie N.

My first visit here. Made reservations for 5pm on a Saturday. I'm glad we went early because by 7pm, our original reservation time, the entry was crowded with people waiting for a table. There was no wait for a table at 5pm. House salad with creamy garlic dressing was very good. The greens were cold. It was a good size salad as an accompaniment to the entree. Our table had ribs and the Porkapalooza which came with ribs, jambalaya and pulled pork. I really liked the ribs. They were fall off the bone tender. I suppose they would be considered more of a dry rub rib. The server did bring barbeque sauce to the table. The jambalaya was very spicy, according to my dinner companion. Desserts were fabulous. We had the carrot cake, bread pudding and turtle pie. I was sorry that I had to share the bread pudding. It was fabulous. The other 2 desserts were equally good. Our server was excellent. He was very helpful in suggesting wines. His timing on serving our meal was perfect. I can't think of any reason to NOT rate this a 5-star meal.
(5)
Jacqueline M.

Great place! Food is great and the staff is super nice.
(5)
Nicole Z.

I'd come here everyday if I could and this review probably won't even do this place justice!! We started with buffalo shrimp and crab cake appetizers and I wanted round 2 of both after 1 bite. On to the meals for ribbbbbbbs and side double baked potato. They are a must just make sure to have a big appetite bc you'll want to devour every bit. I got the halibut dish - on the lighter side and very delish (i opted out of mango topping tho). Good work to these owners and cooks. And also to the manager Gilberto, made our experience great and he knows how to do his job very well!!! Amen
(5)
Aimee M.

Table for 5, 830pm Friday night, no line, no wait. I did call about 815 to see if there was a wait and the hostess said they wouldn't have a problem seating us if we arrived in the 15 minutes I told them it would take us to get there. Service was start to finish was great--friendly greetings upon entering, friendly joking by our server, a fun time throughout dinner. The menu is confined to two pages plus daily specials. I was excited to try the ribs as it seems to be the thing to order here. The rib dinners (either full or half rack) come with soup or salad and a side. The food comes out in a timely manner, including the warm, soft hearty bread that is brought out with the salad. The ribs were delicious. They were fall of the bone tender and the sauce is a sweet/tangy blend. The potato and salad were pretty basic, but I'm still glad they didnt mess it up. My husband got the jambalaya/ribs combo so i got to try the jambalaya--it was pretty good too--a lot of chicken and shrimp, not so much rice, spicy but a little on the dry side. A full bar is available and the sangria I chose was fruity and refreshing. The space was decorated for the season and since it was evening, the whole restaurant just felt so Christmas-y and cozy. All of us enjoyed our meal here. Nice to have this place so close by.
(4)
Ed A.

Probably the classiest restaurant in the area. I would think this is the go to restaurant in the area for a good meal, great meal. It is a sit-down restaurant in every sense. A nice change from the takeout, wrapped and bag it food in the area. The interior is pleasant and welcoming. The people speak to you as an adult, as if they want you there, although there have been times when the service was spotty. The food is the star of this place. I have not tried every item on the menu but have not been disappointed with any of my selections. The ribs of course are fantastic with great sauce. The pork chops are not far behind and the double baked potato makes my mouth water. You can't go wrong. Come to impress and have a nice drink.
(4)
Brittany K.

My husband and I were brought her for a surprise birthday dinner courtesy of a good friend. I love surprises and to come here and enjoy the food was the best surprise. We walked in and the wait was quoted about a half hour. They only take reservations for parties over 5or6 (can't remember) and we were a party of 3. So we sat at the bar, ordered drinks right away and the bartender was sweet and quick. They were pretty busy considering it was a Sunday but it was Memorial Day weekend and rainy. I did a little researching on the menu and of course checked yelp out to see what was a must have. We were seated about 45 mins after walking in and order the potato skins with cheese and pulled pork for our appetizer. They were too die for!! We all order ribs and some type of potato. I would have to say the garlic mashed were better then the twice baked but my husband thought the twice baked was better. To top it off we had the turtle cake for desert. Yummy! Overall this place was amazing and the ribs were fall of the bone like many people said. We met the owner and he was a pleasant and down to earth nice guy. We will be back again!
(5)
Edward W.

Old school. Good ribs. Busy and noisy place
(3)
Bess R.

My hubs had a taste for ribs for his b-day dinner, so we decided to try Gale Street. We arrived around 8:30 on a Saturday night, and only had to wait about 15 minutes for a table. Service was great - both from the hostesses and our server. He had the ribs and crab legs combo, which he really enjoyed. I had the filet with sauteed mushrooms, and a cup of the tomatillo soup to start. yum. Traditional food, but quite tasty and the price was right. We will definitely be back!
(4)
Karrie O.

If you're looking for juicy, mouth-watering ribs....get over to this place immediately. Aside from the ribs, Gale Street Inn is the go to spot in Jeff Park and great for a before the theatre dinner, a cocktail or 2, date night or out with the girls. The one thing I love the most about this place is the consistency of this place. The food, staff, drinks, and atmosphere are always what I expect....spot on every time. Thumbs up to Gale Street Inn.
(5)
Andrew K.

very good food and sangria's a little on the pricey side but worth it.
(4)
Andy M.

Gale Street Inn has been a Chicago Staple for decades. The food is good and the Customer service is top notch. My favorite thing about Gale Street is the atmosphere. The tables are filled with groups of friends and families that are telling stories, laughing and enjoying each others company. It's hard to be inside the Gale Street Inn without having a smile on your face. The food pretty damn good. The Ribs are glazed to perfection. The meat literally falls off of the bone. You can actually eat them with a knife and fork and not miss a tasty morsel. The Garlic mashed potato's were a delicious side that went perfectly with the Ribs. My only gripe about the Ribs is that they are quite small. I have gotten used to the larger Ribs at other eateries. If you have a large appetite, you might want to go the full slab. The bottom line is, the Gale Street Inn is the perfect place to enjoy a fun night out. Great food, a great Beer selection and friendly people makes this a place that you must try at least once.
(4)
Mario F.

Ribs with meat that fall right off the bone, just the way God intended, and some of the best Carrot cake I've ever had. What more can you ask for? Good to great customer service both times I have been there. Honestly, they can probably get away treating me like sh** and I would still come back for the ribs. Devine!!!
(5)
Vince H.

Best damn steak sandwich I ever had. Steak was perfectly cooked. It was lean, juicy, and tender. Fries were surprisingly good too, crispy, and perfectly seasoned. And if you're looking for dessert the bread pudding ain't too shabby either. It was so damn good I almost wanted to call them back and tell them about it. Lol.
(5)
Tom Z.

I haven't been here for a while. This doesn't mean I don't like the food. It is just a little pricey to be going too often. Today, I decided to have the Cheese Burger. The burger itself was high quality beef. It was tender, juicy and had good flavor. The bun was a roll type that was toasted. It came with fries. The fries were OK, they were nothing special. After reading a few reviews I had to try the chicken tomatillo soup. It was great! I will be telling other people to try this soup. I will be getting it the next time I go to Gale Street Inn. As I stated in the above sentence, I will be returning.
(4)
Scott A.

This is my go-to spot for ribs, but every time I'm there I'm tempted by the Jumbalaya. Every time it's hard to decide between the soups because I've never had a bad one there - and I normally don't even eat soup. The servers have been very friendly, and they've gone out of their way to help with my wife's gluten intolerance*. I prefer to sit in the bar area when I go. If rating the dining room, I'd give it a 4.5 - it gets a little loud in there. *I'm not suggesting that they have gluten free options for celiacs. She's not so sensitive that a little cross contamination impacts her.
(5)
Bill B.

I am a rib connoisseur. That said, rib places over the course of time can sometimes be inconsistent with their quality. You can go to a place over the course of a few years and sometimes you get a good slab and other times it's terrible. Not Gale St. Over the past 5 or so years they have taken over as my top rib spot not only b/c their ribs are fall off the bone goodness on a plate, but b/c they are that way every single time. Also, if you like lobster, they have a ribs and lobster combo for like $30 that is out of this world. It's honestly as good a quality and size lobster tail as you'd get at a Chicago steakhouse for $40 on it's own. I kid you not. Service is also always friendly and great. Love this place.
(5)
Brent W.

GSI continues to hold its 5 star rating after many more visits. I'm in love with this place and more specifically, their Ribs. We went the other night and they have a Monday night Rib special which is a full slab plus two sides for around $17. Easily feeds two people. Monday's also feature live jazz which was great and really made the experience. GSI FTW ETC . . .. . .. .
(5)
James H.

I recently moved to Arizona, but the one Chicago restaurant I'll miss most is the Gale Street Inn. I've watched the place grow from a neighborhood place in 1979 to an upscale restaurant. And the one dish I always go back for are the BBQ baby back ribs. Always fall-off-the-bone tender and covered with a delicious sauce that has a slightly sweet tang. I never found anything as good as these ribs in Chicago. When friends came to town, I always took them for the ribs at Gale Street. And to my chagrin, I have yet to find any restaurant offering BBQ baby back ribs anywhere in the East Valley of Phoenix. Darn I'll miss this restaurant!
(5)
Rob K.

Amazing ribs, great service everytime, and free jazz! George is a cool owner, a big supporter of the gift theater, and is the most amazing chef in the world... See the commercial. Jambalaya and rib combo is my favorite, free parking, and across from blue line and metra stop in Jeff Park
(5)
Angelo C.

We live a block away, if you heard about their delicious prime rib, stay home, they no longer serve it. On the last of many visits about a month ago (Jan 2012), I decided to have the New York Strip, I think it was about $38.00, that's fine. However, now place your index fingers and thumbs together, if you can see the entire steak in the area between your two hands, its a rip off. Even more sadly, a man came over earlier in a suit, asking if everything was ok. My steak had not arrived yet, but I found him later, should him a drawing I made on a comment card, left a my cell number (i think) and email I am certain. Never heard diddly squat. While the place was half the size over a recent renovation, the new decor looks like they were trying to mimic the martini bar across the street. The parking lot is always full, even weekdays, I am certain people duck in just out of curiousity with that kind of traffic. Rest assured this is a place that has come way to far on its reputation. Best of luck going forward. Save your money on the comment cards if no one ever follows thru. Then on all that money you are saving maybe you can bring back the prime rib, increase the size of your new york strip "sampler", or who knows maybe even both!? Angelo
(1)
Alex M.

I've lived down the street from Gale Street Inn for three years now and finally decided to check it out. In my book it's the typical privately-owned steak spot that's more "old school" than anything. Don't expect wild fusion dishes or modern contemporary furniture with a vast martini list. Gale Street Inn is very loyal to it's following of middle aged folk, blue collar people, and anyone who likes a good piece of meat done the traditional way. I tried the Fish and Chips when I went. Loved it. No crumbly crappy frozen anything, but nice plump fillets breaded and fried to the crispy fluffy texture it should have. The fries (chips) were also divine. My girlfriend had a beautiful piece of grilled salmon cooked to perfection, and our friend tried their famous ribs. Beautiful sauce. The service was kind, the drinks were made with good strength, and I can't say anything bad about this spot. If you want the localized true old school Chicago steak house with quality food, check it out. If you want the fashionable spot of the moment where you pay too much for too little...then stay downtown.
(4)
Phil X.

The ribs are so hyped up I finally gave this place a try. Friday night. I call them up to make a dinner reservation for 4. They don't take reservations for groups under 6. Ok fine. -Upon arrival I found the ambience to be classy and cozy. -Waited at the bar for a table. Pretzel sticks are available. meh. -One of the ladies in charge of seating was very rude. -Bartenders were kind. -Our waiter was very friendly. Chicken Tomatillo soup was tasty...with some heat. ON TO THE RIBS: If you're looking for great BBQ Ribs, then this is the WRONG place. If you want good FALL-OF-THE-BONE-Ribs, which were boiled, then flamed, then sauced, ...well...jackpot. They were good, but not BBQ! King Split Crab Legs: Yes, I had them along with my ribs...doesn't everybody??? They were ok...BUT seemed slightly on the COLD side. THEY WERE SPLIT, which made it wayyy easier to eat...a definite PLUS.
(3)
Terry L.

Hi All. We had to try the famous Gale street inn for ribs since we just moved in down the street. Great atmosphere. Food was good. Ribs were succulent and saucy. I prefer Twin Anchors, but GSI holds up. The Chicken Tomatillo soup was amazing, something unique...especially at a rib joint. Waiter was fun, jovial which enhanced the experience. The only downside is the cheesy commercial spoof (or rip-off??) on Dos Equis The most interesting man in the world. Stay Hungry my friends!.
(4)
Jason J.

I've been coming here for years and have never had a bad meal. I love ribs! And no matter how many other places I try, I always end up back at Gale Street and don't forget the twice baked potatoes! Also when they have the New Orleans/Cajun brunch it's a nice change with some real good options. One of my all time favorites.
(4)
Kevin S.

RIBS.......nuff said.
(5)
April P.

Can't say enough good things about this place! The staff is extremely nice, without being over exaggeratedly sugary. Came here one evening to grab a little supper, as it was 9:45 pm. We ate past 10:30, their closing time, and they weren't at all pushy about us leaving. Me and a friend both had the half barbeque chicken. The meals are HUGE. Needless to say, each half chicken is good enough for 3 different servings. Gosh, no wonder Americans are obese! I had the au gratin potatoes as a side, and they were pretty cheesy and tasty. My meal also came with a salad, and that was delicious even at the 10 o'clock hour. It was not soggy, had a nice variety of veggies, and the ranch dressing was supurb: not too creamy, just the right texture. They have a great array of daily specials, my favorite still being their Friday night Fish Fry. Best beer battered tilapia that I have ever had. Still need to come for their infamous brunch...I guess obesity in America will continue.
(5)
Rick F.

This really hurts! I love this place been going for years! Food 90% of the time is great! BUT! Yesterday you would of thought it was a new restaurant on it's first day. French onion soup was cold!, Caesar salad was very bland and warm! Food took a long time to come out! The tomatillo soup was excellent as usual. I'll just chalk this up to a bad night, we all have them once in a while! Rick
(2)
kevin c.

Great ribs! That is really all that is necessary. One of the top places for ribs I have tried in Chicago. Service is really good as well. Salmon is also very good.
(4)
Frank Q.

Went with the family for ribs. Waited 10 minutes or so for a table. The service was very attentive and old school in the way they take good care of their customers and us. The ribs were very tasty and lived up to the hype. Rest of the food was good and decent wine selection. Great ribs and service.
(4)
P M.

Sunday, 6 November. Arrived 5:15PM. Party of eight - 5 adults, 3 kids. Manager "Mike" continues to tell us "10 more minutes, 10 more minutes" every time we ask. At one point: manager says "we're putting two tables together", and we see they are doing so. 10 minutes later, we see them taking the tables apart again. All other smaller parties are seated before us; parties that arrive afterwards are also seated after us. Finally, at 6:15PM, after kids are obviously melting down, we tell them we don't want to wait anymore, and leave. Manager says "sorry, maybe next time you come by maybe we'll give you a free appetizer". Maybe this place is great, if you're party is 4 or less, or if the manager on duty isn't "MIke", the same one that was working on Sunday, 6 November, who can't seem to seat a party of 8.
(1)
Crystal V.

They have some amazing fall off the bone ribs. They're the best in Chicago! (:
(5)
Dan D.

While they are known for their ribs, I highly recommend the London Broil steak sandwich. It is very inexpensive and the meat is very tender. The staff is very accommodating. If you have a complaint and aren't rude about it, they are always glad to help. The dining room becomes busier as the night goes on, so get there early and you will be seated quickly and have a delicious meal.
(5)
Ryan G.

I have been going to the gale street inn for over 10 years and the ribs are good if you are looking for ribs its not bad...evrything else is terrible... I got a burger and chicken sandwich the other day it was 25 dolars and the fries were lacking big time. Everything on the menu especially the steaks the are so over priced go to wildfire gibsons mortons pretty much anywhere besides the gale street inn...they had a speacial that my mom ordered without saying the price it was 40 dollars and not worth half that money... The owner I have seen him multiple times screaming at his employees in the parking lot and at the hostess desk never seen a restaraunt owner act like that infront of his customers...
(2)
Joan O.

I have been going to this restaurant for years. But last evening made me think I won't be going back. We were there early (5:15), the three of us (husband, daughter & myself) were seated right away. The waitress was very pleasant. We eventually ordered & when they brought the meal it was all downhill. My prime rib was way overcooked, she took it back & then told me it was all overcooked. I ordered something else & ate my veggies. We asked about the magician(my 9yr old watched him in the room). He stopped by the table as she got her food & said he would be back(never happened). We paid $102.00 for this & all we got was an apology & an explanation that the waitress didn't ask if they had rare prime rib & the chef ruined the roast. I was really disappointed with the whole experience & I hope they get it together.
(1)
Tom M.

I have been at least a thrice yearly Gale St. customer (more often than that in the past few years) for over twenty five years. When I was a kid, Gale St. Ribs were a very special treat from my parents for a really good report card or a first place organized sports finish or a very special birthday. As an adult, the place is still a treat to my girlfriend and I. The food is excellent. Particularly the ribs, crab cakes, and jambalaya. The recent renovation and menu revamp were spot on. Great, mellow, live music in the bar area. Hosts are all very friendly and accommodating. Wait staff is hit or miss. Most are really great, but occasionally you get one who doesn't quite seem to have her head in the game, but the well made drinks, table bread and AMAZING sweetened butter quickly make that seem like a very minor issue. It is not cheap, nor is it outlandishly expensive. Very reasonable for the what you receive. A NW side gem!
(4)
jenise r.

Came here for dinner a few weeks ago.I've driven by it a million times and never knew it was there. Nice dining area, they have different rooms and the place is pretty big and can easily cater to a large group and parents would like the place. They are know for their ribs but I didn't get them because I had cooked ribs for lunch that same day. So I decided on the Chicken with mushrooms that came with garlic mashed potatoes. The mashed potatoes were really good. The chicken was too but it was a little bland however the white sauce and peas were tasty. I want to go back and try those ribs!
(3)
Jean C.

We've been meaning to come here for the Big Easy brunch for a while now, but the last time we tried, we discovered that it isn't served during the summer. So finally we managed to coordinate our schedule with the restaurant schedule and arrived right at the start of the brunch. I confess I was surprised that the place wasn't busier, and frankly I still don't know why it wasn't, except perhaps because the brunch weighs in at almost $22 per person, quite a chunk of change in this recession. Add a single drink and the bill per person can climb to $30. That said, I think it's a good value for the money. The brunch is broken down into breakfast foods, luncheon foods, an omlette/waffle station and a small dessert table. The breakfast foods included scrambles, which were on the dry side, but still fluffy (Frankly I'm happy about that. If there's anything that makes me want to yak it's slimy scrambled eggs.) and a crabcake eggs benny, which I had to try being a high priestess of eggs benedict. I must say they were very nice. Not the best I've ever had, but very nice. There was a spicy tomatillo sauce which I used on my scrambles, though Jim opted to put them on his potatoes. We were both highly satisfied with it, and agreed that it had a kind of Indian quality we liked very much. There were fat baked sausages, not at all greasy, and bacon that was neither flaccid nor nuked. The French toast was good, too. Second plate was devoted to the more luncheon-like dishes. There was smoked salmon -- and brother did the other diners tear into that!, boiled shrimp in the shell, roasted veggies, several different salads, jambalaya, etouffe, red beans and rice with andouille sausage, chicken vesuvio and potatoes vesuvio, a nice, spicy pasta dish and a number of other things I don't recall just now. The cajun dishes all had a nice amount of heat, and I found the roasted veggies particularly good. A side note on the salmon and shrimp: Over the last few years I've noticed that both have suffered from a reduction in quality in many restaurants. Shrimp frequently tends to be rubbery or mealy. Salmon tends to be tough and stringy. I pretty much gave up hoping for much, particularly on buffets, but the fish on this buffet was quite good. We finished with pecan strawberry waffles with a dusting of powdered sugar. They were a little dry and I wished I'd asked for whipped cream or a bit of syrup, but they had a nice flavor, so I really didn't feel I had too much to complain about. I know waffles tend to be dryer than pancakes; my bad. And for the second time in less than 24 hours we got excellent service. There was a waiter at the buffet table to tell us what each dish was, and he even helped with the serving. Three or four waiters refilled water, coffee, kept the table cleared and generally paid a lot of attention but in that unobtrusive way that good waiters have. You know, friendly and even amusing without becoming familiar? They were in no hurry to rush us out of there either, but the moment we made a 'check please' gesture the check was on our table. No question that they'd been keeping an eye on us to see if there was anything else we needed. After Hema's Kitchen and the downright rotten service we'd gotten, it was really refreshing. In all I'd say that it's worth the money. There aren't a lot of frills, but it's a good, solid food value with great service, which is what earned them the fourth star today.
(4)
Chillie D.

If you are looking for a wonderful and outstanding steak done perfectly, with loads of flavor, the Gale Street Inn restaurant is da place to try. Located on the far northwest side of Chicago, in the Jefferson Park neighborhood, one need not travel to the Loop to experience one of the best kept secrets on the northwest side of Chicago. Do you want to taste the "best" ribs and steaks in town? GO HERE! This establishment is frequented by neighborhood locals, people passing through Chicago, business people who do not want to travel to the Loop, Chicago police officers and/or Chicago firemen or fire women, and other Chicago City workers. The restaurant is also not very far from O'Hare Airport or the Jefferson Park "blue" line (across the street from the restaurant). The crowd is mature (over 45), but you will find younger people here from time to time. If you go here before 6:00 p.m., Monday thru Friday, you can get their dinner price specials at a very reduced cost. We ordered the prime rib medallions which was excellent, but the portion was small. The side dishes (asparagus and twice-baked potato) were prepared perfectly. My husband always orders the ribs. If you are a rib-lover -- you MUST try their tender, mouth-watering, fall-off-the bone ribs. This is what they are famous for -- ribs! SERVICE: The service is very, very good. Our Server is always attentive. The food quality is excellent. If you are not sure what to order ask your Server what he/she recommends. Go for it -- take a risk. BEWARE: If you go here on Saturday/Sunday, get to the restaurant before 5:00 p.m. Yes, before 5:00 p.m. Smaller parties are always seated before larger parties (most restaurants follow this rule). The parking lot is very small. Street parking is available. This is a family friendly restaurant, but I do not recommend bringing your toddler or baby. Keep the little ones at home and make it a "date" night with your spouse instead. The restaurant is dark and can be romantic, but needs a more updated look. You go here for the food -- not so much the ambiance -- though the atmosphere is decent, clean and old-style Chicago. This is a great place for groups, families with older kids, a date or just hanging with a group of friends on a Friday night. You can always eat at the bar if you cannot get a table.
(4)
Sara B.

I have to give the place five stars. I have not felt this welcome at a place and served good food to boot in such a a long time. The decor is of a nice restaurant when you come in...then a bar/pub when you pass through the front half of the place and then the back is a wood dining room that just makes you feel comfy and ready to eat a good meal. Nice enough to go for a date but cozy enough to wonder in in jeans and with a backpack like I did. Our waitress was super nice making us feel welcome and was just very (but not too) attentive and made sure that our dining experience was a good one. The boyfriend and I have taken to splitting meals in order to also get a dessert and or appetizer in and most places treat you like a cheap non-tipper one you say the world split... But not here....our waitress brought us an extra soup and kept our ice teas full. The food: They are running construction specials (at least for now) and the deals are great. We got: 1/3 rack ribs, BBQ pulled pork and gumbo with your choice of soup or salad for $14.95. Good deal! We added a side of Au gratin potatoes too for a tiny bit more. Oh and I forgot to mention the fresh baked bread and honey butter that comes with every meal... Everything we had was good! If my allergies had not been weighing me down we would have tried a dessert. I'm a sucker for bread pudding... We will be back here...a few times. :-)
(5)
Tory w.

I had no idea that Jefferson Park was so cute - like a pre-suburb before you get to the actual burbs. And I had no idea that a restaurant like the Gale Street Inn was nestled in this adorable neighborhood. YUM. I know that they are famous for their ribs, but I am not a huge fan. Not to worry - the menu is HUGE and I had a hard time narrowing down my choices. I decided on the barbecued chicken - an enormous amount of food - I felt like a Viking as I attacked my half of a bird with my bare hands. Leftovers for a couple of days. As a side I had steamed veggies - trying to be healthy, although I have no idea why (see my review for the Northside Cafe...) but they have delicious looking fries, mashed potatoes, and all the standards. My dining companions had the ribs, jumbalaya, a burger, calamari, and a fish entree, I don't remember which one. I do remember that for a group who had not been together in 5 years - the table was pretty quiet for the half hour after our food came - no sounds but the sounds of finger lickin' and lip smackin'. If you are craving good BBQ and good neighborhood ambiance, the Gale Street is the place for you!
(5)
Janice W.

My Aunt and Uncle love this place so I had to try it. It's a cozy place. You enter thru the bar - dark tones, brass, high booths. The dining room is large. They are known for their ribs and they are good. But they are sweet, which my husband didn't love. I did but I'd probably get sick if I ate a whole slab. Though the slab we got was small. We get our ribs from a butcher down the street and I swear they are twice the size. But it's good. The sides were good (ala carte). Desert was ok - Key LIme Pie. Not bad. I'd go back if I were in the area. Or to take family for a gathering.
(3)
Shana M.

Hells Yes!! My date took me here for valentine's day. As busy as they were, the service was still totally attentive without being pushy. I decided to do the smart thing and try their famous ribs. YUM-ME! Their homemade bbq sauce is the tops. The meat is literally fall off the bone and succulent. The ribs had slightly crispy tips without being dry and they were just saucy enough. Yes Ma'am!! Thank You May I have another! Also, the potatoes au gratin were delish. The tomatillo soup was novelty for me and it had a great savory spicy flavor that kept my buds watering. For dessert my date ordered cheese cake. I'm more of a chocolate girl myself, but it didn't get left, I assure you. Also, they make a fine strong drink and all the staff was very friendly and customer oriented. Cute little joint!
(4)
Jodel A.

I love the crab cakes here and ribs
(5)
chris g.

The 5 stars that I give Gale Street is for the ribs. The steaks are average. The ribs are fall off the bone, meaty, tender and delicious. I ordered a full slab i (intending to eat 1/2 & take 1/2 home) but couldn't stop eating them. Once seated you are brought generous amounts of fresh bread and sweet butter. The wait staff was very good with water being topped off, drinks replenished, plates cleared etc. The Ribs include soup or salad and a side. I got a Tomatillo & chicken soup that was dee-lish. Popping with flavor and a bit of heat. We also seemed to linger a bit to long after our meal. We were the last table sitting and our waitress was still very nice. Knowing we should get out so our waitress could go home, we retired to their bar. The same warm, friendly service was received.
(5)
Michelle N.

Gale Street Inn USED to be my absolute favorite place. Everytime I come in the menu has changed and I can't get certain things that I specifically come there to get. They used to serve crab legs with butter over an open flame, now they just put the butter in a cup and let it coagulate (that's how Red Lobster does it, you might as well go there). They won't take reservations for parties less than 6, which means you'll have to wait around for up to two hours just to get some boiled ribs and crab legs with cold butter. Also, the last time I was there, the chairs were mismatched within the same tables, which is not super important but if I'm spending that much for dinner than there sould at least be an attempt to have a nice looking atmosphere.
(2)
Andrea D.

So I was in the mood for a restaurant that wast Mexican or super quick (Albany Park is great for super cheap eats but not so great for traditional American fare). So I dragged my boyfriend on the Lawrence bus and ended up at the Jefferson Park terminal. Right across the street was the Gale Street Inn. It smelled like ribs, and had a steady stream of people walking into it, so I figured it must be decent (even though I didn't order the ribs - I don't care for barbecue sauce.. but we're not here to discuss my quirks, now are we?) Anyhow, I had the filet mignon done medium rare. It was small but cooked correctly. The asparagus was done just right, and the au gratin potatoes were delicious and cheesy. I do wish the steak was a little bit bigger, and to me, the menu seemed rather limited. But what I ate was yummy and the service was good as well. I'd go again.
(4)
Alan G.

While very close to home, not the same to my heart. No reservation, polite greeting as we walked in and directed to our table. Cordial waitress, 20-yr veteran there who alluded to putting down good food for that long a time. The highlighted BBQ ribs were truly tender (tender like boiled then just smothered with sauce. I know from boiled pork stuff, grew up knowing this, I'm 57), but lacked the smokey BBQ flavor & aroma that BBQ lovers love. Carsons Ribs are good. The grilled salmon was okay (when fish doesn't taste too fishy, it's okay. Grew up in fishy culture is why/how I know). Wife said that the rice was very good). I thought that the sweet butter was memorable, I don't remember another restaurant which served sweet butter with their bread. The promise of a complimentary soft drink that never came was a disappointment. Commitments made are expected to be honored without a reminder. While that may be taken as wanting a freebie, I assure you that I'm not a fan of fountain soda . The free 'Mardi Gras' beads plus the live singer/guitarist .. just about the savior for the 'okay but not great' dining experience. Understandably, Valentine's evening was very busy, even for the 'early bird' time (before 5:30PM). I've never seen so many waiters running around in any restaurant , overly efficient! Instead of relaxed good dining, we felt rushed and watched. Soon after the last fork or spoonful, a different waiter asked if my wife was done. I had the 2nd half slab of ribs on my plate and was also asked if I was done (truth is that I decided to take it home, but why the presumption)? Quickly, the BBQ sauce and left-over bread was taken without being asked if we want the bread (perhaps to be recycled into croutons). I commented about the missing BBQ sauce and I was assured I'll have some. On the way out, I heard the customary 'thank you' but not before we opened the door to exit. Wife was already out, I was following a step behind. No reason to come again.
(2)
Damian S.

We had the oysters Rockefeller as an appetizer--they were ok I guess (never had them before, but I was a fan of raw oysters, so I thought I'd try something a little different). All I could taste was the spinach, and I never even knew I was eating oysters. My mistake I guess. For dinner, I had the Porkapalooza (Ribs, jambalaya, and pulled pork), and it was awesome. The ribs are so tender; the pulled pork could've been a little more so, but the flavor was great. The jambalaya was not the high point of the dish, as it wasn't as spicy as I'd expected. The pre-meal chicken tomatillo soup made up for the jambalaya's lack of spiciness, however. The key lime pie was actually the worst part of the meal, as it tasted more like plain cheesecake than anything key lime-ish. The Gale Street Inn is definitely a good place to go for excellent ribs and pulled pork! The staff was very friendly and helpful--giving great descriptions of most of the meal choices available.
(4)
Brynn J.

Use to love Gale Street! Monday Rib Special use to include choice of side not just a plate of average fries... and when you do order the side you were use to having compliment your "special" that adds you right back up to $23 full price, especially with the ongoing pressure from the waiter to order more.... What the hell? Got a bunch of loyal buddies that come here and same complaint Went with my sis who had a burger, saying it was "Eh, okay I guess", two Heinekens for me and one glass of Merlot for her.... $55 unnecessary dollars later, we'll be taking business elsewhere. Think George can afford to give his customers just a tad more bang for their buck.
(2)
Hyder F.

I have been here numerous times and have never been disappointed. The food is great and the service is excellent. Save room for the bread pudding!
(5)
Linda N.

Been about 7x in past 4 yrs. Consistently good steak, ribs and breakfast buffet (buffet not year-round). Nice occasion place, Easter, anniversary etc. I used to catch the bus at the Jeff Pk terminal across the street and the wafting aroma of the steaks made my mouth water each time.
(4)
David P.

Can someone please explain the fascination with boiled, over-priced ribs? I liked Gale Street Inn's ribs when they were called Portillo's!
(1)
Y V.

If you're going to eat at Gale Street Inn, you have to order the ribs. That's the only thing I order there and have never been disappointed. They're tender and full of flavor. You can order a full rack, a half rack, or half rack combos. There are plenty of non-rib options on the menu, like steak, pork chops, salmon, pasta, chicken, and burgers. But go for their ribs if you're not afraid to get a little messy. If you can make it, try going there for the Early Bird specials. For about $15, you can get soup or salad, your choice of entree, side dish, beverage, and ice cream. It's available M-F, from 3:00pm-5:30pm. I've had the Early Bird special a few times before and it's a good deal, especially if you're getting the ribs. I added an extra star because my family has been going here for years. It's my "sentimental" star :) Gale Street Inn has been in Jefferson Park for 45 years and I'm glad to see it still around and as popular as ever.
(5)
Dominic R.

I came here last night for dinner. 3 Birthday's in the family and my brother chose Gale Street Inn! I have never been there, just heard good things, so I was excited to go! What did I want? Did I want a steak or Ribs.....hmmmmmmm? They are known for their ribs so I had to give them a whirl! Let me just say..........WOW! Amazing Ribs! Holy Cripe! I am not even going to go into the baked clams and calamari for apps........I am getting right down to the good stuff!!!! The Ribs were falling off the bone......literally! And they give you an extra bottle of BBQ sauce....kind of looks like a maple syrup container but just dab a little more on when you need it! I went with a Half Slab of Ribs and Shrimp! Perfect amount! The wait staff is right on the ball, making sure we had bread and water and took plates away when needed. Very Good service!! Nothing is better then sucking down some ribs and having BBQ sauce all over your mouth and then using the wet nap to clean up! That's how you eat ribs! I will be back.................SOON!
(5)
Kristy L.

by far the best ribs i've ever had. i love me some bbq and its amazing how good this place is. the bread you get is amazing, we always call ahead and carry out, so we get extra bread. they have changed it in the past, the new bread isnt that amazing but still great. we always order for super bowl. i wish they were opened on new years day but sadly they werent. make sure you order a side of al-gratin potatoes, you will not be disappointed.
(5)
Jeff H.

Probably deserves five stars, but we'll give it a strong four. My wife took me here for my 34th birthday, and a good friend came along. This was where I had my very first peppercorn crusted steak (I've lived a sheltered food life, obviously) and it was simply unbelievable. We've always received good service as well. A very warm and inviting place on a cold winter night.
(4)
Amanda E.

Love the ribs and chicken tomatillo soup! Happy I can go close to home for some good beer and ribs. i personally think they have the best ribs! They would get 5 stars but the last time I went with the hubby we wanted to go for their half price apps at the bar after 8. We didn't know what time it started so we got there at 7:30, and told us we could come back in 30 mins so we left and came back at 8. When we got there the last table was just taken. The lady who is always there was like you should have just sat and had a drink! Well, why didn't you tell us that before telling us to come back in 30 mins!!??
(4)
Winifred b.

One night last year my husband and I were looking for good ribs on the north side as we are originally from the south side of Chicago. We are very particular and snobs when it comes to certain foods,,,,, okay about most foods and food establishments. Any who the ribs her are very good and tasty. We usually order to go and staff is personable and recognize you when you come in. Maybe, one day I'll dine-in
(4)
Larry B.

OK , but a little past it's prime. Still ok for a meat and Scotch kind of night. There are better steak joints in this price range.
(2)
Scott M.

Here is how to tell when you have had some great ribs. a) You can eat the sauce and bread by itself. b) You stop caring about all the bbq sauce on your hands, face, and embedded in your nails c) You bring said ribs back to the crib and wake up at 8:30am, and kill the leftovers. Gale Street Inn is on a different level when it comes to their rib game. Once again, another great Chi-Town Restaurant. This place is for sure not very sportsbar-ish..in fact, maybe i am missing something because I dont really get the name. But forget all the extra stuff, Gale Street has some of the best barbecue that I have tasted in this country. And this is coming from the #1 ribologist on yelp! You couple the ribs with beer/alcohol, a slab for you and a slab for your date....you are all set when it comes to Gale Street Inn. Absolutely love this place...not much I can say besides that! Get yours, cuz trust, next time I am in Chicago, I will get mine.
(5)
Chris T.

Clean place, Good ribs, portions on the sides were small for the $23 full slab that i ordered... They have amaaazing Loaded skin potatoes... Best i have ever had.
(4)
Joe B.

I realize that this is my first review, and as such, don't want you to think I'm a "five star Freddy." It takes a lot for me to give a place 100% in real life, and I plan on continuing that trend here in the land of yelp. There are a few very simple things that have earned Gale Street Inn their five star review from me. Clean, relaxing environment: check. Amazing food: check. Brilliant service: check. We've been there twice and sampled quite a bit off of the menu already (although my son seems to stick with the chicken fingers and corn on the cob...hey, he knows what he likes.) Our first trip came late, having already lived in Portage/Jeff Park for 2 years. We stumbled into a hippie festival as the place was flanked in tiedie, records, Grateful Dead playing on the radio, and delectable concoctions from the bar with names like "Bong Water" being served. Our server quickly mentioned that it was not a typical night at Gale Street, and last night's visit confirmed that...however it was fun, and I hope it is something they do annually. This is the kind of restaurant where you can bring a three year old, or come alone on a date, and be treated equally with respect from both the staff and the fellow patrons. We've now had the ribs, the Jambalaya, a steak, oysters, stuffed mushrooms, the chicken tomatillo soup, the black bean soup....and everything, EVERYTHING....is consistently delicious. Gale Street Inn....I'm sorry that it has taken me two years to realize just what a value you are in to the people of Portage/Jefferson Park. You have quickly won my vote as the best game in town. You certainly get what you pay for, and I have yet to meet a person on the staff that isn't genuinely happy to be there...that says a lot.
(5)
Justin S.

Last Thursday night I picked up some friends at O'Hare, then took them here for a late dinner. Got a table, some tasty entrees and down home service. We arrived 15 minutes before closing and the hostess didn't mind a bit. Special requests--no cheese, no sauce, wheat bread-- no problem. The out-of-towners loved the Inn so much they'd gladly take it home in a doggy bag. First time here was with a group of 12, scrunched into an oddly shaped corner table on a packed Saturday night when, somehow, service didn't suffer.
(4)
Justin M.

Being an Elite status member of the Yelp community, I take my reviews very seriously. It has become my responsibility to inform and educate those that don't know. Wherever my travels take me, I feel it is my civic duty to lay down an honest and subjective review about my experience, thereby helping those that seek guidance and direction. Or maybe I am addicted to Yelp and need some serious mental help. Rewind to last night. My gf and i were enjoying snakebites at her apartment before heading out to Rib Fest on Irving Park and Damen. The weather was pretty bad, which persuaded us to head elsewhere for dinner. My friend Diane also came with us, as we decided to embark on a journey up Milwaukee Ave. to Gale Street Inn for some ribs. We wanted ribs badly last night, and Gale Street Inn sounded like the answer to our prayers. When we first walked in, we were greeted by a very friendly host and hostess. I was already tipsy, and I said something goofy which triggered some laughter on both sides. Great opening start to the night. We were dressed down, and I wasn't sure our attire was good enough for this restaurant. Turned out we were fine as we proceeded to the bar and ordered some drinks. Seating took about 10 minutes, not a bad wait at all. The menu is straight-forward and easy to read. I ordered one of the "combo" meals that was not on the menu, half slab of ribs and a fillet. The combo came with Au gratin potatoes, and we also ordered a side of sauteed spinach. They started us off with soup, which was very good. All three of their soups are great, as well as their starter salad. I didn't have the salad, but the girls did. They looked amazingly fresh. Nice job guys! Dinner was served 30 minutes into service. The ribs were great, prepared exactly as expected. The fillet was a tad dry, possibly over-cooked. I still ate it because I was hungry as hell. The potatoes were excellent, cheesy with a soft texture. The sauteed spinach was quite horrible though. It was more like garlic cloves topped with a few spinach leaves. Not good at all. Dessert was next! I am not a big fan of dessert, but I had to try theirs since this was my first time. The carrot cake was insanely good!! I'm not sure if they make it fresh in the kitchen, or order it out...but damn it's really good. I had a taste of my girlfriend's key lime pie, and that was superior as well. Nice job again!! My overall grade: Service: A 1st Course (soup, salad, warm bread): A Entree: B Dessert: A Cocktails: C (Bloody Marys were a mess) Decor: C (the 60's style is out...or is it??) Parking: B Does this add up to a B+? I think so! ELITE IN 08!! WORD!
(4)
brian w.

I have ordered two things in my various trips here: (1) the strip steak sandwich. Bomb, a must. It's perhaps the best sandwich and best kept secret in Chicago. (2) the ribs. Both are guaranteed winners, but the steak sandwich is executed perfectly and I suggest that over the ribs. Service is great here too. Oh yeah, discount on the ribs on Monday's FYI.
(4)
Jason J.

Everything that I have every had has been really good. Last night on a rib special night I decided that I would try a burger which I have never had from here. Everyone was shocked that I wasn't going with ribs and maybe I should have listened. It wasn't disgusting by any means, it lacked flavor. I didn't get bacon or mushrooms because I wanted to see how it was with just cheese and onion. All it needed was some love, salt pepper something! Either way it has always been a spot for the family and this is the only time I have been let down. I will continue to go back and won't hold this against them because they dish out delicious food.
(4)
Kevin A.

IRON CHEF: BATTLE BBQ RIBS....WHOSE CUISINE WILL REIGN SUPREME? Alllllllllllllleeeeeeeezzzzzzz cuisine!!! It was a showdown between two heavyweights in the old school rib restaurant battle. Gale Street Inn versus Twin Anchors. Who would prevail? WAIT TIME: GALE STREET Got seated in about 10 minutes versus 30 minutes at Twin Anchors. SERVICE: TWIN ANCHORS Waitresses with attitude who call me hon win every time over ones that eavesdrop on conversations. SIDES: TIE The baked beans at Twin Anchors are incredible, but the bread sticks are kind of chintzy. The sides at Gale Street aren't as good (South Beach mash was waaay to greasy and the salad was an iceberg crime scene), but their bread is served with a mouth-watering apple butter. RIBS: TWIN ANCHORS Ok, the main event. Gale Street's ribs are cooked in a similar style to Twin Anchors to achieve a fall-off-the-bone tenderness, but that's where the similarities end. Sure, the ribs at Gale Street were tasty with a nice slight char to them, but at the end of the day they were missing the magic that Twin Anchors has. When the ribs arrive at Twin Anchors, I can barely pay attention to the conversations going on because I'm so fixated by how good the ribs are. Not so much with Gale Street. WHOSE CUISINE REIGNS SUPREME? Without question, it's Twin Anchors.
(4)
David S.

The 5 stars include sentimental feelings for me, so keep that in mind. Otherwise, a solid 4 would be appropriate. During a not so pleasant point in my life, I was travelling to Rosemont weekly for about 4 months, working 80 hour weeks in a high stress environment, and dinner was a luxury. Whenever we could sneak away for an extended break for dinner, this was my favorite place to come. The feel of the place was very enjoyable. Nice, and somewhat formal on the part of the restaurant while maintaining a nice level of comfort. People eating there could be as casual as they wanted to be. I would love to be able to talk about multiple menu items, but I always got the same thing- the Ribs-Jambalaya combo with the chicken tomatillo soup and the twice baked potato. I am no ribs expert, and rarely have them outside of a back yard BBQ environment, but the ribs here were tasty as hell. The Jambalaya was satisfying, the Chicken Tomatillo soup was like liquid crack, and the twice baked potato was excellent. Looking back, I hated the time I spent in Rosemont, but I do miss the escapes to Gale street. A handful of us could take a break from things, enjoy some great food ( I would almost call it comfort food), and leave with a big smile on our faces. Honestly, what more could you really ask for from a restaurant?
(5)
Warren C.

Nice place with very friendly staff and great food. The trip north of town is worth the money. I had one of the local beer from the bar on tap, the ribs, mashed potatoes and house salad. The beer was cold. The salad was good and the dressing was great. The rib were AWESOME!!! Meat was fall off the bone and everything came out HOT! Definitely will be back here.
(5)
Daniel R.

I can't believe this place. I've been there twice and had relatively memorable meals. But they were only memorable in that they were so lousy. OK, so the Gale Street Inn is known for their ribs. They pride themselves on them. But boiled ribs with bottled sauce is no good no matter how you slice it. It seriously reminded me of hospital food. I had some kind of scalloped potatoes thing, too. Very cafeteria-y. I was invited there for dinner the next time I went. OK, skip the "ribs" and get pork chops, right? They were flavorless (probably frozen)...and again with the bottled sauce. Please. There are about a million other places that do their pork better than here. Seek them out.
(1)
Kathleen C.

Gale Street Inn is a rib joint with some great prices. They are known across the city for having ribs. They have a few other items such as chicken, salmon and steak but go for the ribs. Each item comes with a salad and side. Everything is under $25 and there is even free parking. The restaurant isn't the nicest looking place and the lighting is non-existent. The last time I went I had salmon, a salad and mashed potatoes. It was so good and I couldn't even finish because there was so much.
(3)
Nicole M.

Was craving RIBS and I have heard people rave about Gale St. Inn for their ribs... So I had to see for myself. When my boyfriend and I got there, it was about a 15 mins wait. Got seated, looked around and it seemed to be more of an older crowd and regulars. The ribs were about normal price for a full rack and comes with a side. The ribs were fall off the bone YUMMY and moist. I have to say the BEST RIBS I've ever had! Also got the Turtle Pie for dessert, it was like ice cream, it was good too! And it's nice they have their own parking lot (+).
(4)
Gary L.

Where do I start??? I have been coming here since I was a kid! Love the place. Great food and service! Great french onion and chicken tomatillo soups to start with. For the main course the ribs are to die for! But the chicken is great as well as is the salmon. They have remodeled the bar area it looks amazing! Live entertainment which is nice. Bartenders (Larry and Gil) are the bomb and really know how to take care of their customers. I plan on many more years of enjoyable meals to come. Oh and I need to mention carry out as well which they box the ribs up in HEAVY cardboard boxes so they are piping hot when you get them home. Don't see that very often anymore!
(5)
Fred S.

I hadn't been here in over twenty five years when I returned in early March with my Aunt, and - Wow. The food was great. A full slab of ribs at Gale St. is $22, and the ribs come with a choice of soup or salad and a side dish. I had the salad, which was good. For my side I had the twice baked potato. It was outstanding. The ribs are incredible. The sauce is delicious, and you can eat the ribs with a knife and fork if you want to... the meat literally falls off of the bone. Bread is also served with the meal, and I was surprised to find that it was really good. Gale St. has a good selection of beers on tap (though they needed to change the keg for the Harp the night that I was there), and the wine list is decent as well. The service was also really good. Our waitress was a sweetheart - one of those ladies that just makes you thankful to be in Chicago. All in all, the Gale St. Inn is a place I look forward to returning to as soon as possible.
(4)
Amanda Z.

Fantastic ribs...i mean, what a satisfying carnivorous experience! However, i am not into the old school dining atmosphere feeling like i'm in a little country town in the middle of nowhere and all the patrons in the restaurant are regulars/know each other (and are old...we were by far the youngest peeps in the place). So, despite the fact that i was super happy with my finger-lickin' good half rack of ribs, i do not care to return to Gale Street Inn. I'm glad i went...after all, my bf has been raving about the ribs since i met him over a year ago, and just now finally took me to eat there. And yes, the ribs he did not oversell, they were top notch, but the rest of the food, atmosphere and location will prevent me from returning.
(3)
Nicole S.

Been going to Gale Street Inn for years. Celebrated my last birthday dinner with my friends here because I was craving the ribs! Managed to get a few seats at the bar and enjoy a cocktail while we waited for the rest of our party. We had reservations, but I was still pleased to see how promptly we were seated on an extremely busy day. The restaurant decor could certainly use a little updating but it's far from aweful. The staff is friendly, attentive and efficient. Food has always been consistent, and everything I've ordered has been very good (I almost exclusively go there for the ribs). I was a little disappointed last time I ate there because it seemed they pared down thier menu, and no longer offered the mashed cauliflower side which I absolutely loved, but I will definately continue to go back regularly!
(4)
Jennifer C.

We had a ribs craving last night and decided to forgo our neighborhood Bucktown rib joints in walking distance and drive to Gale Street Inn (easy to get to off the I-90 expressway). We found parking immediately in their lot (I hate paying for parking in neighborhoods). The drive was worth it. The ribs are the BEST in the area. They fall off the bone and the sauce is rich and sticky with a kick. At some rib joints, you can tell that the ribs haven't been slow cooked and the sauce is slathered on at the last minute. Here, the flavor of the sauce is baked in and well carmelized--just the right balance of sweetness and tang. For 17 bucks for a half slab, you get a choice of soup and salad and a side. The service was fast, friendly and they always kept the table clean and our drinks refilled. The General Manager and staff really give you the homestyle treatment. I highly recommend the chicken tomatillo soup. It tastes homemade and also has a nice kick to it--a good palette prep before the meal. I may have to stop at Gale Street to just get soup take-out on the way home sometime.
(5)
Jennifer C.

Hell yes! This place is yummy. We originally wanted to go to Smoque but the line was out the door so we came here instead. We got there around 6 and this place was packed. We waited at the bar for over an hour for our table. Worth the wait though. The ribs are fall off the bone amazing. The prices are totally reasonable. For three people, two full racks of ribs, and my husband had the 14oz prime rib special plus 4 cocktails the bill was $107. The food is excellent, and our waiter, Victor, was really nice. The hostesses worked very hard to get us seated and they were so friendly and patient considering how busy this place was. We will definitley be back!
(4)
Christy H.

WOW- was introduced to this AWESOME place by a born and bread local- and she's even a vegetarian. The drinks are great, and the ribs melted off the bone. They has a special Cajun menu for Mardi Gras that went all the way from drinks to dessert and all were amazing. A great local neighborhood joint that I truly enjoyed:)
(5)
Katherine R.

After all I have heard about how phenomenal this place is, I have to say I was somewhat disappointed. Which leads me to a somewhat contradictory comment- the food was pretty good I was just expecting a much bigger menu and much better food. I ordered the salmon which was a bit undercooked, but still satisfying. My friends ordered the ribs and both agreed 'they have had better.' The fried calamari was really good though- not too much breading but they serve it with a tomato paste/marinara sauce which was kind of off-putting. The service was great though, no compliants there. Definitely check the place out, but I'm going to go ahead and say it's not a place you will be running back to.
(3)
Roland B.

You already heard it. The ribs is what will make me come back here.
(5)
Robert N.

Gale street inn is an institution for ribs in my opinion!
(4)
John M.

I have to agree, their ribs are among the best and they do fall right off the bone. The service is also excellent here. What is amazing is how they handle the large amount of people they have for dinner so easily. We enjoyed the place very much and will return again for more. We were very pleased with the whole experience.
(5)
Eric V.

After a recent sub-par BBQ experience I decided to pick up some GSI ribs for carryout, just so I could remember what awesome ribs taste like. I'm so glad I did, these really are my favs in the entire city. The ribs are so tender that they began to fall apart just by trying to transfer them from their foil wrapping to a plate. You can literally knife and fork these bad boys and still be left with a clean bone. So if you've got issues with getting your hands dirty but love you some good BBQ then this is definitely your spot.
(5)
Brian Q.

When my (retired) folks come up from Florida, they can't get enough of the Gale Street Inn. We usually mosey in around 4pm for a Sunday night dinner, and the place is packed. Last month, we went super late...like 7pm. By that time, most of their clientele has dropped their pearly whites into a tub of Polident. We practically had the place to ourselves. Sure, they get the senior crowd like nobody's business. But that's because those people have been around the block. They know good food when they taste it. Good drinks too. Just ask my dad about his usual rusty nail. They don't make em like this any more.
(5)
Jason W.

Not sure how I feel about a restaurant thats "carpeted" but if you're looking for ribs...look no further. Twin Anchors is the only place in Chicago that can hold Gale St.'s jock.
(4)
Ngoc H.

A couple of my girlfriends and I came her one night for a dear friends birthday. I've never heard of the place so I decided to Yelp it. All the reviews were geared towards the ribs, so putting my trust in my fellow Yelpers, that's what wanted to try. Our waiter was super nice, the place itself is HUGE. There's a bar area and a dining area. The place was dim but not uncomfortably dim where you couldn't see the person in front of you unless there was a candle between the two of you. The atmosphere was cozy, music wasn't too loud. The food came out pretty quick. They have some pretty awesome martinis that my girlfriends ordered, I had beer, not a huge selection but good selections. The ribs came in a dinner with a side, we got the au gatin potatoes, REALLY cheesy, The ribs came out falling off the bone. DELICIOUS. The fat content was there but not overwhelming where you wanted to scrape it off and put it to the side, moist and flavorful. There's a parking lot so you don't have to worry about parking. It's right across the street from a train station too. Prices were very reasonable for the quality off food you get. I wold definitely come here again.
(5)
Gene W.

God the ribs here are orgasmic. I've never ordered anything else on the menu and I never plan to. Thick meat that drips off the bone, tangy sauce, Christ, I'm getting hard. No, really, they are good ribs. Decent service, good music, classy looking place, and on weekend nights they have some live jazz. Can't beat that. The potatoes au gratin are pretty tasty, though the baked potatoes are good too. Ok, so I've only had potatoes and ribs. I think my girlfriend had the salmon last time we dropped in, and she seemed to enjoy it, but I was a little distracted ritualistically devouring my plate. Decent wine menu too, and good, strong martinis. Ok, I'm kind of a drunk, and if I didn't mention the booze until now, please, go eat here.
(4)
Kera E.

Great food, totally professional service. The type of a place you bring a first date or your fiance's family. It has that old Chicago feeling-a very warm and fuzzy steakhouse. I had the oysters on the half shell (yum) and the bleu cheese encrusted filet. Everything was perfect. We loved the atmosphere and the bartender so much that we went back to hang at the bar when we were finished eating. They are known for their ribs and I can see why. I had a bite of my friend's ribs and the meat literally falls off the bone. Awesome.
(5)
Harry P.

The service at the Gale Street In has gone down hill the last couple of years. The owner, I think his name is George, if I'm correct ,also has a big chimp on his shoulder.
(1)
John F.

Tomatillo Soup phenomenal. Blue Cheese Vinegarette dressing amazing. Ribs. Meat fell off the bone. Sauce amazing. Crab legs tender and juicy. Atmosphere was friendly and has a great neighborhood feel. Waitstaff very good.
(4)
J K.

Just came back from dinner excellent as always. I had rack a lamb others had the famous RIBS. Gale Street Inn always good. Clean location courteous staff friendly bar.
(4)
Joseph P.

Date of Visit: 02/22/2009 roughly 6pm My parents have visited this place quite often and had the opportunity to dine there this past Sunday with them. In a nutshell, I'll be back . 1. Service was excellent, our server was attentive, but not overbearing.. this includes the busboys and the managers who went out of our way to be friendly and accommodating to my step dad's needs. Oh, we didn't sit in the dining room area, but it did look pretty packed inside. So I can't judge how well the service was there, but from my vantage point it seemed just as good as what we received. 2. The food was really good. They bring out a basket of bread which included some jalapeno corn muffins as part of their Mardi Gras - Cajun menu. It also included this sweet butter that can become quite addictive if you like that sort of thing. My entree - I had the Ribs and 1/2 Chicken dish with a Clam Chowder Soup to start and garlic mash potatoes as a side. I say the food was really good and not super good because I wasn't overly ecstatic on the BBQ sauce, don't get me wrong, it wasn't horrible but perhaps just a bit sweet for my tastes, I prefer a smokier BBQ sauce, and the garlic mash potatoes were pretty good, just not enough garlic. But again those are my personal tastes. My parents really like the el-gratin potatoes so maybe I'll give those a try next time. The New England Clam Chowder soup was really tasty, I should have taken up my mom's offer to take some home! Step dad had the baked French Onion soup and holy cow was they delicious. If you're a french onion soup lover, def give it a try. 3. Deserts.. holy cow. We all shared a chocolate cake and a Key Lime Pie, and they were freakin GOOD. The cake was almost like a fudge and you know how sometimes chocolate cake can leave a burning sensation in your throat or maybe sometimes give you heartburn if you eat it too quickly? Not this cake.. And the Key Lime Pie, wow, light, tasty and I just wanted more!! So yeah, despite my personal tastes.. I'm giving this place a 5 star rating. It's a bit pricey, but heck, with the level of service we got and the overall excellent quality of the food, it was worth it!
(5)
Mark L.

I live downtown and I dont own a car, so its not always easy to get here. That being said I have been 3 times in the few months since I was introduced to GSI. The first time I went, the owner bought me and buddies drinks and chewed the fat with us about his college years while we waited for a table. Everyone is extremely friendly, and what can I say about the food? The RIBS ARE AMAZING, they DO fall off the bone, and its all about the sauce. They have a great deal on Mondays for a rib dinner. Got the full slab ate half (along with salad and sides) took the other half home and ate them later (pour sauce over them so they soak while they are in your fridge). Still tasted good out of the microwave. The only downside to this place is that it isnt closer to downtown, or at least closer to my house. Definitely worth the trek if you are at all able. I think it may be close to the JP Blue Line stop if you are really adventurous.
(5)
Frank L.

I love the ribs. They are tender and fall off the bone. I can't comment on anything else as that is the only thing I ever order. You can tell they have a bunch of regulars as you sit there and the waiters and waitress greet them and ask them if they would like their usual drink.
(5)
Jeremiah Z.

These are my favorite ribs in Chicago! This place is a local institution on the Northwest side, but I find alot of people have never even heard of it. The restaurant itself is swanky but casual and there's no dress code here. It almost feels like a steakhouse at first, but the dining room is very comfortable and service is always friendly. And those ribs are mouth watering....fall-off-the-bone, perfectly tender, and served in good portions. The menu is great whether you're in the mood for steak, pasta or anything else. I just can't get past the ribs...
(5)
Natalie A.

I just moved into the neighborhood and really really really wanted to like this place. I dragged the whole family there this past Wednesday night to celebrate our 3 year anniversary. We threw the kids into our double stroller and walked the 3 blocks to the restaurant. When we got there at 4:45 the place was empty. We stepped inside, and the hostess asked us if we needed two high chairs, we said "nope, just one, the baby can't sit up on his own yet, and will stay in the stroller." The hostess replied "I'm sorry, we don't permit strollers in the restaurant." I informed her that we purchased this stroller particularly because it was the same dimensions as a standard wheelchair, thus any place claiming to be handicap accessible should also fit our stroller. I wouldn't have made a big deal about it, but again the place was empty, and the aisles were wide. We told the hostess we'd just come back another time, then a manager came out and told us that she could seat us alone in a side room. We told her that was fine. After a small situation, they accommodated us and our stroller. (Must admit that during the whole conversation, I was thinking I'd get my revenge on YELP if they didn't!) We arrived early, around 4:45, and were able to take advantage of the early bird specials. (Soup or salad, entree, ice cream dessert and soft drink for $15) We had a great server named Pedro. My husband ordered the salmon, requesting it blackened, and the server didn't hesitate to have the chef prepare it this way. We used to live around the corner from Smoque, so I was interested in trying their BBQ sauce to see how it compared, but I've got two babies and their messes to deal with, so rather than ribs, I ordered the half chicken. We ordered Sangrias, and they were the best we'd had in awhile. Pedro the great server asked if I'd like my toddler's food to come out early, ABSOLUTELY! A nice gesture. The place seemed pretty kid friendly aside from the stroller incident (and I do understand the whole servers tripping over large objects on wheels thing...) they gave our daughter crayons, and a picture to color for a free ice cream (she's 2, she loved this.) Our 7 month old enjoyed the bread and salmon :-) After dinner, we decided to forego the "early bird" ice cream and get some better desserts. We asked Pedro for some recommendations, and decided on the Carrot Cake, and Chocolate Lava Cake. We'd go back just for soup and dessert!
(4)
Laura A.

I cant believe that i have yet to review this place. We have been going here for over two years! Ribs here are great, twice baked potatoes, soups, even the burgers are nice! Wait staff and front staff are so friendly. Drinks are made nice and stiff too! Its a great family type place where you can go to celebrate something or not. The carrot cake has a really yummy thick frosting. Jazz is usually the music of choice playing in the background.
(5)
Paul M.

It's a wonderful throwback to what supper clubs used to be like. It's got a great retro atmosphere. The food is good, the staff was very courteous and attentive. You can't knock the prices. Loved it. Had a salad, great rack of ribs, and a couple glasses of wine.
(4)
Monica B.

I don't even eat ribs and I like this place! Great soup, salads and fish and seafood entrees. Also a decent wine and cocktail list. I recently had the seared Ahi tuna special and it was outstanding!
(5)
Tom C.

I've heard a lot of hype about this place so I finally decided to give it a try. The meat falls right off the bone and that is basically the only good quality. The ribs although moist lack much needed flavor.
(1)
Gwen R.

The ambiance is a bit dated, but the service and hospitality, and most importantly the food are all exceptional. Granted, I'm not sure I've had anything there besides the ribs, but they are well worth the trip to Jefferson Park. The prices are reasonable and the portions are plentiful. Definitely check it out!
(5)
Christine U.

No question, my favorite place for ribs. They are tender and fall right off the bone as soon as you pick them up. For me, that's the tell-tale sign of a good slab of ribs. Their bbq sauce is fantastic, just the right amount of sweet and savory. Service is great, ambiance is, well, it's kind of what you'd expect from a place that's been in Jefferson Park for a gazzilion years. But the ribs more than make up for it. Our meals came with soup or salad, and I opted for a boring salad, but my husband chose the Chicken Tomatillo soup. WOW. It was phenomenal. It was so good that I asked for a bowl to go, and will be having that for lunch today. Mmmm-mmmmm.
(4)
James S.

Hands down, the "only" choice when I want ribs. Since I was a little shaver, my parents instilled a tradition within me that I have since passed on to my daughters! The "sweet butter" is awesome!
(5)
Patricia K.

My husband and I first went to Gale Street Inn for the ribs, which were highly recommended by my son. Their ribs are very good. Since our first time, we have come for dinner, brought colleagues and friends for special occasions for lunch and dinner (we were seated in the side room so we could meet in relative quiet), and bought several gift certificates for family members. We have always had a good meal, hearty and well prepared, and an excellent staff experience. The owner, George, treats his customers like friends, and I have always seen him treat his staff with respect. Early Sunday evenings, my husband and I mainly go for the drinks (Gale Street Inn has the best Martinis) and appetizers and a quiet place to talk to each other. The decor is subdued and the music is at a reasonable volume. And, if you want to, you can watch sports games on the new TVs behind the bar. The prices are very good for what you get. Gale Street Inn suits us!
(5)
Evelyn Z.

Rib were pretty good, I've had better but definitely will go back for the crab cakes! Crab cakes were Mmmmm Mmmmm good! Staff was nice and attentive. It definitely has an old school lodge feel to it as far as decor goes.
(4)
Michelle H.

This place has the best ribs I've had in the city. Their other food is pretty on point as well.
(4)
Andre L.

Good neighborhood restaurant, been here many times for lunch and dinner. They have a new menu item-an asian Tuna salad something...it's FABULOUS! Seared Ahi tuna with mangos and other goodies...MMnnn-can't wait to have it again. My new summer favorite.
(4)
rachel p.

first off, i'm gonna put a moratorium on referring to the gale street inn as GSI. stop it. stop it right now. ambiance: 70's mafioso den meets nursing home food: completely unimpressive in every way service: attentive and friendly the gale st. inn seems to be a mecca for seniors, which makes sense, since they serve old people food (generally bland, uninteresting and easy to chew). the salads were a paltry combination of iceberg lettuce, shredded carrot, one cherry tomato and flavorless italian dressing. the grilled calamari were down right bad. the blackened salmon was cooked properly and tasted ok but was served atop a bed of undercooked spinach swimming in garlic oil. now, i realize people don't come here for the salads or the seafood, so lets move onto the ribs. the ribs were fine; probably the best part of the meal. they were tender; they were NOT fall off the bone. the sauce was decent, a somewhat sweetened texas style bbq. if someone were to ask me if my meal here was bad, i would say absolutely not. but, was it good? meh, not so much.
(2)
L T.

We've been here several times and it's kind of a neighborhood staple, but we had such a nice time there today I just wanted to write a quick review. We went for brunch today with the kids (almost 3 and 4) and a couple of friends - can I just say, the food was wonderful and so was the staff - so friendly and really nice to the kids. There were lots of great Cajun items on the buffet and the staff was really informative. Yummmm. Hoping we make it back before they wrap up brunch season before summer!
(4)
Bill M.

This restaurant is named after an obscure little street that intersects Milwaukee Avenue across from the Jefferson Park CTA transit hub. This neighborhood restaurant gets busy, so get ready to hang around the bar if you have a wait for your table. The ribs are pretty good here, though I've had better elsewhere.
(4)
Ted H.

The ribs are not BBQ, they are typical Chicago meat jello. The pork chop is good. It is overpriced due to reputation when there was no real BBQ in Chicago. Well, times change and this place is no longer worth it.
(2)
Justin H.

I have been to GSI many times for family birthday parties and the like. I have always had the ribs and I find these are the best around. Pair them up with the Garlic Mashed Potatoes and you have food bliss. Always good service good food and great prices. Dont miss this rib joint! AND THEY HAVE FREE PARKING!
(5)
Christopher H.

I recently came across a study done by the FDA, a study addressing meat consumption across the United States. Over the last decade, Chicagoans have consumed the most beef (per capita) by far--at an annual amount seven pounds greater than the national average (!). I cannot prove it, but I'm pretty sure Gale Street Inn is largely responsible for those numbers--one visit, and you'll see why. I always went there as a youth, but stopped going with my parents (for whatever reason) when I was in eighth or ninth grade. Until Thanksgiving, I had forgotten the Inn existed, and happened upon it purely by luck. One of my favorite restaurants in Chicago had moved to Arlington Heights, hastening a change of plans as my dad and I sat in the car, staring at an empty building. He thought a moment, then said "Gale Street Inn." We went, and I consider myself a changed Chicagoan. The place seemed deserted on the outside (tinted windows!), but was slammed on the inside. Fortunately for us, a deuce opened up as we walked in and we were seated immediately. I got a half-rack served with King Crab legs, and though they split the crab legs for you (eliminating half the fun), you are rewarded with some of the most delicate crab meat around. As for the ribs: there is not, nor has there ever been, a restaurant that can equal the ribs at Gale Street Inn. They are perfect: juicy, falling off the bone, and with a rich and decadent glaze that is dark and berry-like but not intrusive. You cannot order ribs without spending serious minutes sucking the meat off of the bone, feeling completely happy and utterly unself-conscious. All in all, Gale Street Inn speaks to the stockyard heritage of Chicago: we are (and always will be) the heart of America's railroads, just as one hundred years ago we were the heart of America's stockyards. If you want meat--ribs, tenderloin, just plain meat--you could do much worse than select Chicago first. Gale Street Inn stands in the forefront of Chicago's meat restaurants; the sensible eater will avidly take the Blue Line up to Jefferson Park, cross Milwaukee Avenue and experience heaven.
(5)
Nancy H.

I've tried the ribs and filet mignon from here and various sides, and overall is a good restaurant. The ribs aren't too saucy, was very tender ("fall off the bone" type), and didn't leave dry, stringy meat in between my teeth. The filet, however, was dry and disappointing for $27. The jambalaya is phenomenal - moist rice and has chicken, andouille sausage, and shrimp (full size order is $17, but the half size is much more economical at $4). The lighting is a little dim at night, and the windows are tinted so it actually looks closed from the outside. The owner was friendly, being sure to say goodbye to every patron who leaves, but he seems to nag the waitstaff. This is probably my new go-to place for ribs. Check out Ribfest in the city in June - Gale Street offers a half slab and jambalaya combo for $12 (2007; $15 in 2008)!
(4)
Ted C.

I've been here twice now and I don't have a complaint about it. The ribs were pretty good and I never had a problem with the wait-staff. The price is a bit much I think and to be frank, I just can't get used to a barbecue place to be so...stuffy. I like having everything smell like cooked pork and a roll of paper towels sitting on the table. Nothing against this place but it's definitely a barbecue restaurant whereas I prefer barbecue joints.
(3)
Kevin S.

Amazing ribs, friendly service. That's all there is to it.
(4)
Matt M.

If you're on the NW side, this place is 5 stars. If you're considering restaurants in the Chicago area, the best I can rating I can give the Inn is 4 stars. The food is consistently VERY good, and their ribs are among the best I have every had. Prices are reasonable and the drinks are good. They have a good kids menu too if you happen to have kids. The only downside to this place is the ambience. It's got a high-end family restaurant feel to it (like a step up from Denny's). While the food and the clientel are classic old school Chicago, the interior seem staid, neutral and basically boring. The service is pretty good, and a lady (who I presume is the manager) frequently stops by each of the tables to say hello. By the way, one way to avoid the 3-star ambience is to do take out, which the folks at the Inn have mastered.
(4)
Cristina T.

This place is AMAZING! Despite the long drive, I took my boyfriend here for his birthday dinner. We were immediately greeted by several servers and brought out complimentary toasts w/ hummus. Their homemade bread w/ honey butter is so divine you almost forget you have ordered ribs. I got the 1/2 rack combo w/ 1/2 bbq chicken. The chicken was moist and delicious(some of the best chicken I've ever had), but the show stopper were the ribs. Tender and falling off the bone, the bf and I were licking every last morsel off those babies. He ordered the full rack & a twice baked potato which was filled with bacon! The portions were large, but not too much like I have seen at other "steakhouse" restaurants. For dessert, we had the carrot cake, which was very good. The atmosphere is casual and cozy, not like other pretentious "foodie" restaurants I've been to in the city. You feel like you are part of the family there, and I will most definitely be making the drive back for some more ribs!
(5)
Collette Y.

I had gone to Gale Street Inn several times over the last 25 years and I was so disappointed a few weeks ago that I will never go back. I ordered pull pork and it had other things slapped on top of it that was not clear on the menu. The waitress acted like "Didn't you read the menu?" Service was good, as it always was, but the menu has changed to not my liking with alot of spicy, southern-type of seasonings and garnishing. I am sure their ribs are still super, but I would be hesitant to order anything else while there.I go to great restaurants every week and this one is rated in my eyes as way on the bottom.
(2)
Jess S.

Dined here a few times with family. We all enjoyed our meals very much and were very pleased with the attentive and enthusiastic service. From ribs to chops to fish ... beltbusters. Yum. And it has history which is always kinda fun.
(4)
GABRIEL M.

Everything I've tasted here is delicious. The Gale Street Inn is classic American food with a Cajun tinge. Remarkable breakfast/brunch buffet, with waffles and omelettes to orders. Smoked salmon, home fries with warm salsa verde, eggs benedict with spicy crab cakes. The place just feels completely genuine; thoughtful and not intellectualized. You can sense that the Inn has been around for decades. How can you not give the place 5 stars?
(5)
Yahaa T.

My fiance took me here after a crappy workday as he knows I am an avid rib fanatic. The inside decor is very warm & old school Chicago. Waitress was very friendly & started us off w/soups, me clam chowder, the fiance chicken tomatillo. The bread was warm & hearty, however, I am not a fan of sweet butter which is what it came with, I was soooo disappointed because I love bread & butter w/my soup, who doesn't??!! The soup itself was scalding hot, creamy, & rich as a chowder should be. The tomatillo had its own unique flavor & had a spicky kick to it. Soups get an A+ Then we received our full slab of ribs,pitcher of bbq sauce, side of garlic mashed potatoes, & side of fries. I think I actually tasted a little bit of heaven from that first bite of sweet, spicy, tangy rib meat that literally fell of the bone. My fiance had to pinch me as I sat there savoring my first bite for minutes w/my eyes closed! I have never tasted a barbeque sauce quite like theres I must say, it's hard to describe, it's just the perfect mix of everything. I drowned the ribs in sauce & ate them in 5 minutes & sopped up the sauce w/bread, I'm ashamed to admit! The ends of the ribs were the best bit as they were a bit smoky & burnt which I love. Fries were fries, as long as they are hot & perfectly salted, you really can't go wrong! Garlic mashed potatoes were done to a perfect consistency & tasted good, but would be better w/ alittle less garlic, just my opinion. Leaving the restaurant, I decided I would have at least 3-5 bad days at work every week just so my fiance feels bad & takes me out for ribs here all the time!
(4)
Mike M.

My wife and I went there last night, Valentines Day, and had a great time. Went without a reservation as they told me on the phone that they weren't taking any, first come, first served. So we got there about 6:15 pm and were told it would be 20 minutes or so. Got seated in 10 minutes. This place is known for their ribs and boy, were they good. Fall off the bone. There was the Mardi Gras theme going on and so we had the gumbo soup and jambalaya along with half rack of ribs each. Excellent. Will definitely be back soon.
(5)
Mark S.

'Honey- poof up your hair and put on your gold jewelry, I'm firing up the Town Car and taking you to dinner at the Gale St for some ribs!' At this somewhat fancy family restaurant, you can expect to see a variety of reasonably respectable high school kids on dates, a parking lot full of Cadillacs and Lincolns, a good collection of Grandmas and Grandpas taking their family out to dinner, etc. The restaurant itself is pretty nice inside, the food is American, with a just a little creativity. Think 'corn chowder with tortilla strips on top' creativity level. Ribs are typical Midwest variety- not smoked for long enough, but cooked until tender with BBQ sauce. Their Au Gratin potatoes are pretty good too. They really pump their weekend Cajun brunch- I haven't tried it out but bet it's pretty good. So I like this place for what it is- there's some good people watching, they care about the food they serve and knowing what to expect I like it well enough. I get carryout from them sometimes too when I want some ribs. There are just few restaurants I enjoy with any regularity on the NW side, when I'm in the right mood, this is one of them.
(4)
Shaun S.

My brother discovered this place when he and his wife moved to Jefferson Park. In ten years, I don't think anyone in our family or friends have had a bad meal here. Great service comes along with the experience... Steaks, Ribs, what ever you want.
(5)
Bridget S.

This is the kind of place you bring your grandma for a nice family dinner. It's not a great looking place, and when I visited it was all decked out in 60's hippie paraphernalia for the celebration of "RIBSTOCK." Cute...I guess. The staff all seemed to be into the promotion, wearing band t-shirts and such. Obviously I didn't select the restaurant, because well, I don't/can't really eat ribs. I really just wanted a nice salad, so I ordered a cajun chicken spinach salad. After receiving it, I realized I should have asked what was on it (the menu did not spell it out). I was pretty disappointed with my huge bowl of spinach, which had already been tossed in this sweet cilantro dressing (but also had more dressing on the side), topped with some mushroom slices (which I don't like), a couple cherry tomatoes, and, of course, the sliced cajun chicken. It was lackluster, but I picked at it enough to make it worthwhile. I had a glass of white sangria that was pretty good, though. Nearly everyone else at the table had ribs and all seemed to enjoy them. The main complaint I had about this place was witnessing the manager (owner?) reprimand the hostess. I have worked in the service industry for many years and know that if there's a problem, you don't bring it up in front of customers. It was distracting to our entire table, and I really felt badly for the gal - it wasn't her fault they had a Sunday dinner rush! Sheesh. The fella later came by our table and asked if everything was OK with our service, which it was (our server was definitely on top of things), but I was really put off by his behavior to the staff.
(3)
Lisa K.

A friend suggested Gale Street Inn for a recent dinner date. Not knowing what to expect, I agreed. When I first walked in, I was pleasantly surprised. It has a nice wood decor and an old school steak house feel. We were seated immediately at a booth and told the specials for the day. Unfortunately we dallied too long in ordering and the two specials we wanted were both gone so we had to think of an alternative. The oysters were still available so we started with them. They were phenomenal. Rich and buttery, not a fishy thing about them. I could have had more of them and been happy. I ended up going with the blackened salmon. Very flaky and a nice flavor. My friend got the Porter House and ate every bite of the 22oz. It was tender, juicy and flavorful. Since we both had been denied our first choice on dinner, the owner bought us a dessert. We decided on the key lime pie. What a great decision. Not really a lime lover, this pie was light and didn't have an overpowering lime taste. It also came with a raspberry drizzle so tasted a little like cheese cake. I would definitely come back here again to try another item on the menu and enjoy the cozy yet classy neighborhood atmosphere.
(5)
Jacqueline S.

Ribs are so tender (you can eat them with your fork), lean, sauce is a perfect blend of sweet and tangy. All food was delicious and hot - Wonderful service and reasonable prices.
(5)
Christine O.

Best ribs I've ever had. Tender, fall off the bone. Sauce is delicious. Chicken is very good too. Service is always great.
(5)
Justin L.

Excellent place all around. Growing up I would be waiting for the bus at the Jefferson Park blue line station and smell the aroma of their incredible ribs wafting across the street into my nostrils. Loved it. Craved it. but was too concerned with missing my bus that I never stopped in. That is until one day curiosity took over and I stumbled in there. I was hooked like a crackhead ever since. The place is clean and friendly. Very much like you normal family restaurant. The restaurant serves and treats its patrons like a real restaurant. Not something you would expect across the street from a CTA train station.The guests are usually all talking loudly and throughly enjoying themselves. No need to look at the menu. Just order the full rack of ribs. Don't bother with the half and half or any of that other non sense. You will end up eating your half and sneaking ribs off your gf's plate as well. (Everything is delicious but you go there for the ribs, you can get chicken anywhere). The bread will come out and while it nothing special, it is not like white bread slices they give you at Memphis rib joints. What pushes it over the top is the butter. They provide this sweet corn tasting butter that would be drinkable if melted. Itis that good! Before you know it the ribs are in your face. Very awesome. My mouth just watered thinking about it. They not only fall off the bone, but the sauce is not as sweet (which I prefer) and the ribs are meaty and fall off the bone. U could eat this utensils! Of all the ribs I have eaten, this place is one of the best. Not only for the quality of the ribs, the service, or the value, but also the memories. This is the only ribs place I remember time and again. The experience of the meal stays with me. Almost haunting me. Whispering in my ear to come back....... and I will.
(5)
Leah C.

this review is for the seasonal brunch... i hesitate to write about this place because it seems to be the only restaurant in the city where you do not need to wait for a table for brunch. my table of 6 was sat promptly and comfortably at a prime time brunch hour. the $20 brunch buffet included "fat tuesday" fare of etouffee, crab cake benedicts, jambalaya and crawfish. there was also the standard eggs, hash browns and breakfast meats and an omelette (delicious pico de gallo)/waffle/carving station. i especially enjoyed the grilled vegetable platter and the fruit salad that included more than the typical melon and mushy red grapes. it also included pears, berries and oranges. the dessert offered your usual dessert bars (outstanding lemon squares) and bananas foster! i love the location of GSI reminding us that brunches aren't only offered in trendy LP or LV. it's very conveniently located across the street from the jefferson train station (metra and blue line) AND just off the expressway!
(5)
Ellen P.

As most native Chicagoans will tell you, these ARE the best ribs in town. Have been eating them for years, and also tried places like Carson's (no longer around) and Twin Anchors - keep coming back to GSI. Whatever you order (ribs, chicken, etc) will be tender, BBQ sauce off the charts delicious. Took friends who tried some non-BBQ options - even the risotto looked pretty good. And they have carry out, but no delivery, which might be a good thing - I'd be eating them all the time!
(5)
Tommy A.

Maybe just 3.5. Seriously, Chicago's best ribs are boiled? I don't think so Jack! The funny thing is I went in thinking this is a great rib place. The ribs were probably the least quality thing we had. French onion soup was solid, salad with garlic dressing was very solid. My girlfriend had the pasta with the chicken and champagne sauce, I had a bite and thought it was good, she enjoyed it a lot. Then i had the ribs. Full rack $18 on Monday night, glad I didn't pay $23 cause I'd of been pissed if I paid that much for boiled ribs. I'll say this for them, they were about as good as boiled ribs can be, but you just shouldn't boil meat, it takes the flavor out of them. There are a few things I need to add to this, the prices are a tad high in general, but the service is outstanding. The waitstaff is extremely nice and friendly. They are making an effort to create a scene there. In about an a half hour after we left a Jazz band was about to play, that was cool. Although on this night we were on our way to see Paul McCartney, so needless to say we didn't need to stay for the Jazz band. But I do like what they're doing. I would go back if it was in my tracks. Wouldn't go out of my way to go here, and I would not get the ribs again. Gale Street Inn is not a bad restaurant, it's a decent one that is making a rediculous claim!
(4)
Regine J.

I wanna get fat at Gale Street Inn.
(5)
Bobby D.

Disappointing for a top-grade restaurant, The Minestrone soup was awful, Tasted like Spaghetti O's. The service was awful. The restrooms were small & seemingly uncomfortable. Though the rest of the food wasn't bad.
(2)
Kate L.

Though I no longer live in Chicago I head to Gale Street from O'Hare every chance I get. They have fantastic ribs, great service and a better than average beer selection. You can not go wrong here.
(5)
Patria H.

BEST RIBS IN CHICAGO!! Love this place. Great take out packaging and I have even ordered trays of ribs for catering from here. Fall off the bone tender and such delicious sauce.
(5)
J B.

We had a nice meal here right after my stepmother's graduation ceremony at Navy Pier. They claim to have the best ribs in Chicago. While that may not be exactly true, I had a taste and they are still pretty good. I had a "mimosa pasta" dish that was nothing memorable. Everyone else seemed to really enjoy their dinners. My sister had a great chopped salad and baked french onion soup, which is what I should have gone for. Service and atmosphere was fine. They were busy and I would reccomend a reservation if you plan on coming here. Lastly, the desserts were great. I tried bread pudding for the first time and it was very tasty, as was their homemade chocolate mousse.
(4)
Suzanne M.

Will be going back for the ribs! We had just a couple of the pasta entrees mimosa pasta and sausage penne. Both great. If they ever have the carrot and ginger soup, get it! service was very attentive. all the food from apps to desserts wad very well balanced in flavor. It was a steakhouse experience at neighborhood prices.
(5)
Molly M.

I came here for a bridal shower where we used the private event room, and we had a great time. The staff was really friendly and fast, and the food was amazing. We all got the London broil, but I heard their ribs are awesome too. One really nice perk is that they let the event set up early, and arranged the tables in a way that was helpful to us. I would definitely recommend Gale Street Inn for private events.
(5)
Beatriz R.

Came here on a Saturday night the wait time was about an hour long the place was packed but once seated it was definitely worth the wait. Appetizers arrived promptly ordered potato skins and the buffalo spicy shrimp amazing to say the least! I had the Rib and jambalaya rice combo And SWEET MOTHER OF GOD these ribs were the most tender and literally fell off the bone in one bite. The jamabalya a rice had shrimp chicken and sausage and it had a great flavor and a bit of a kick! The place seems reasonably priced can't wait to make my way here again! Best ribs EVER!!
(5)
Andrew M.

The best king crab legs in the city! Service is always excellent with good drinks. Get the garlic dressing on your salads. Ribs are excellent with the au gratin potatoes! Plenty of parking. I actually like sitting in the more casual bar than the restaurant proper. Family friendly.
(5)
MArk F.

Arrived at Gale Street today to meet two clients for lunch. I arrived at 11;15am and they shortly thereafter. I realize the hours posted say 11;30am they open. As the three of us waited another 6 or 7 congregated for the opening of the locked door. As 11;27 approached my patience was pushed and decided to leave with the other two to go elsewhere. I didn't feel compelled to deliver my money to an establishment that couldn't care less about having customers wait outside their doors. Just bad business and we went to Sabatino's. That's the beauty of Chicago, there is always competition. Don't ever let potential customers wait.
(1)
EatingOutWithAGirl ..

Yep, The Gale Street Inn has an AWESOME neon sign. Making you feel like you might be stepping into the 1960's. And, yes, this same sign indicates that the restaurant has Chicago's finest: Ribs, Steaks and Seafood. At this point, you might be wondering, why would someone, with so much Veggie Love, go into a joint like this??? Well, read on folks, read on... I sat down at the table with some swell, non vegetarian friends. While glancing at the menu, I came across some items that looked splendid. The Veggie Potato Skins and House Salad, drew me in quickly. Since I wasn't doing any fried foods at the time, The Grilled Vegetable Portabella Sandwich was out. (Girl can't eat a sandwich without fries...Duh?!) It did look yummy though...With it's roasted peppers, spinach, mozzarella, and chipolte crema on a ciabatta roll. Mhhhmm... Then came the heavy hitters for all you non veg-heads: Da Burgers, Da Surf, Da Turf and Da Ribs. Not quite for me but wait for it...The BEST is en route...Please read on... In super little print, at the bottom of the menu was what I thought, to be my savior for the night: The Sides. French Fries, Sweet Potato Fries, Au Gratin Potatoes, Twice Baked Potato, Garlic Mashed Potatoes, Grilled Vegetables and Sauteed Spinach. #NomNomNomNomNom I was ALL ready to get a House Salad and Garlic Mashed Potatoes and call it a night and then...THIS happened...#PowPow First thing I told the lovely server gal was, "Hey, I know I'm in steak joint but, I am indeed, a Vegetarian." It was cute because her face got all lit up to tell me about something, not listed on the menu. ...drum roll please...It was one of the BEST pasta dishes, I've ever had! A HUGE bowl of colorful vegetables mixed in with a bit of multi-colored fettuccine noodles. The vegetables we're fresh and cooked perfectly. Carrots, Broccoli, Zucchini, Asparagus, and of course, I had to add fresh garlic to it... All in a simple, but tasty, olive oil sauce. Not too heavy, ALL PERFECT! I kinda forgot to mention, one of the BEST House Salads...Since when does a steak joint put Kale anywhere on a menu?! The Gale Street Inn does! Spinach and Romaine lettuce, Kale, Cabbage and Carrots...Delish... Add some creamy garlic dressing and voila, perfection. Ps: Don't forget to get the fresh baked bread with some crazy GOOD honey butter-ish stuff. Side Note: Was introduced to the BEST Scotch, I've had. "Highland Park, Dark Origins." #WOW #SMOOTH The Gale Street Inn - 4914 N. Milwaukee Ave., Chicago, IL 60630 - 773.725.1300 *Eating Out With A Girl* #EOWAG EatingOutWithAGirl.com #EOWAG *Eating Out With A Girl* - Veggie Love in Unexpected Places. :)
(4)
James S.

A long time family favorite, but I've grown more impressed with The Gale Street Inn since we moved in down the street. The food is delicious, especially the ribs, but I've never tasted anything I didn't like here. On top of that, the staff does a great job of really making you feel at home in the neighborhood.
(5)
Renaud S.

I was there on a Sunday evening with my friend, it was our first time in the restaurant. We waited ~15 minutes to get a table - glad to be seated so fast! We took a burger and the chicken ribs, they were delicious! The food came fast, it was tasty and very good. We also ordered a baked potato with butter. Good point: they usually bring bread and butter with the main course, I appreciate that. Next time I get there, I want to try the carrot cake, it looked tasty. The people seating next to us had one, but I wasn't hungry enough by the end of the meal to order one.
(4)
Lola L.

Food was good...I pick up often a to go order. . ...When my friend ordered her Filet not butterflied... It comes butterflied. Never had an issue before getting it not butterflied. The waitress then tells us that they always butterfly. Not true...ordered many times prior. But... Even when the customer tells you not to butterfly it should have come up at the time of order. We have our food but she has to wait. To add insult to injury....small dark haired Asian woman comes over and tells us they always butterfly their steaks now. Excuse me...they ALWAYS butterfly their steaks NOW! When I say to her.. The customer ordered not butterflied...what happen to the customer ordering what they want and we have been here many times when the Filet was ordered not butterflied...and it came out not butterflied!! This woman then tells me that she cant get anywhere with us and I told her fine...leave our table...she then proceeds to the me I am RUDE! Yes the customer is RUDE!! And asked to speak to George...owner who just left...well George...don't worry about this rude customer coming back...and by the way I was not rude. I have forty years in the service industry... We left and went to Mortons Patio to drink. We were going there initially but decided on Gale Street. No issue with food ....Staff issue. I ate three ribs and packed the rest only to discard in the garbage...not a good evening.
(3)
Janine K.

This place has been here FOREVER! In fact, I'm pretty sure my parents went here on a date back in the 70s if I recall correctly...and how could you go wrong with a place that has been around forever??? I used to live in the area and I can count on one hand how many times I went here, but in recent times I go pretty often just to the bar area because a good friend of mine is the bartender...of course I'm a little biased. As for the bar area, there is a list of craft beer, martinis, wine, etc. - you name it, they got it and can make it! I'm a big fan of their sangria. As for food... I've had other things which are good but go here for the Ribs...don't even consider anything else but the ribs! I'm not a huge fan of ordering ribs in restaurants as they're sloppy and BBQ sauce gets over your face and that's not socially acceptable but you don't have to worry about that here...you can literally cut the ribs with a butter knife and the meat falls off the bone! They are over the top!!! The prices are reasonable too...for $18.99 you get a half slab, a side, and salad or soup. I believe full slabs are on special on Mondays. Along with your dinner comes bread and butter...and not just any butter but honey butter and it is delicious!!!! I joke that I want to eat it straight with a spoon!!! That's just gross but you'd have to try it to relate to this...it's that good though, seriously. And here's a tip...you can BUY the butter for about $5 to take home, as I did...this past weekend after visiting! The service from the staff here is great too...no need to go all the way downtown, this place is right in the heart of Jefferson Park and across the street from the Blue Line and Metra Station.
(5)
Lynn M.

Went for dinner there last night. OMG so food. Attended a shower a few weeks back and had their salmon, food was delish. Who goes to a shower where everyone loves the food? Usually with a large crowd, the food is usually okay if anything. But, here everything was so good. Came back for the ribs. They were wonderful! Stay for anyone of the wonderful desserts.
(5)
Marie N.

My first visit here. Made reservations for 5pm on a Saturday. I'm glad we went early because by 7pm, our original reservation time, the entry was crowded with people waiting for a table. There was no wait for a table at 5pm. House salad with creamy garlic dressing was very good. The greens were cold. It was a good size salad as an accompaniment to the entree. Our table had ribs and the Porkapalooza which came with ribs, jambalaya and pulled pork. I really liked the ribs. They were fall off the bone tender. I suppose they would be considered more of a dry rub rib. The server did bring barbeque sauce to the table. The jambalaya was very spicy, according to my dinner companion. Desserts were fabulous. We had the carrot cake, bread pudding and turtle pie. I was sorry that I had to share the bread pudding. It was fabulous. The other 2 desserts were equally good. Our server was excellent. He was very helpful in suggesting wines. His timing on serving our meal was perfect. I can't think of any reason to NOT rate this a 5-star meal.
(5)
Jacqueline M.

Great place! Food is great and the staff is super nice.
(5)
Nicole Z.

I'd come here everyday if I could and this review probably won't even do this place justice!! We started with buffalo shrimp and crab cake appetizers and I wanted round 2 of both after 1 bite. On to the meals for ribbbbbbbs and side double baked potato. They are a must just make sure to have a big appetite bc you'll want to devour every bit. I got the halibut dish - on the lighter side and very delish (i opted out of mango topping tho). Good work to these owners and cooks. And also to the manager Gilberto, made our experience great and he knows how to do his job very well!!! Amen
(5)
Aimee M.

Table for 5, 830pm Friday night, no line, no wait. I did call about 815 to see if there was a wait and the hostess said they wouldn't have a problem seating us if we arrived in the 15 minutes I told them it would take us to get there. Service was start to finish was great--friendly greetings upon entering, friendly joking by our server, a fun time throughout dinner. The menu is confined to two pages plus daily specials. I was excited to try the ribs as it seems to be the thing to order here. The rib dinners (either full or half rack) come with soup or salad and a side. The food comes out in a timely manner, including the warm, soft hearty bread that is brought out with the salad. The ribs were delicious. They were fall of the bone tender and the sauce is a sweet/tangy blend. The potato and salad were pretty basic, but I'm still glad they didnt mess it up. My husband got the jambalaya/ribs combo so i got to try the jambalaya--it was pretty good too--a lot of chicken and shrimp, not so much rice, spicy but a little on the dry side. A full bar is available and the sangria I chose was fruity and refreshing. The space was decorated for the season and since it was evening, the whole restaurant just felt so Christmas-y and cozy. All of us enjoyed our meal here. Nice to have this place so close by.
(4)
Ed A.

Probably the classiest restaurant in the area. I would think this is the go to restaurant in the area for a good meal, great meal. It is a sit-down restaurant in every sense. A nice change from the takeout, wrapped and bag it food in the area. The interior is pleasant and welcoming. The people speak to you as an adult, as if they want you there, although there have been times when the service was spotty. The food is the star of this place. I have not tried every item on the menu but have not been disappointed with any of my selections. The ribs of course are fantastic with great sauce. The pork chops are not far behind and the double baked potato makes my mouth water. You can't go wrong. Come to impress and have a nice drink.
(4)
Brittany K.

My husband and I were brought her for a surprise birthday dinner courtesy of a good friend. I love surprises and to come here and enjoy the food was the best surprise. We walked in and the wait was quoted about a half hour. They only take reservations for parties over 5or6 (can't remember) and we were a party of 3. So we sat at the bar, ordered drinks right away and the bartender was sweet and quick. They were pretty busy considering it was a Sunday but it was Memorial Day weekend and rainy. I did a little researching on the menu and of course checked yelp out to see what was a must have. We were seated about 45 mins after walking in and order the potato skins with cheese and pulled pork for our appetizer. They were too die for!! We all order ribs and some type of potato. I would have to say the garlic mashed were better then the twice baked but my husband thought the twice baked was better. To top it off we had the turtle cake for desert. Yummy! Overall this place was amazing and the ribs were fall of the bone like many people said. We met the owner and he was a pleasant and down to earth nice guy. We will be back again!
(5)
Jim J.

The wait wasn't bad for a Saturday night. The waiter was very efficient. Started off with fried calamari which was very Tasty, some of the best I've had. The ribs were fantastic and the king crab legs were great. Hadn't been here in a long time, but now it will be on my regular list.
(5)
Larry J.

Good Ribs - first time I have ever seen a surf and turf with ribs and lobster. The tomatillo soup was very good! Crawfish Mac and Cheese was also a good appetizer. Food is 5 stars. Service is 3 stars - so average 4. It was almost 10pm and the waitress was not friendly and minor things like we had to ask for silverware when food came, never refilled waters, only asked about another drink after dinner was over, no thank you for paying bill or 20% tip.
(4)
Paul C.

I love this place. Can't recommend it enough. Every time I go, the food is perfect.
(5)
Dwyer W.

Hollow. Zero intrinsic value. A "Bennigans" under a different name. Only Bennigan's was better. Overpriced touristy-yuppy. Strictly external look appeal. Every time I am with someone at the Jefferson Park L-station, they always are glad to remind themselves in a Chicago-cognizance type of way, that the Gale Street Inn is located precisely there. And they don't even know why they are happy to see it. Were they having a special on sex or something the last time? No one knows why the interest in the place. No one can tell me. Well, the value of this review is to tell you that there is none. Nothing there for you. Only a ticket to guaranteed sheep-dom if you line up as one of the sheeple who wait to get in, as if it were a concert venue or something. They are nothing, those. The also-heards without a cause. My experience there: I arranged to meet a woman there for the first time, after communications on a dating site. Thought the place looks decent and nice enough to where anyone would feel glad to be going to such a venue. And that is apparently the same thing that registers as the appeal of it with those who flock to it with minds a quarter of an inch deep. So I picked that due to its being near the L station. I arrived a sufficient number of minutes prior to the meeting time. I imparted to the tall manly-looking German-ish woman at the front desk that I would like a table near the entrance to make it easier to meet a first date. The manly woman, either a manager or a proprietess, showed a chip on her shoulder about this from the very start. Pursed lips, a subdued look that wants to kill, but has to refrain... and all that. Weird, that. But never mind, I can't change things now, since I was already there, my date was minutes away, and it was also cold outside at the time. So I took a good table at the front by the window. My date arrived. Mutual recognition happened. Sat with me. Chatted. Inevitably, time came when every woman needs to go to the bathroom. My date got up to do that. The manly-looking tall Germanic-looking woman followed her into the women's room. There the manly woman proceeded to tell my date the following things: -All men from online are no good! What's the matter with you! You didn't know! -Men are no good! -All men from online dating services in general are no good! -Men are a dangerous sex. -One must be a fool to meet a man! -YOU are being foolish! -OMG, I never saw such stupidity in a woman, I am here to tell you to protect you. -Pretend you got an emergency phone call and leave him there immediately! Thank goodness for instant rapport. My date and I had it. That's how she was able to report the above to me, and that is how I came to benefit you in turn. If anyone ever mentions Gale Street Inn to you, challenge them as to what there is that would be considered positive or attractive about it. When I was there they had a good waiter who followed my instruction to cut the three-mini-sandwitches plate each in half, so as to create a finger snack plate out of it, before my date and I decide what to really order. A good waiter. In a place that has a man-hating woman in a high rank. Which cancels out which?
(1)
Liz P.

Amazing ribs. Will always get them every time I come in. Staff is always nice as well. Cannot wait to come back!
(5)
Rob W.

My brothers and I went here to celebrate my birthday. None of the three of us had ever been here and given that the place is somewhat of a Chicago "institution", we were looking forward to it. Overall, a really good experience. We ordered blackened beef toast points - three for $11 was a little pricey, but it was good. For dinner my brothers both opted for a rack of ribs while I chose to go with the Porkapalooza which included some ribs, pulled pork and jambalaya. It was a Monday, so the full racks were $5 off. We were all pretty satisfied with the meal. Service was good too. Busy place on a Monday, though I'm told a holiday party contributed to that. Glad we picked this spot - overall the value was OK and the food was good. Thumbs up!
(4)
Stacey B.

What a great place to have around the corner.......great food, and friendly staff! Never disappoints..........
(4)
Annmarie G.

Here's what to get: Ribs with potatoes twice-baked. Do it! You won't regret it. Best ribs I have ever had, and the potatoes are out of this world.
(5)
Lynelle O.

Everything is delicious there! The ribs, jambalaya, tomatillo soup, & especially the bread pudding dessert. Even the butter for the bread was sweet and tasty. The place was great and our waiter Jose was excellent. We will definitely be coming back again!
(5)
Andrea R.

Shanna and Larry were awesome!!! First time in and will definitely be back. Delicious food and great wine list. great place to relax any day of the week. Can't wait to come back.
(5)
Brenda M.

Yummy ribs, service was a bit lacking. Good old school vibe!
(4)
Patrick L.

I had been here years ago with a friend, before I really knew my way around Chicago. I had forgotten about it until recently, even though I don't really live to far from it! The ribs are great. They give you the wet towel to clean up with but you don't even need it because the meat just falls off the bone. A quick little move with your fork & it's on the way to your mouth!! While I love the ribs, i also got the chicken this time. It wasn't bad or anything but clearly the ribs are their thing so if nothing else, get one of the combos that way you can try the ribs & something else. Oh & dessert too! Get dessert!!! It's right off the Jefferson stop of the Blue line or the express way so getting there is a breeze. Downside, they only offered reservations for parties of 6 or more. Luckily, we didn't have to wait, that just made me a little nervous & so we had & always will have a backup place in mind when going here.
(4)
David S.

We eat here every year on our annual pilgrimage to Chicago and the Gift theater. My wife loves the ribs. I get the London Broil. They have a Gluten Free menu. There is a fine bar if you need to wait. However, they seem to only have Guinness on tap around St. Pat's day, a slight demerit. The wait staff is great. NOTE: They only take reservations for parties of 6 or more.
(5)
Kathleen C.

I'm somewhat torn on a rating for Gale Street Inn because there are so many positives. However, I think I'm netting out on a 3.... Pros: - Really friendly service - Tasty BBQ - Large enough menu to make everyone happy but not so extensive that it's overwhelming Less than pros: - Very bright...for a weekend dinner at 7:30/8pm, I was surprised at how bright the lighting was. I'm not sure if this is typical or just the room we were in, but I would love a bit more atmosphere at night. - BBQ was good - very good - not the best, but very good. I liked the amount of meat on the sandwich - it wasn't dry, very moist and flavorful. I think the sauce was good, though not vastly different than others. - No reservations So, I would go back perhaps, but not necessarily seek it out for a special trip.
(3)
Vanessa V.

I've been coming here for 20 years! A classic neighborhood favorite. I love everything on the menu but you have to do ribs when coming here! Staff is great! My husband got a balloon & free sundae on his bday! Lol
(5)
Kristin R.

We try to go here on special occasions and also Wednesdays are BYOB! It's a little on the pricier side but it's worth it for the ribs. It gets ridiculously busy so always put in a reservation ahead of time or else you might end up waiting a while. I've always ordered the half rack of ribs here, which you can't really go wrong with. The servers are nice, the food just takes a little bit longer sometimes and the service is ok, but not memorable. Parking can be difficult here since it gets really busy, but we sometimes try to find street parking which is easier to find. It gets pretty dark inside and the decor is old school, but they've been here for a long time, which makes it a great go to for someone who is visiting from out of town.
(4)
Hawon J.

Oh how I love this place My go to menu is raw on half shell oyster and rib with fried shrimp. Oh how I love this place. their rib is one of the best. They are so soft, falls off from bone, juicy, and flavorful. All the workers are friendly, casual atmosphere, TVs available in the bar, and family & large group friendly. It is definitely my favorite Jefferson Park restaurant.
(5)
Mary R.

We celebrated my mom's 80th birthday at the Gale Street Inn last night, and have not stopped talking about what a wonderful evening we had there! Our table was ready and waiting for us and our waitress Denise B, made our night enjoyable from beginning to end - from giving the birthday girl lots of attention to listening to our son on the autistic spectrum and assisting with making his dinner perfect (he is picky!) she was the icing on the cake. The food was fantastic....seven entrees and seven empty plates at the end of the meal...but we all still had room for dessert...and all dug in to share the goodies. We are looking forward to returning to the Gale Street Inn....go and have the ribs!
(5)
Simone T.

After years of eating here, Gale Street remains a consistently great place for lunch and dinner. Great soups (French Onion and Tomatillo are two daily offerings along with an additional soup of the day) and the appetizers are substantial (stuffed mushrooms & fried calamari are delicious). The ribs, of course, are great, but other entrees are wonderful too: some examples include panko breaded & fried butterfly shrimps, pork chop(s) with mashed potatoes & peas, baked chicken, and an incredible jambalaya - yes, jambalaya! Good burger too. Good sweet potato fries, onion rings...the works. Great restaurant with full bar...
(5)
C C.

Have been there many times over the years. Recent visit was wonderful like most all the other times I dined there. I like ribs every now and again and this is the only place I seem to get them from because I love their sauce. For me, the sauce is what determines if I like the ribs outside the tenderness of the meat. Nine out of ten times I've dined here they are very moist and such a delicious treat. Every blue moon they come out too fatty, I show them to the server and send them back. They happily bring out a fresh batch to my liking and I appreciate that. The staff are eager, kind and happy to be there. I typically enjoy a baked potato with my ribs and a salad so there isn't too much to review as both are also good. If you are in the mood for some delicious fall off the bone ribs then this is the place to visit. Monday nights are a good night as the rib dinner is a few bucks off. Keep up the good work Gale Street Inn.
(5)
Anna D.

The food is good, one of my favorite rib places in the city. The chicken, crab cake, and their side dishes I can recommend. I want to give them credit for serving delicious food. My only negative is that the place is too dark and too loud - the ambience is just not for me, but this is a matter of preference.
(4)
Tang I.

The convenience of hopping the blue line from Logan Square to the Jeff Park stop and getting some damn good ribs, that's why I love this place. Definitely make reservations. It'd been a while since I've had the ribs at this well respected NW side spot.. and during that time I've come to enjoy Smalls, Twin Anchor, and Smoque. I'm not going to rank which one is the best, but I will say Gale Street Inn ribs is on the same level as those places. Soft, juicy, and a nice sweet sauce. I highly reccomend the chicken Tomatillo soup too! I'm serious when I say being able to hop the train from where I live and moments later sit down for ribs makes this a 5 star place for me personally.
(5)
Diana L.

I wanted the food to be good after everything I read here, but it's too expensive for the quality of the food and service. I did not enjoy my dinner and I will not be returning
(2)
Luis J E.

I'm a rib lover and this here is my new spot. Sorry Lwood I needed a closer place to get my rib fix. Everything was cooked and seasoned perfectly. Wife is in love with the shrimp and arugula salad. Enjoyed their crab cakes. Good meat to bread ratio. They have really good fresh house bread. Will come back to try the crawfish Mac and cheese.
(5)
Terrel K.

Always a nice experience.food is nice.had the ribs before,tasted pretty good.the soups are all pretty good.drinks are ok,could use a bigger mixed drink selection.very nice ambiance in restaurant.nice and cozy.we enjoy coming here,its a nice solid restaurant in our area.
(4)
Talia G.

This restaurant is very nice, and the food is good, especially the ribs. But I'm not such a fan of their drinks menu they don't have a lot of different varieties.
(4)
Valerie O.

Gale street has always been a standby for birthdays and special occasions. They have great ribs and steaks. Try the jambalaya if you're looking for something different. It tends to get a bit loud in the dining room and bar.
(4)
Katie S.

We've been coming here for years and it never seems anything changes. Even as I sit the tables seem to be a little too high for me, my feet can barely touch the ground and I am a little girl again smelling all the deliciousness around. Maybe the front door is a tardis and I tunnel down the rabbit hole into a time and place where everything was perfect. Dad was still here and carrying me on his shoulders and mom was a hottie in a size 3 gogo dress. Good food, good times. Better memories.
(4)
Dan O.

Gale Street Inn is an institution. Always packed, expect to wait at peak times, but it is completely worth the wait. They have the best, most tender, fall off the bone ribs in Chicago. The sauce is amazing. To my surprise, their beer selection was much better than what I expected from a place that's been in business for 50+ years. Definitely worth the drive from downtown Enjoy.
(4)
Amanda E.

The best ribs we have ever had in town. We're highly recommending this restaurant. Yummy!!!
(5)
Taylor G.

Gale street inn is 5 stars for so many reasons. But most importantly it is consistent. You can always count on great service, great atmosphere, great food, and great drinks. Perfect for whatever you are in the mood for. They have the best ribs in Chicago, but I have yet to try something on the menu that wasn't plate licking fantastic. Ribs, pork chops, salads, buffalo shrimp(have to have), soup, burgers, and the sky high desserts are outstanding! Even the bread basket is something to shout about! You do not want to miss out on this gem!
(5)
Nicole B.

After being invited back to the restaurant by owner George after a so-so visit I am pleased to give this resturant another 5 star review. I also have to say Claire is a wonderful attentive and funny waitress! The ribs were outstanding, as always, even our 2 year old loved them. Their version of tortilla soup is delicious. Thank you very much for a welcoming visit, we enjoyed our dinner and will be back.
(5)
Brenda M.

Great service and even much better food!!! We had the Buffalo shrimp, stuffed mushrooms, fried calamari and fries.
(5)
Pauline D.

Love gale street inn. You have to try the BBQ ribs. I come here all the time. Tonight I had the crab legs and petite filet with mashed potatoes. As an appetizer we had oysters rockfeller. Large fresh tasty oysters. Delish! The service is always friendly and great. Thank you to oscar. Ps they brought us carrot cake with a candle for our anniversary!
(5)
Madi R.

Went to the Gale Street Inn tonight with a couple friends. The service was pretty crappy and the food was cold when it arrived to my table. Not just mine, but the 4 other plates as well. To top it all off, I found a hair in the sauce on my ribs. Pretty gross. I don't plan on returning seeing that there weren't any redeeming qualities to this place.
(1)
Amy H.

Came here in May for the first time in almost 10 years for my brother's birthday. I have to say I have no idea why it had been ten years. This place rocks. Great ribs, awesome twice baked potatoes, solid service, reasonable prices for quality food. Great place for a family dinner or a date. My family has been dining here for years and I hope it's around for many more years to come.
(5)
Joe S.

This place has been around forever, a true Chicago staple. If you're looking for Ribs that fall off the bone and melt in your mouth then this is the place. Food and service always spot on. This place is old school and straight forward. Gale Street always delivers great food at a reasonable price.
(4)
Annette R.

Best ribs ever. We also had the jambalaya, shrimp, and stuffed mushroom - all excellent. Also, the atmosphere in the bar area was a nice, fun environment. Good food along with a good time.
(5)
Jasmin V.

Ribs: I usually split a rack or get a half rack. It's pretty big! Meat falls right off the bone. Amazing all the time! Chicken Tomatillo Soup: I honestly haven't tried any other soup or *gasp* gotten a salad because this soup is amazing. Potatoes Au Gratin: Basically amazing. Cubed potatoes swimming in melted cheese. Doesn't get any better than this. Bread Pudding: Warm, gooey, orgasm in your mouth. Ice cream on top perfect with the melt in your mouth bread pudding. I order all these every time I go. You can't go wrong!
(5)
Abigail F.

Dined here for Father's Day and I was surprised how much the restaurant has changed - it is nicely updated. I especially liked the new bar area where they have two tall bar tables to stand/lean against while you wait for your table. I had the porkapolooza and enjoyed every bite and as for the ribs, the meat still falls off the bone. I was really surprised how good the chicken tomatillo soup was - I recommend this soup above all! Overall, family had a great time and enjoyed the food and service.
(4)
Paul B.

When you make a fat guy feel unwelcome at your restaurant - you're doing something very wrong. This is exactly how I felt entering the Gale Street Inn for a quick dinner before a concert at the Copernicus Center just (sort of) across the street. I tried to explain that I would be dining alone - but then I would be joined by friends who would be interested in consuming large amounts of beer. The hostess quickly let me know this was unacceptable. "We can't have people sitting around at our tables," she said. I was too hungry to argue so I followed her to the deepest recesses of the restaurant where she tried to cram me into a kid-sized booth. She sashayed away. After a minute I got up to leave. She made me feel like I didn't belong there. I have my limits and there are plenty of restaurants - like Subway - that offer better customer service. When she saw me trying to leave - she seemed to alter her tune a little. She brought me to an actual table and forced a smile in my direction. I was done. I was hungry. Let's get on with it. The waitress was a sweet and gentle woman who noticed the book I was reading and spoke of how much she enjoyed it. In a different context - she and I would have surely had a great literary conversation. Alas the die was cast for the night. I ordered a "classic" cheeseburger. The waitress suggested I try the burger of the day. A Crescent City burger with sweet potato fries. I agreed to give it a try. The burger came in a reasonable amount of time. It was lovely to look at. It was barely room temperature - but it was aesthetically pleasing. The fries were well below room temperature. I still can't figure out how they took the food from raw to cooked to room temperature so quickly. The Crescent City Burger is a "prime steak" burger covered with whole grain mustard slaw with jalapeno and jack cheese on a toasted brioche bun. The burger was perfectly prepared - it just wasn't warm enough to be considered good. I should point out that I am not a picky eater. I should also point out I eat in restaurants an average of 10 times a week. (That's pretty conservative.) I don't think I have sent food back more than three times in my life. I wasn't about to start tonight. I just wished it was warm - dare I consider hot? The order of sweet potato fries was laughably small. I didn't really mind the temperature - it seemed to be the theme of the evening - but there were hardly enough fries to fill a cavity. At these prices - there should be an order that equals one sweet potato. There was a shot glass-sized container of delicious slaw. To their credit - and this is the only credit Gale Street Inn management gets - is the hostess didn't hover. The lovely waitress up-sold me a cup of coffee I actually got to sit at their table to drink it. (Oh, the humanity!) When I was finished with my coffee - I went across the street to meet my friends who were smart enough to heed my warnings and ignore the Gale Street Inn. I walked into a shot-n-a-beer joint where I was made welcome and I was encouraged to use their chairs for sitting. If you have an evening planned in Jefferson Park - there are many better places to go. There is a Subway and a Baskin Robbins and other venues that will treat you better and give you a hot burger and an adult portion of fries. Just to be clear - I want to reiterate - my issue was not with the server. She was on the money. My issue is with the wonky hostess and the managers/owners who allow that type of behaviors. The food wasn't great - I've had worse. Not worth a return visit either way.
(2)
Lorelei C.

Okay.. Best Ribs in the City Hands Down! Tender, Fall off the Bones, The Meatiest Ribs I have ever had in my lifetime! So.. I must admit that my son Nick balked at the price of $25.00 for a slab of ribs..and do I think they were worth this fairly hefty price? A very Emphatic "Yes" would be my opinion! Seriously, these ribs were so perfect, with a perfect sauce.. Not an ounce of fat could be found on these ribs! And the garlic mashed potatoes that was my choice of a side was delicious as well! This place is quite old school in many ways, classic yet casual enough for people to bring in their familes/children. They have a great bar area which was packed tonight, as was the restaurant.. but no complaints from me, we were seated in less than 15 minutes. We had a great server by the name of Andreas and my son Nick just couldn't resist telling him that he looked like Mike Meyers Austin Powers.. Which.. he kind of did and he told us that another customer had previously told him the same thing! Too funny! Seriously.. Andreas was a great server he called me "Dear".. geez.. am I getting old or what? "Dear" or "Maa'm" is what I get nowadays.. He was very courteous.. And.. yes, I should have skipped dessert but.. couldn't resist the chocolate mousse.. Also.. if you should decide to come out to visit Gale Street Inn they have a private parking area right next to the restaurant for their customers. So.. what it comes down to is this.. I indulge in Ribs about once a year.. Glad I had my yearly dose at Gale Street Inn. Such a great dining experience.. These people do ribs.. and they do them well...
(5)
Adrian T.

Have been to Gale Street Inn numerous times but every time I have only gotten the ribs with the side dishes. The ribs are outstanding! I can probably put away 4 full slabs if it wouldn't cost me so much money. Hopefully one day I can come here and try the other dishes but I'll most likely order the ribs again. Yummy...
(5)
dave m.

Another great meal at Gale Street! Can't believe I have yet to take the time to write up a review. George, Jill and their entire staff always do an excellent job. Was meeting an associate for lunch (her first visit) and when I arrived she exclaimed, "a hidden gem!" to which I smiled and agreed. Today I had the newly revamped steak salad. They changed the presentation and modified the dressing to more of a greek style which was fantastic. There were a couple blocks of feta on top that were excellent and there was almost too much steak - I actually finished the greens first. A good problem to have, especially when the steak is as flavorful and tender, and served warm. Gale Street never disappoints and today was no exception. They clearly take great satisfaction in their craft as evidenced by their spotless dining room, attentive service and attention to detail.
(5)
Cali G.

This is a fantastic restaurant in a charming neighborhood. This has always been our go to restaurant for family parties. The reason you come here is for the ribs of course, but they have great calamari, salads, fries, and lets not forget drinks. The restaurant is very low key, and they have a lively bar area. Great place to visit..
(5)
tomas a.

Ribs to die for a mainstay in Jefferson park very good food good vibes its not unusual to see patrick kane from the black hauks here from time to time
(5)
Courtney C.

I think my favorite part of Gale Street Inn was the ambiance. It reminded me of my favorite restaurant as a child called Redwood Inn--RIP :( Whenever we went to dinner there, I knew that it was going to be a good night and it was a temporary escape from a somewhat dreadful childhood. Since Gale Street Inn reignited those happy feelings in me, I knew it was true love from the moment we walked in. Gale Street Inn has low lights, dark wood and maroon carpeting. It seems somewhat brooding--like a place that Edward Cullen would hang out to hide from the sun (sorry had to fit a Twilight reference in to at least one review)-- but sooo wonderful. The service was equally as fantastic as the ambiance. We sorta had two waitresses as one was in training and the other one would come back to check on us and make sure that the other waitress was meeting our needs. I liked that a lot as it showed that they really cared and that our needs were being met. I had the herb roasted half chicken. This isn't something I'd normally order but the reviews were great and reviews don't (usually) lie! The chicken was REALLY good but humongous. I was only able to finish about half of it. Next time, I'd probably order that to share. The juice/sauce that accompanied the meal was plate-licking good and the mashed potatoes were phenomenal. I also had the chicken tomatillo soup and the pumpkin cheesecake (seasonal.) They were both equally as scrumptious and ignited even more happy feelings in me. Overall, the prices seemed fair, the service was good and the ambiance was great. I can't think of a single thing to complain about which means Gale Street Inn gets my stamp of approval!
(5)
Michael H.

Cool place... real old school feel inside, especially at the bar! This is based just on BAR/ Appetizers experience..first off, we had a great bartender! We went on a Sat afternoon and she really knew how to make a great martini and recommend some beers. Believe it or not, they have a great beer list with some obscure locals on tap. Tried a couple apps and they were def very good. I'll update after I go down a slab of their famous ribs! gdd
(4)
Beatriz T.

I've been working across the street from this restaurant for about a year and have never tried. Went in last week to celebrate a co-worker's birthday and I had a great experience from the minute I walked in until I left. The staff was very friendly and attentive, even the people surrounding us eating their lunch. Their was a gentleman there having lunch with his grandfather and the grandfather kept chatting us up and highly recommending the banana pudding. We were a little pressed for time so I didn't have any dessert, but I will definitely try it if I come back one day for lunch. I saw a lot of people in the reviews raving about the best ribs in the city, so I ordered that. NOT. They were just ok, don't get me wrong I enjoyed them, but I have definitely had better. They are just your typical ribs. Nothing stands out. The Chicken Pot Pie was very good. It was decent, I would go again on a lunch break if I felt like splurging on a 20 dollar celebration lunch. I wouldn't make a special trip
(3)
Renise A.

Seriously the best BBQ place I've ever been to! Being from the south, I know good BBQ, and Gale Street Inn is top notch!! The meet falls right off the bones and the fries were seasoned and crispy- even the sweet potato fries. The only thing I didn't like were the garlic mashed potatoes. Best sangria I've ever had!!
(5)
Shaun H.

This is one of my go-to spots for special occasions. Their ribs are great. They're a little too "fall off the bone" to be my favorite ribs in Chicago, but the slightly spicy barbecue sauce makes them so good I almost always have to order them. They have a great salad with blue cheese crumbles AND house dressing. Not your average blue cheese dressing. Yum. Their potatoes au gratin are great as well. Also, they make great Bloody Marys and other cocktails. But, if you order a Bloody, and you don't want a skewer with shrimp on it, be sure to tell them. Some people love shrimp, but not me and I almost sent it back. The menu is well prepared and the staff is spot on.
(5)
Carm B.

We used to come here years ago for the prime rib on Saturday nights. We traveled over 35 miles for dinner and we were so disappointed. Meat was cold tough and fatty. Grilled calamari was awful. Twice baked potato tasted only like onion. This place has gotten old and tired.
(2)
Kevin M.

We had a great time here. Craft beer, ribs with meat that falls off the bone, pleasant server. There's really not much to complain about here. I'll be back.
(5)
Ron S.

More like "Just OK". This describes our recent visit. My wife and I had the ribs and shrimp combo. I felt I needed to give the ribs another chance to see if I could fall in love with them like so many people. Unfortunately, I find them to be so-so. The breaded butterfly shrimp are OK, nothing spectacular but the garlic mashed are terrible. Institutional grade, box preparation that GSI doesn't even try to doctor up. The only reason I'm giving 3 stars are for their drinks. They mix a pretty good drink and have a decent beer and wine list. If I'm in the area, I'll stop at Gale Street but it's not a destination restaurant for us.
(3)
David W.

Great ribs!!!!
(4)
Neri B.

Well I ordered the rib and lobster tail combo. As always the ribs were good, however the lobster tail was dry. The last time I was here the lobster tail was dry as well. So, in the future I will not order the lobster tail. Maybe I will try the crab legs instead of lobster tails. I had the black bean soup which is always great. The service could have been better. I had to ask for water at least three times. If I have to ask for it, that means the waiter and or the assistance is not coming around enough checking on their tables. Overall, the experience was good but not great.
(3)
Robert J.

Very good family-friendly atmosphere, delicious pulled pork sandwich. Warm and friendly service. Worked for me.
(5)
Jared G.

The employees were respectful and the overall service was wonderful. The ribs were okay but they were far from world famous. The sides made up for the ribs. The French fries were tasty.
(4)
Melanie S.

This place is fantastic. Best ribs in the city! I hadn't heard of it and was there for a business meeting. The service was good; all of the food was amazing (stuffed mushrooms, tomatillo soup, shrimp salad, ribs) above expectations; and the owner even took the time to come over and have a great conversation with us. I will definitely be back and recommend it to others. I don't usually go that far northwest, but it is very conveniently located right across from the Jefferson blue line stop (also metra stop). Clean, friendly, feels like a classy old-school joint with jazz music but not out of date. They certainly know what they're doing, and I can see why they have been there for so long.
(5)
A. T. T.

Since I posted my initial review, the owner, George, has been sending me notes disguised as compliments, basically saying it didn't happen, I'm a liar, and that I have to call him to straighten this out. Why would I call someone who is basically telling me that I am lying? Initially, I was not responding, simply because there was no point, since I was turned away and my birthday has passed, and we ended up going to Smoque and having ribs there. But, I have been getting these notes ever since, and they appear to be getting more and more vitriolic with each new one. And reading some of the other reviews, it seems this is a pattern with this owner, and that he feels it is okay to be abusive to his customers. So, not going back, not calling this person who is harassing me, and really not recommending anyone patronize this restaurant because what restaurant deserve patrons if the owner feels it is okay to abuse them?!?
(1)
Ad B.

Gale Street ROCKS great food great atmosphere and conveniently located. The ribs sirloin tips and the chocolate cake dessert are awesome. Also a great place for a lunch meeting.
(5)
Helen H.

My husband order the ribs and he is usually picky with his ribs, he is a naive from California. He said it has been by far the best bbq ribs he ever tasted.Spicy chicken tomatillo soup was delicious. Service was ok, but I can understand because it was busy. Will definitely be back!
(5)
Steven P.

Honestly the best ribs I've ever had. Service is great. The only thing I didn't like was the live piano that was being played but the ribs tuned the noise out. Delicious
(5)
Joe B.

What a great place to eat! Me and my friend enjoyed wonderful service, drinks and food from this place. The ribs are maybe the best in the city and the service was equally as good. We sat at the bar, and I've sat at regular seating as well. Tommy and Shanna were phenomenal in recommending food and drink and were very accommodating. Check this place out, not to be missed.
(5)
Steven E.

I had stuffed mushrooms and potato skins for appetizer. A bowl of broccoli cheese soup, salad, and bread. FULL rack of ribs and grilled vegetables. Turtle pie for desert. It all was delicious. The ribs were better than I remember them. The service was great for our nine person party.
(4)
Christina M.

I can't believe I haven't reviewed Gale Street. The food and customer service here is phenomenal. I've been coming to Gale Street for about 15-16 years...Always happy to see the same faces...when I come in. Ribs, Fish, Steak Phenomenal. DO NOT ORDER A HALF RACK... TAKE A FULL AND HAVE LUNCH THE NEXT DAY....SO AMAZING!
(5)
Tim J.

Food was great. No complaints at all with the food. I gave 2 stars simply because the waitress would not split the bill. Have any idea how incredibly annoying and a inconvenience it is splitting a check between 11 people? If it was not for my family picking this place for their birthday I would of walked out when the waitress refused.
(2)
Lora S.

Gale Street Inn truly supports their community, and I love them for it ;) As a bonus, their food is delicious, their staff and management are extremely friendly, and they do an excellent job of packaging carryout orders. They make it so easy to literally carry your order out. The soups were sealed and wrapped inside a cardboard box that made the ribs and the rest of the food easy to carry. I got the grilled shrimp salad and they put the shrimp in a separate container from the salad and also put the wonton strips on the side (meaning warm shrimp, fresh lettuce, and crunchy wonton strips). I know it seems silly to get so excited about packaging, but I'm sure we have all had an experience where sauce, soup, or something else has spilled out into a bag or box of food that we picked up or got delivered. Or maybe salad just was not as good as in the restaurant. This is NOT the case with Gale Street Inn. All of the the food was amazing, and although it was kind of pricey, the portions were big, and I did not spend as much as I thought I was going to spend. We ordered the Grilled Calamari, Grilled Shrimp Salad, the Full Rack Ribs Special, and the Skuna Bay Salmon. All of it was just so delicious. Three of us were able to share the salad, and the shrimp were seasoned so well. I liked the grilled calamari, but my parents LOVED it. Hopefully everyone in Chicago already knows that Gale Street Inn ribs are excellent. The meet was falling off the bones, and they were so good I was reluctant to share them. The salmon was also seasoned and cooked to perfection. And I almost forgot, the bread they serve with dinner is always soft and yummy, and the sweet butter they serve it with is even better. The manager I talked to on the phone before placing my order was so friendly and helpful, the person who took my order was so nice, and the people at the counter when I picked up my order were especially friendly and kind. I say that Gale Street Inn truly truly supports their community, because they recently held a #WeLoveOLV fundraiser where 20% of dine-in AND carry out proceeds went to Our Lady of Victory grade school. Originally, a flyer was required, but the day went so well that they generously offered to donate 20% of the money from ALL dine-in and carryout orders that day to OLV School regardless of the flyer. All of my experiences with Gale Street Inn have been delicious and enjoyable, but this review is specifically based on my most recent experience. If you have not been there yet, I definitely recommend visiting ASAP.
(5)
Rachel S.

Amazing tasting fall off the bone ribs, great soup. Our waitress Rosanne was very professional, and efficient. She also told us about the specials they have through out the week. There was at least a 30 min wait but it was a Saturday evening so of course that's expected so we sat at the bar first. The bar tender was awesome, got us drinks right away and very attentive even while being extremely busy.
(5)
Jean Z.

Thank you, GSI, for putting little pieces of broccoli in my salad. It was a nice Suprise.
(5)
Barbe Q.

An old Classic, Always good, usually busy as hell, but worth a little wait if you've got the time. Nice but crowded bar.
(4)
Ryan S.

I ordered carry-out and was very disappointed in the outcome of the food. I got an appetizer of grilled calamari which was ok could have used more of a kick. But the ribs and shrimp combo meal was bullshit. 2 shrimp really, really? and I thought I was getting a half slab of ribs not 3 little things.
(2)
Douglas B.

I've been coming here for years. I love Gale Street Inn, it has to be one of my favorite restaurants and always a great last minute "go to". Gale street is a Chicago classic. I don't care what anyone says about the place, the ambiance, etc... The place is classic Chicago. Yes you walk in and it has low lighting, dark mahogany, deep red carpeting. You feel like you've been sent back in time. I like that feel, I like coming here with my wife, it feels intimate. They used to have the live Jazz Piano on the weekdays, I haven't seen that in a while. But the place feels cozy. If you think it feels like your grandpa used to go here... possibly, the place has been around for a long time.. GET OVER IT! You don't like it.. head over to your nearest skinny jean rocking establishment and get your jagerbomb, obomb, whatever bomb fix there. Moving on. The wait staff is terrific. Everyone is courteous and they treat you very well. I have never had any rude or bad service here EVER! Drinks are always good, they can make a great martini, manhattan etc. Decent wine selection and basically over all great bartending. The food is all good here. Its classic, simple to the point. You want steak, they have steak, Perfectly cooked filet....you want fish, they have fish. The ribs are one of their specialties. They have an off the menu rib sandwich you can order shhhhh! The ribs are fall off the bone, delicious sauce. But the best thing there that has to be the Chicken tomatillo soup. I can't say enough about this soup. It comes in a little cup, piping hot, spicy with strips of chicken, crispy tortilla and a dollop of cream. It is heaven in a cup. IF you have not had this soup... you are missing out. Go get it. Go get it.... go get it. You will want to inhale a bowl of it. It's that good.
(5)
Mary B.

Great food and staff! Best Martini's in Chicago. We mostly dine downtown but this is one of our local favorites. The ribs, chicken and steaks and wonderful and so are the sides. My son loves their crab legs. The staff are friendly. It's a bit of an old school establishment, which is what makes it so nice. You feel like you are part of the family while dining there!
(5)
Pam D.

Good food, good meat, good gosh, let's eat! GSI has been here forever. I get there about once every 5 -10 years and always enjoy it. It is kind of pricey, but it is a nice stop for a good lunch every decade or so! Christopher had the London Broil and I had ribs. No complaints on the food. We'll be back ..... one of these days.
(4)
Alberto J. M.

This place is a time machine. It's classic beauty, with professional service, takes you back to another time. I've heard of this place and it's history for years, but I only had the privilege of being a patron for since moving into the general neighborhood 2 years ago. I love it. It's whole look, their presentation, and staff just make you wanna come back. Oh yeah, the food is pretty damn good too. The bar is well stocked, and you have plenty of good options. Thank you, Gale St. I'm a fan.
(5)
George J.

My honest review about this place is that it's anything but what the reviews say. I liked the old school look of the place with the wood and the Frank Sinatra songs but thats about it. The waitress was nice but walked away from us twice , first time was okay since we weren't all ready but the second time she disappeared for a while. I ordered the full rack of ribs and my friends ordered the 1/2 ribs, 1/2 chicken the ribs were NOT fall off the bone as they claim and weren't very tasty. My friends ribs came out cold but the chicken was fine, after telling the waitress she took them both back and came out with new ribs fairly quick but the chicken took so long that we were almost done eating we cancelled it. Overall the bbq there was nothing special at all, out of a group of 4 none of us plan on going back.
(2)
Natalie S.

Gale Street, you done broke my heart. For years now, all I've heard is how awesome Gale Street is. I was excited to give it a go. My dude and I bought a house not far from here and decided to have our "wow, we just closed on a house!" celebratory dinner. The waitress was great. Friendly and helpful. The calamari appetizer was delicious, crispy not too greasy. The soup of the day was clam chowder and was kick ass. But it was a big fat fail from there on out. My dude ordered a slab of ribs (because all everyone talks about here is ribs, we HAD to try them) and I got prime rib. I must (**MUST**) have prime rib rare, it's the only way to have it, IMO. But my piece came to the table a very solid medium. When I pointed it out to the waitress, she asked me to cut into the piece to see how it was done in the middle. Um, it was medium in the middle as well. She apologized and said, "yeah, prime rib is best rare and that's definitely medium". Indeed. She did not offer to bring me another piece (because, I assume, there was no rare prime rib to be had in the kitchen... WHO DOESN'T HAVE RARE PRIME RIB?!?!) and asked me to choose something else off the menu. I chose another slab of ribs like my dude. The ribs were not at all my kind of ribs. My husband's neither. We didn't finish them and we ended up tossing the leftovers after three days of them sitting in our fridge. The sauce was far too sweet for our taste and very sticky. They were cooked well, were fall off the bone and such, but the sauce was just not great. We're sad because everyone raves about this place and it's super close to our new home. But we won't be back.
(2)
N B.

Ribs were on par with others I have had in the city. Definetly good enough to make this place a go to for ribs, but I can't say they were the best I've ever had (Pappy's Smokehouse in St Louis comes to mind) or if it is even good enough to go out of your way for. The other reviews are right; plan on at least a 30 min wait, the decor is reminicent of a bygonne supperclub era, and the drink menu is excellent. GF ordered the prime rib. She was not so impressed, but maybe that just isn't their thing. I'd do a return visit especially after all of the accolades re the ribs.
(4)
Mo M.

Always said this is my favorite place for ribs. Went for my birthday this week and still LOVE IT! Ribs are amazing! Fall off the bone delicious. Their sauce is outstanding!
(4)
Jerry G.

Seafood always fresh and the people are nice. The best ribs in town.i give them 10!!!!
(5)
Tracie D.

A friend dragged me to their favorite BBQ place for ribs (Twin Anchors) where I was gravely disappointed. I feared a similar fate at Gale Street Inn but was thrilled with our dinner. We arrived around 8:00 PM on Saturday; had a drink at the bar and waited 15 min for a table. The Chicken and Tomatillo soup was excellent, as was my combo of Chicken and Ribs. The BF had Ribs Crab Legs with were a little on the dry side but not enough to impact the party happening in our mouths. I am very picky and because of that, I rarely order Ribs out. I was very pleased with the quality and portions; dinner for two with a drink each and dessert was $108 and a made for a great date night dinner out.
(5)
Mary K.

Best ribs ever!!! Awesome place to have dinner at, very customer friendly. The servers are always friendly and patient!
(5)
Dana Z.

Ribs and bread pudding - AMAZING. Owner is a nice guy too, makes you happy to patronize a family place. I think Wed is jazz night or something like that- sounds fun but I've haven't been. And one weeknight cuts a deal off the rib dinner price, maybe Mondays?
(5)
Jared G.

I have been coming here for years. This place is our after work Friday happy hour drink spot. George the owner is one of the nicest and most gracious restaurant owners you will ever meet. Larry and Gil behind the bar are the reason why we have frequented this place every week, the food obviously helps to! The Jumbalaya is absolutely, out of this world outstanding. I have eaten Jumbalaya in New Orleans and I would say Gale St. beats New Orlenas in a taste test. The ribs are their staple and with one bite you can taste why. The meat is fall of the bone tender and the sauce is something you want to store in a bottle and just have as a dipping sauce for everything. If you are lucky enough to be there the chef's make a spinach cheese bread that is given away at the bar, it is good enough to be a meal in itself! Don't get me started on how good their fried shrimp is, I think they use a tempura batter for these XL shrimp, always so tasty and crispy! Good mix of people that come in here and you will never see it empty on a Friday or Saturday night. Good people, good food, and stiff drinks what more could you ask for????
(5)
jt s.

Classic Chicago. Meat and drinks are wonderful-Go on Sunday to see the magician. If you are looking for fine dinign this may not be your spot-it is very retro fine...\
(5)
Arlene D.

my family & i have decided that this restaurant is a "must stop" after our first visit! just as impressed with our first, we haven't been disappointed thereafter. we go for the delicious fall off the bone ribs! dinner service is always impeccable, never having to turn for our waitress/waiter. On this stop we made a reservation, we did have to wait due to circumstances outside of the restaurants control however George took good care of us going beyond what we could have ever expected for this minor inconvenience. I definitely recommend Gale St. Inn and they will always have me as a customer.
(5)
Carlton H.

The food was GREAT!! The soup will make you want seconds. The atmosphere is very laid back. When I come back in town I'm coming here to dining!!
(4)
Scott C.

We stopped into the Gale Street Inn for lunch yesterday (we have been here for dinner before). The lunch menu is good providing several salad, sandwich and entree options - the surprising thing is that their boneless rib sandwich is not a mainstay on their lunch menu. It was a special which we both ordered. The sandwich was soft light French bread that was filled with rib meat (pulled off of the bones rather than some ribwich type meat) covered in their delicious BBQ sauce (think but has a nice Carolina tang to it). The boneless rib sandwich comes with sweet potato fries and coleslaw. I also ordered a cup of the split pea soup which was thick and delicious - a nice beginning to the meal even on a hot day! If I'm in Jefferson Park again around lunch time I will certainly stop in for lunch. The Gale Street Inn continues to deliver quality ribs and BBQ and I just can't pass that up!
(5)
David P.

Of the 63 restaurants I have reviewed so far on Yelp, this is by far, bar none, the ABSOLUTE WORST one ever. It only got one star because zero stars wasn't an option. Let's start with their pride & high point - the ribs. First of all, the only sauce available is a sweet BBQ. No other choices, no variety. I am not a fan of sweet sauce, so a lack of options is pathetic. Then when I asked for the ribs to be "blackened" to try and give them a little spice, the manager said that they do not do special requests. WTF?? I was shocked and appalled. I ordered the salad as my side dish, but said not with the standard broccoli and other toppings. Who would have thought that their salads were pre-made? Yep, because when I received my salad, there was still 3 pieces of broccoli that were not picked out. If you have any food allergies, dont order their pre-made, picked apart salads. Fu@king disgusting to pre prep them then take stuff out! How lazy does a restaurant have to be to work in this fashion? The waiter was ok, but nothing impressive, unless he was the one who tried picking the unwanted stuff out of my salad. In which case, he was horrible. The only thing he did right was bring me some seasoning to try to spice up the ribs. The only two things I can say nice are that the ribs were ultimately tender and fell off the bone like a dream. But they still tasted horrible due to the sauce. The only other merit was creamy garlic salad dressing. I would never go back - NEVER, NEVER, NEVER.
(1)
Dave S.

There was quite a long wait for a table but once I started eating, I could understand why. It was a very good meal. We stared out with some good old fried calamari. It was very good with a tasty breading. For my main dish I ordered ribs and jambalaya. Which was an excellent combination The sauce on the ribs was slightly sweet with a touch of tangy-ness. The mild heat of the jambalaya was an excellent compliment to this kind of BBQ sauce. The food was amazing and the service was very good. It was little more than we are used to paying for a meal but it was worth it for a special occasion.
(4)
Leslie S.

Food is great!! Especially the ribs, amazing service (Larry at the bar is great!) My only complaint is the dÃ©cor seems a bit outdated in the dining area but other than that a gem here at JP
(4)
Czarina M.

I'm not a pub/bar kinda girl but I like this place a lot! Ppl are friendly and the food is pretty good. I always get the ribs here and I've never been disappoint. I don't usually drink but plenty of ppl that come with says the drinks are good too .
(4)
Nora D.

A Chicago gem. Filled with locals for great reason - quality food and lovely staff/owners. We were seeing a play at The Gift Theater down the street and stopped in beforehand by Mike's recommendation. The ribs were amazing and they gladly modified a special for my friend who is vegetarian. A great time and highly recommend.
(5)
Jon I.

Fall of the bone ribs in a perfectly sweet BBQ sauce. Best ribs in chicago if not the world. Bread and honey butter to start, ribs and au gratin potatoes and make sure you grab a slice of turtle pie which might be the best in the city (homemade chocolate and vanilla ice cream on a graham cracker crust with toffee sauce and crushed cinnamon pecans on top)... Fuhgetaboutit. Great stiff drinks and loose atmosphere as well. I don't always eat ribs but when I do it's over at gale street.
(5)
Jenny V.

OMG. i love this place. the food.the service.the ribs.the soup and the atmosphere! i've been wanting to try this place out because i heard they had good ribs, my bf and i decided to try this place out for our anniversary. we were seated right away on a saturday night because we opted for a high table by the bar. must try: -chicken tomatillo soup -au gratin potatoes - RIBS -jambalaya (bf said it was good, it had shrimp, chicken and sausage) - bread pudding for dessert. i love you gale's! i'll be back on mondays for your rib special.
(5)
Donna S.

Have not been here in awhile and after going the other day I not sure why. Ribs are amazing, best I ever had. The Black Bean soup is also excellent Next time I go I will try the Chicken Tomatillo soup which I keep seeing good reviews about. A little pricey but a good place for special occasions
(5)
J. Chuck K.

I've lived in the area for years and have come to Gale Street Inn on a number of occasions, most recently NYE....and boy was this place a mess. I was expecting it to be crazy, but the madhouse atmosphere was a result of their to-go order customers and lack of organization. The line to pick up your food literally went from the lobby to half the length of the bar. A lady in line made a comment to another person about how unorganized it was and received an earful from a gentleman who claimed to be the owner. Yikes. Luckily we were dining in. With a wait time of about 30 minutes, I think we were seated and eating food before most of those to-go order people. The prime rib was good, but the overall service and setup was disappointing. Without any notice from their website, Facebook page, or my wife calling to try and make a reservation, they were only offering a select menu, which was a fraction of their full one. The waitress was somewhat pleasant, but it took forever to get drinks from the bar, and order food. She would come by and drop something off, and then leave before we had a chance to ask her anything. Since my wife is a vegetarian, we asked for the potato skin appetizer without bacon, but she said because of how busy it was, the kitchen could not take "special requests". We were a little surprised that asking them not to add something to an appetizer was a special request, but we were $8 richer. I'm sure we'll keep coming back a few times throughout the year, but will avoid this place for any major holiday.
(3)
dawn b.

Place looks great - the food is less than stellar. I've been going to Gale Street for years. Went last week with my daughter & everything besides the ribs was terrible. My daughter ordered pasta with shrimp - it arrived and had a terrible fishy odor to it. The shrimp had gone bad, yet it was still on the plate. They took back the dish, and replaced with with pasta with no shrimp. The past sauce was watery and tasteless. They also didn't comp a meal or even offer a dessert - which would have been nice since they served us rancid seafood. Every other dish that came out containing seafood that passed our table smelled as if it had also turned. Something must have been wrong with the refrigerator that contained the seafood, because the restaurant smelled like Lake Michigan on a hot summer day. The salads were drenched in salad dressing and the sides were mediocre. Next time I'm going to one of the other BBQ joint in the city - Gale Street should step up their game, it simply isn't worth visiting any longer.
(2)
Mike B.

Gale Street Inn has been providing delcious food and great service in this neighborhood for a very long time. Going you have to try the ribs...I would recommend to try the Monday rib dinner special....it's a steal! The service is always great. I really like most of the food served here...the drinks are kind of expensive with not the biggest selection and it's a little dark. Definitely try this out.
(4)
Candy A.

Nostalgia aside. Great ribs and Great Service. Horrible appetizers, side dishes and overall poorly prepared food. My sautÃ©ed spinach was raw spinach with garlic salt. Our grilled calamari appetizer was sent back for being fishy, chewy and tasting like kerosene. The au gratin potatoes are made with velveeta, I swear! That can't be real cheese!!! No thanks. I live to close to Twin Anchors to say I'd be back.
(2)
Jaime G.

Check it. Gale street ribs are all that! This place is great and serves super good ribs. Went on a friday night and as typical at a popular restaurant, it was hectic. Saw a few patrons leave when they heard the wait times (which weren't too bad actually) and hostess and wait staff running around with their heads cut off. Our waiter was excellent. Clearly had tried the entire menu and beer and could articulate every facet of any item to describe and give solid reco for. Very likable too. His name is victor. I would ask for that dude if you come here. Very old neighborhood feel and very family friendly. The owner was walking around helping and greeting everyone which is always nice to see. Chicken tomatillo soup was as advertised. Hearty and flavorful. Not the best I've had but still quite good. The addition of the crema is a solid touch. And finally ribs. Wow. Very good. I could probably do better but these are worth the hype. Succulent meat that easily falls off the bone with plenty of sauce just cooked in. One of the best in the city and could rival any rib place in the south. Tried the Ebell Weiss beer and Happy dog flying pale ale. The ale paired with the ribs was wonderful. Gale street is a must try. For ribs alone they get 5 stars.
(5)
Carlos R.

So disappointed, been here before but my last experience "Last night " was not good. We had a party of 10 and they could not accommodate us so we had to sit at separate tables. Never experienced that in a restaurant before. They will move mountains to make sure your party sits together. When we ordered our food, "full slab of ribs Monday's special" the waitress asked if we were sharing the ribs, I said yes. She said I will have to charge you full price for sharing food. What! Who does that? My kids were in shock, they ask why can't we share food daddy. I told them to not worry. So we settled for the half slab and the kids meal. When the food arrived we began to eat but we were forgotten about, no one checked on us or if we needed anything. By the time we were almost done, we had no choice but to ask for more drinks. After eating I noticed they could have sat us all together after all. Shady business if you ask me. I still left a good tip despite the bad service and making me & my family feel like second class citizens .
(1)
Jay E.

Fall off the bone ribs, a spicy tomatillo soup, and a live band. Top that off with excellent and quick service. All I can say is amazinnn.
(4)
Aaron K.

Great food, great drinks, and a great place to come hang out. JJ was our server and he couldn't have been better. Ribs are amazing!!
(5)
Beebe G.

i haven't been at gale street for quite some time. so much time that i recognized the new decor, nice! we were here for a birthday dinner for my daughter. her sister, my younger daughter rebecca joined us too. we started with deliciously made apps of fried calimari and stuffed mushrooms. jessica ordered a bottle of cab sav, good choice. i had ribs and shrimp with twice backed potatoe. chris had a full rack, bec had porkapallooza and jessica the salmon. we all enjoyed our dinner. our server david was fantastic and attentive with perfect timing. i would highly recommend gale street for a special occasion dinner or if you want to treat yourself to a glorious meal b/c you feel you deserve it.
(4)
John N.

Hipsters and gastrotypes will probably move on to supper clubs once they're done with southern style food and chicken shacks. If/when that happens, the wait to get into Gale Street Inn on a Friday or Saturday evening will probably become unbearable. Right now, it's a pretty tolerable thirty minutes during prime hours, quicker at other times Any waiting can be passed in the bar area, which gets a friendly mix of Jefferson Park residents, and one of the most generationally-diverse crowds in town: everyone from mating packs of young professionals to families with children to retired city workers. The neighborhood is very white, suburban in feel and relatively conservative (lots of cops and firefighters), but has an active theater scene, and is home to black box stages and the annual, late-summer Fringe Festival. On a recent visit, a flyer in in the window, written in Iron Maiden font, advertised a local production of "Broadsword: A Heavy Metal Play." On an earlier visit, a flyer in a liquor store down the block promoted a CPD vs. CFP charity Battle of the Bands, including a group called Pimp Slap (also in Iron Maiden font), apparently featuring some Chicago cops. Those two flyers pretty much sum up the cultural mix in the neighborhood. There's no kitsch about Gale Street Inn, absolutely nothing self-conscious or contrived or affected about it, which sets it apart from most every new Chicago restaurant on the north side. Gale Street Inn opened in 1963, and seems like its interior was last updated in an early 1990s airport hotel dining theme (unmined retro which arguably makes the interior bleeding edge cool right now). All the effort which could have been spent on image goes into service and food instead. The menu is limited to seafood, steaks, burgers and ribs, the latter of which are among the best in the city, so tender they neatly fall off the bone if you gently brush them with a fork. The crab cakes are also a signature dish, flaky and drizzled with melted butter, and unlike any others in the city. There aren't any real surprises on the menu, just traditional American comfort food and supper club standards, executed perfectly. In a few months, Next will starting selling $500+ tickets to its latest project, an homage to the Mad Men-era American steakhouse. The Gale Street Inn of yesteryear is basically what they'll be trying to channel. When one of the most celebrated restaurants in the world tries to emulate you, that's especially sincere flattery.
(5)
Mel M.

Ordered ribs and tortilla soup. Ribs were good. To me they were probably in comparison to chilis. Maybe I'll come back and try again? Wasn't all for the soup though. Good side dishes.
(3)
Kevin K.

Hands down best ribs I've ever had. If you go here and don't order ribs then you're doing it wrong. I'm sure the other stuff on their menu is tasty, but passing up on the ribs is a huge mistake. As far as service goes, the waitstaff has always been nothing but friendly when I go and food can take a little long to get to the table, but its worth it. There can also be long waits to get a table so I would call ahead before you go; not sure if they do reservations though. On certain nights they have a magician go around the tables and do card tricks for a few minutes. It seems kinda odd at first, but the guy is funny and entertaining - it's also good to keep kids entertained if you are with any.
(5)
Bernie I.

I was first introduced to the Gale Street Inn back in the early 80's. With so many great restaurants in Chicago to choose from, the fact that I still keep going back to this one says something. The food is consistently delicious and the atmosphere is high energy without being too loud. The entire staff is welcoming without being overly solicitous and they all provide attentive and courteous service. I met my aunt and cousin last night for dinner and we all had the London Broil. It was cooked to perfection and the portions were generous enough for another meal. Also the Early Bird Special (until 5:30 p.m.) during the week is a good deal. It's a gem on the northwest side of the city easily accessible from the Blue Line.
(5)
Roxanne R.

If I were Scrooge McDuck, I would want to jump into a pool of Gale Street Inn ribs instead of gold coins. I'm a fall of the bone ribs kinda gal. Some people may say they like North Carolina type tangy dry ribs. Not I. I want the meat to fall off the bone and land right into my mouth. I order my ribs to go because I want to do diners a favor and not have them witness me attacking these ribs like an animal. Here are my quick points on the meal: Salad - standard ice berg lettuce salad, nothing to write home about Bread - Sometimes soft, sometimes dry. The highlight is the sweet butter. Twice Baked Potato - Solid. It's a rather big potato baked with bacon bits, onions, and it's pretty delicious Grilled Vegetables - Standard grilled vegetables, carrots, asparagus, zucchini. **RIBSSSS** - I think they're the best in the city. Tender, Juicy, Good sauce. They also give you extra sauce to add for your pleasure. The price is pretty reasonable it's $24 for a full rack a side, bread, and salad. I've dined in once. It's cozy but nothing special. Also, I'd rather eat my ribs in the comfort of my home, with stretchy pants on of course ;-)
(5)
Angela P.

We had reservations for my mother in law's birthday. And we still waited a long time before we were seated. This restaurant has an old-fashioned, classy, dinner club feel to it. Lots of mahogany, very dimly lit. It isn't romantic (they serve ribs) but it's classy without being pretentious. I had the chicken tomatillo soup (spicy!) and I haven't had anything else like it, it was delicious. I also had the special, chicken cacciatore. Chicken was tender and I felt like I was eating a quality meal. Everyone else had ribs and was pleased with that fall off the bone phenomenon. They could use another chicken or seafood item on the menu. Other than a portabella panini, there weren't many vegetarian options available. Our server refilled our wine glasses like a BOSS.
(4)
Carla G.

Best ribs out there! The sauce is so sweet & they fall off the bone (literally)! We came here for my grandma's birthday and had such a nice time. Our server was friendly and was attentative. I ordered the chicken tomatillo soup (delicious with a little kick) and half rack of ribs (saucy and sweet) with a side of french fries (standard)- all for $16.95 which I would say is worth the price. I also tried some of the London broil and chicken, both very flavorful. Everyone enjoyed their meal without any complaints- overall a very successful dining experience. Also, the live music is a great touch! I would definitely come back here.
(5)
Claire G.

Do not come to the Gale Street Inn if you are on a diet or in a hurry. This is the kind of place that you need to eat a salad for lunch, and SPLURGE on your dinner. What's nice is that the calorie splurge doesn't have to equal a budget-bust. The prices are reasonable for the amount of food you get. I went here for the first time last weekend, after hearing about it for years. This place is old school Chicago, 100%. The big bar in front was bustling with people, young and old, watching the Blackhawks game and having pre-dinner drinks on a Saturday night. We got there a bit later than we wanted to, and thus had to wait about 45 min for a table for 4. Not a big deal - it got a little annoying as we realized they had forgotten about a few large reservations that were coming in while we waited. But they were incredibly nice about everything and sat us as soon as they could. Two people in our party got the full slab of ribs, I got the BBQ chicken, and one person got the BBQ chicken salad. All the entrees came with potato choice and soup/salad. The salads were much nicer than the standard "iceberg lettuce & mealy tomato" nonsense, so huzzah for that. Both the ribs and the chicken were fall-off-the-bone tender with a sweet, sticky BBQ sauce. We also split the turtle sundae ice cream cake slice for dessert. Please, please, for the love of all that is holy, do NOT order this for only one person. We had 4 people digging into this, and we barely finished it. Good beer/wine selection and full bar. I thought it was a great place to take parents/in-laws for a nice, but not fancy-schmancy dinner.
(4)
Robert P.

4.6 stars! I went to Gale St Inn for a carry-out order before work on a weekend night. The place was packed and there were about 10 people waiting for tables. I thought this would delay my order but the full rack of ribs I ordered came out 8 min after I ordered. This was perfect since I was running late for work anyway. The ribs were great but not the best Ive had. The ribs are worth the trip though. The mashed potatoes were awesome and the tomatillo soup was okay. Overall this place is a great option in Jefferson Park and recommended.
(5)
vince v.

Very over priced and rude server.Went with another couple and had to send drinks back,wrong order.Ribs ,crablegs and prime rib way over priced for fair food.Best part is the bar.Maybe a drink and appetizer next time. Seems like the regulars get taken care of fast and gentle... Miss Carsons on Harlem big time....
(2)
Carly G.

Hands down best BBQ in the city. Gale Street place doesn't take reservations, but it doesn't need too; worth the wait! When walking into this place, it's clear that everyone here is treated like family. Even if you wait, a hostess will walk around with treats for you to snack on while you wait, and the bar area is a nice area to chat and drink. The prices are so very reasonable, and that's not the important part; THE RIBS ARE OUT OF THIS WORLD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Seriously falls off the bone; nothing to waste here. The sides are just as good. I cannot begin to tell you the perfection to how these are cooked. Staff is friendly and the restaurant is very conveniently located at the Jefferson Park Blue Line and Metra station. I will always be a #1 fan
(5)
Jenny P.

This was my first time visiting Gale Street Inn after years of driving by saying "I should eat there one day". Our waiter was friendly but not as attentive as a waiter should be. Their lemonade tasted like powder mix. We asked for bread and butter. Their honey butter is amazing but the bread they serve wasn't great. I'm not a fan of sesame seeds and would have liked to have a different type of bread. We ordered the buffalo shrimp for our appetizer. The shrimp was good and the blue cheese dressing was delicious. My husband ordered their salad with meat (London broil). I ordered the London broil dinner that came with meat, baked potato and grilled veggies. The wine sauce lacked flavor and I actually dipped my meat in my toddler's barbecue sauce (we ordered him chicken tenders). They served me huge pieces of grilled carrots and I was very disappointed with the carrot pieces. The meat was over cooked and I was very disappointed being that I expected the meat to be the star of the dish. Baked potato was good, I think it's hard to mess up a baked potato. We ordered the chocolate cake (average) and bread pudding. The bread pudding was undercooked and lacked sweetness. I would come back and see if their ribs and burgers are any good. I would not order their London broil again.
(2)
Jeffrey K.

Went here with a group of friends after wandering around the taste of Polonia fest. It's got an old school supper club vibe with a menu to match. No complaints, the food was solid.
(4)
Alana L.

Gale Street in is a very classy place the food is superb the atmosphere is great and the staff is good too. Been going here for years and when someone says let's eat at Gale St. I get a bit excited. Haven't been there in a few years now and I'm having withdrawals, it's high time I eat there again STAT. If they still have the honey butter that goes with their warm yummy bread I will be one happy camper, or diner in this case. If you haven't been GO you must try the STEAKS and RIBS! Don't take my word for it go find out for yourself it's worth the money!
(5)
Michael S.

Took the Metra train from Arlington Heights last Friday night to Jefferson Park and walked across the street to Gale Street Inn. Best ribs in Chicago land with meat falling off the bone. The owner, George, came by our table and made sure we were OK! We will be back soon!
(5)
Ryan F.

We try to go here as often as possible. The staff is really friendly. Occasionally, there is a wait, but it goes faster than the time they give you. There is a nice bar to pass the time. The inside is very cozy and welcoming with a neighborhood feel. Gale Street has the best ribs in Chicago. I can see why they have been going for over 50 years!
(5)
PJ J.

Thanks GSI!! This is another place that makes real Chicago a great place to be. Everything here was executed well. I really enjoyed good, down to earth service and the crowd was a great mix of Chicagoans. Ribs are good, and yes believe the hype ...I think they are really something special -very comforting. Good sauce/flavor/texture. I had baked clams...clearly the best I've had yet. Chicken Tomatillo soup was like a soup you'd pay $20 bucks for at Frontera...very good. Honey butter with hot bread was a treat. Even the sautÃ©ed spinach was a knock out! very garlicky, well seasoned -and not at all greasy. I will be back for more ribs and the London Broil.
(4)
Mike S.

Best ribs ever. I've been around the city, and no one can compare. Time after time, year after year, they have not let me down on the tenderness or taste of the ribs. Great for a family dinner or a nice quiet night out with the wife. Don't fill up on the honey buttered bread...it's too good to stop eating.
(5)
Monique B.

Never actually got a chance to try their food because I couldn't get their staff (Jill, I believe is her name) to actually send me a menu (that she said she would send at least twice-with the latest being today when she told me she was looking right at it and after huffing and puffing would send it 'right now') so I could plan my wedding rehearsal dinner there. She seemed disappointed and annoyed by my request when I couldn't guarantee her a guest list of at least 20. Can I at least see the banquet menu so I can make an informed choice and try to stay within budget...maybe I'll pay for twenty people if it makes a difference, you never know. But at least be kind about it. Of all the places I expected to be treated so rudely in the planning our our wedding, it certainly wouldn't be for the rehearsal dinner. All I need to see is the menu, or at least know if there are other options other than the online menu when it comes to pre-ordering for a large party. And yes...15 with one person paying for it can be outrageous if everyone orders a full meal off the online menu. Nevertheless we won't entertain our wedding party there or refer it to other patrons who get married near by.
(1)
Ebony R.

I'm not one to eat ribs in public but these are exquisitely prepared finger-free. Each time I go, I can't see past the ribs to get to what else is on the menu.
(4)
Raymond W.

Great place to go with the kids. The magician is fantastic. Great food and atmosphere! Very, very friendly staff.
(4)
L R.

The ribs here are just awful. What kind of place boils there meat to mush. I understand its an old school joint, but really when you feel like your in an episode of Growing up Gotti then u know its for you.
(1)
Melanie S.

Not quite my kind of place. I was meeting a relative for dinner to celebrate her recent engagement (Her 5th. Seriously) and she chose Gale Street Inn as it was about halfway between us. I'd been there once before and never saw a reason to go back, and now I remember why. Gale Street Inn reminds me of those banquet halls where bar mitzvahs and weddings were held in the 70s. They even have a "band" playing live music. The older gentleman playing the Casio was a dead ringer for my Uncle Irving. My first clue that this place caters to, shall we say, an older crowd, was that at 6:15 the parking lot was completely full. It's a good size parking lot, and the fact that there wasn't one space to be had could only mean one thing - that it was a senior citizen dining destination. Who else eats this early? The food is reminiscent of banquet fare. It's bland and everything is overcooked, like it's been boiled to within an inch of its life. I just picked at my food and couldn't help but silently lament the money I was wasting eating this mediocrity. My aunt ordered a salad as she's got to fit into her wedding dress and needs to maintain her girlish figure. I wished I'd gotten a salad as well as it looked fresh and plentiful. I will say the staff was extremely friendly and our server was very attentive, which was appreciated. He didn't seem to mind that we were camped out for a couple of hours on a very busy night. While Gale Street Inn isn't my cup of tea, I suppose I can understand the appeal, but next time I meet my family's version of Elizabeth Taylor for dinner, I think I will select the restaurant. 2.5 stars.
(2)
Matthew B.

Went to Chicago for the weekend and ended up in a Rib Joint. What kinda fool leaves Memphis and gets ribs in another city? Me, I guess........and I wasn't disappointed. Let's get something straight right now----They aren't Barbecue Ribs, and they don't pretend to be Barbecue Ribs. I did have a hard time figuring out their cooking method, as the texture was very similar to Barbecue. I came to find out that the ribs are par-boiled first, then finished in the char-griller. The ribs get a glaze of BBQ sauce at the end, and are served. While I'm normally not a fan of boiling ribs (some of the flavor gets thrown out in the water), Gale Street has a cooking method that has held up over time. Contrary to some of the reviews here, the ribs don't "fall off the bone". They aren't that mushy. They are perfectly tender with a little outside crust, and the meat pulls from the bone cleanly. Everything that I had was very good----crab cakes, garlic mashed potatoes, a bite of the London Broil, and the Spinach Artichoke Dip. This place is welcoming, and very Chicago. The bar has regulars, as does the dining room. If I lived in the neighborhood, they'd know me. If you're visiting Chicago, they're right across the street from the Jeff Park Stop of the Blue Line. Very convenient to get here, and the food is worth the trip.
(4)
Jennifer W.

Wish I discovered this place years ago, but I didn't. Went there for the first time last week and was very impressed. Best BBQ ribs - meat actually falls off the bone, and tangy/sweet sauce. But that's not the only reason this place gets give stars. Here's what I like about this place. -Cozy, supper club feel -Awesome (and strong!) martinis -Good service -Affordable prices
(5)
Jeff G.

This was my first stop after getting off at the Jefferson Park Metra station. Its right across the street so its just a quick walk. I did not try their famous ribs, but I did have a small appetizer. The shrimp and Andouille sausage skewers were good, and everything smelled excellent. This was my first stop for the "Meet the Brewer" bus tour during Chicago Craft Beer Week, so naturally I had to try a couple from Tighthead brewing and both were excellent. There were two guys playing guitar and the live act was very, very good. The people were a lot of fun and a lady shared a slice of her turtle cake with me so my blood sugar went off the rails :) I look forward to stopping in again later this summer.
(4)
Jose B.

Obviously it has the best ribs in the city. The wait isn't too bad even on the weekends. Their appetizers are pretty good too. Took my family and my wifes family here to announce our engagement. The food definitely helped! It's a staple in Jeff park!
(5)
R S.

Always leery of establishments self-proclaiming theirs is the "best ribs in town". However the distinction is indeed true as their baby back ribs is indeed one of the best in the city. In addition, they have an excellent selection of craft beers along with domestics and imports to satisfy a beer hound as myself. The waitress was extremely pleasant and helpful. Gale Street Inn, nestled in the Jefferson Park Area is truly a gem whose decor and ambiance truly compliments the food and service.
(5)
ChiTown M.

This is my go-to place. The remodel really updated things. The live entertainment is always good and non-intrusive. The food is delicious. The best asset this restaurant has is the people. The staff is Ã¼ber friendly and super efficient. They truly make you feel at home. I love this place. Yummy!
(5)
Kelly M.

-Bartender is GREAT! (he'll make any of my custom requests) -Servers are awesome (I have lots of questions and special requests and they take care of me easily - and with a smile!) -food is good! -live music! Monday, Wed., Thurs. and Friday (jazz) -ribs:
(4)
Nats A.

Everybody I know raves about Gale Street and their "their fall of the bone ribs". So of course, I was dying to try this place. I made reservations one Saturday for a party of 6, and specifically asked to be seated at a round table so it would be easier to chit chat. When we arrived the manager said he did not have a round table for us at first, but then excused his mistake and found us a round table in the private room, which was perfect! Needless to say I ordered the "fall off the bone ribs", and they WERE fall off the bone. The ribs were extremely tender. You didn't even need to use your hands, the meat came off easily with a fork. However, the reason I provided a three star rating after a great experience is because the bbq was just not quite up to par with the ribs, and I always compare ribs to Smoque BBQ in Chicago. Nothing has quite matched up to them yet. On the other-hand, one person in my party had the steak sandwich. She said it was by far THE BEST steak sandwich she has had. Service was okay. Our server had an accent so at times it was hard to hear what he was saying.
(3)
Nona Gayle D.

Chicken Tomatillo Soup! Let me tell you, I've never had this soup before but I bet this is exactly what delicious tastes like! The ribs speak for themselves ... but if I had to describe them in 5 words... FALL OFF THE BONE YUMMY. Our server JJ was attentive, hilarious, and I'm pretty sure when we left the restaurant we were best friends. The prices are more than reasonable for 17 bucks you can get a side, soup or salad, and a half slab of ribs. It's more than enough for me. This place is so close to my house I'm embarrassed I haven't been here more. They also have a full bar (I can just tell they probably make a great old fashioned) Go here ask for JJ and tell him Nona sent you =)
(4)
Susan P.

Holy ribs! Fantastic bbq, pulled pork, wine selection. Staff was incredibly friendly. Came for an event hosted by Chicago Gateway Green and will definitely be returning.
(4)
Tess C.

Loved it. Our new favorite place. Best ribs in Chicago. Best service we have had in a long time.
(5)
Christine S.

When a huge snow storm hits your area, but you still want to go out to eat because you feel trapped in your house what do you do?? Go somewhere you can walk to!!! GSI is a block away and I thanked my lucky stars for that when the 2011 Blizzard hit. Gale Street only had a limited menu during the snow storm but that was because a lot of staff members couldn't make it to work (I totally get it... I could barely walk a block to get here, there was sooooooo much snow). They did have their staple on the menu (ribs) so I went with it and had a 1/2 slab of ribs with grilled veggies and boy did they hit a home-run with it. Gale Street has an "Old Chicago" feel... So if that's what you're looking for, come here. GSI, thank you for allowing me to get out of the house during Snowmagedan when NO other restaurants in the area were open.
(5)
Sithfredo R.

Service is phenomenal. This is a quintessential Chicago Restaurant and should be included in all the city's visitor's "To Do Lists" . Ribs are 5 Star!
(5)
Michael N.

The food is solid, some of it quite good, much of it was okay. I do not quite understand the glowing recommendations, especially when there are other true bbq places (yes, I am looking at Smoque) with much better flavor. Frankly I did not appreciate the service, which was very uneven. Water glasses filled quickly, but drinks from the bar were ssssssssllllllllllllllooooooooooowwwwwww. I could have distilled my own vodka in the time it took to have a drink order filled. It was just okay.
(3)
Steve C.

The Ribs are great. A bit expensive for what you get. $26?
(4)
Jody L.

Fabulous. Unbeatable ribs. Great king crab. David was our waiter this time, and the service was above and beyond. I always love coming here, before and after having kids.
(5)
Brett F.

Gale Street Inn Official Rating ------------------------------------------ Food = 5 stars Service = 1.5 stars Ambiance = 2 stars "I'm surrounded by morons..." Best line of the night spoken straight from a member of my group while dining at Gale Street and certainly the most true! The staff here is downright ditzy, think (if you must) Paris Hilton style. From a lengthy and mentally painful mix up stemming from us requesting the bill to be split between two credit cards, to questions regarding the menu answered in the most quizzical and convoluted way, to the bartender's inability to distinguish a wine menu from a dinner one... wow, calling Larry David, this experience could not have been scripted any better for 'Curb' had he written it himself! youtube.com/watch?v=UsRJâ€¦ Ok, maybe not that bad YouTube, but certainly terribly trying to say the least. If you can get past the boring drop ceiling, dated decor, tragically uncool interiors and positively horrendous service, shockingly you're actually in store for some pretty tasty food. Gale Street Inn does bbq right and ribs even better! Who knew? While I was certainly missing some of my bbq standby favorites (no brisket, mac 'n cheese, bbq beans or cornbread on the menu), the full rack of tangy, fall-off-the-bone, meat-a-palooza ribs were absolutely divine and Gale's crispy, roasted, slathered in that lusciously spicy bbq sauce 1/2 chicken also came packin' the moist, tender, scrumptious goods. Positively no protein complaints from me, no Sir. I'd down those baby back, baby back, baby back's any night of the week and twice on Sunday! Sounds like a recipe for takeout ONLY if I've ever heard one. While the bbq sure is finger-lickin-good, the service is mental-midget-madness. C- Gale Street... much to be improved on.
(3)
Happy G.

Ribs are excellent. Owner is always on site and is always friendly. Double baked potatoes are great.
(5)
Steve D.

Let's be clear about one thing from the outset: the ribs aren't BBQ. BBQ is smoked, a tiny bit chewy, and meaty. These are slow-cooked, fall off the bone, and soft. They are absolutely delicious, but not BBQ. Now that we got that out of the way, Gale Street is the only restaurant in the area you'd feel good about telling an out-of-towner about if they are looking for a casual but nice restaurant. Everyone, including me, will recommend the ribs, but the other cuts of meat are delicious, and the jambalaya is outstanding as well. Even the (honey) butter is good. They recently renovated, which really opens up the space and made the bar area a nice option to have a martini. One of the few restaurants anywhere in the city that still does the "sympathetic bartender" thing where you can sit down, order a manhattan, and tell Lou or Boney Bob about your troubles while jazz plays in the background. I took my wife here on our first date well over a decade ago, and we still go when our diets allow. The gold standard for Jefferson Park.
(5)
Matthew L.

This review is mostly going to address this as a "family-friendly" restaurant, as, for me, most of it's appeal came from my experience with bringing my kids here. First, they have pretty good, if unspectacular food for a fair price - on food alone, I'd give it three stars, and recommend it as a solid place to eat a decent meal if you're in this neighborhood. For us the location is a fair compromise between our house and my in-laws on the North Shore. The ribs looked good (I don't know about "the Best in Chicago") and I got the fish of the day which was much better than I would have expected - a Hawaiian Ono. The reason l loved this place was how Family Friendly it is on Sunday evenings. First, the manager, the hostess, the waiters and waitresses - they all went out of their way to talk to and treat my 3-year-old son like he was another person at the table - not an add-on (which most places do). They took his order, from him, etc. Second, your kid is going to get a free Sundae. Amazing? Hardly, but it's a nice touch, and the way that the staff got my son excited about it made him that much happier to be there, and, consequently, our meal much easier. Third, and this is going to sound extremely cheesy, but it was great, they had a magician that night who stopped at our table and did a good 8-10 minutes of slight of hand tricks for my son, leaving with a balloon animal. It was my son's first experience with a magician, and the look of awe and joy on his face was something I'll probably remember for a very long time. The term "family restaurant" is one I often use derogatorily, but not in this case. It's friendly, casual, and welcoming. They welcome and cater to kids without being Chuck E. Cheese. The quality of food is a cut above most places you'd feel comfortable taking a 2 or 3 year old to (diners, anyone?). In short, they went out of their way to give my son a fun experience, which, if you've ever eaten out with small children, you know is key to making YOUR experience enjoyable as well. Oh - the Bread Pudding was legitimately great.
(4)
I L.

Seems like a has-been place. Not horrible, but just a bit aged, (along with the clientele) sort of like someplace frozen in the 80's. Food was ok, not great. Chicago's rib and beef game has been bumped up in the last couple of years, and while this may have had a great heyday, I don't really think it even qualifies as an also-ran. There are much better places for ribs in Chicago. Good parking though. Weird wandering magician.
(2)
Roger B.

I came here on my way to O'Hare due to the Yelp reviews. And I think the Yelpers are spot on; get the ribs! I actually tried the Porkapalooza, which is a sampler of pulled pork, ribs, and jambalaya. And I picked the Black Bean soup. The Black Bean soup was good, but it tasted a bit burnt. I haven't had much jambalaya before, but this was one of the better ones that I've had. The pulled pork and ribs were excellent. Except for one end piece, the ribs were fall of the bone tender; I was able to eat most of the ribs with just a fork. Too bad this place isn't close to me. For the price, the food and service are very good. Note: I think they are doing some remodeling, so the entrance area didn't look too nice, but the dining area looks good, but a bit dated.
(4)
Jessica H.

Went here for a family birthday dinner. The food was great but our waiter was pretty awkward. We had a reservation and still waited about 20 minutes to be seated. Its... meh.
(4)
Kimberly A.

It's really more 4.5 stars. My friends took me out to dinner here on my birthday for the first time and i was in a food coma by the time i left. The place is huge! Although we were seated towards the back of the restaurant; when you walk in, there is a huge open bar area which seems like a nice place to just hang out. The atmosphere is very casual and the waitstaff were very friendly as we were greeted enthusiastically while entering and leaving. We ordered baked clams as a starter, and although it was good, there was just too much cheese on it for my liking which i thought took away from the taste of the (tiny) clams. I had the chicken tomatillo soup as well which i really liked. Very tangy with a little bit of a kick. The tortilla chips were a nice crunchy surprise to find while working my way through it. The RIBS! Oh my THE RIBS!! I can see why everyone recommends that you try their ribs. I split a full rack, but still could not finish it all. It was literally falling off the bone as it was transferred to my plate. Very moist (I hate that word but have to use it in this case:P) and tender. Even the next day as a leftover, they were still so soft and dare i say, tasted even better. Potatoes slathered in cheese? Yes please! the Au Gratin potatoes were so yummy! Heck, I'll take anything covered in cheese (excluding the baked clams of course). Dessert?? Like you should even ask! The turtle pie-ooh my mouth's watering now-delicious! From the pralines,to the filling that tasted like ice cream down to the chocolate crust was pure heaven! I cannot forget their bread... or more specifically their honey butter that came with the bread. Reminded me of when i was younger and i used to mix sugar and butter together and just eat it (yes, i was a fatty even then). The waiter was super nice too. He even gave us some to-go containers with their butter. They have a parking lot and lots of street parking. OK, enough of this really long review. Final review--Yes, I will definitely come back here again!
(4)
joe r.

Really my favorite place not sure I wanted to do this review because I don't want to wait to eat more than I have to now.
(5)
Linda N.

Been about 7x in past 4 yrs. Consistently good steak, ribs and breakfast buffet (buffet not year-round). Nice occasion place, Easter, anniversary etc. I used to catch the bus at the Jeff Pk terminal across the street and the wafting aroma of the steaks made my mouth water each time.
(4)
David P.

Can someone please explain the fascination with boiled, over-priced ribs? I liked Gale Street Inn's ribs when they were called Portillo's!
(1)
Amanda E.

Love the ribs and chicken tomatillo soup! Happy I can go close to home for some good beer and ribs. i personally think they have the best ribs! They would get 5 stars but the last time I went with the hubby we wanted to go for their half price apps at the bar after 8. We didn't know what time it started so we got there at 7:30, and told us we could come back in 30 mins so we left and came back at 8. When we got there the last table was just taken. The lady who is always there was like you should have just sat and had a drink! Well, why didn't you tell us that before telling us to come back in 30 mins!!??
(4)
Mallory V.

I've been here a few times and never had a bad experience. It is definitely one of the nicer restaurants in the area, and the food is excellent. My roommates and I visited last night because we wanted to try out the Monday Nights Rib Special with Live Jazz ($19 for full rack... [STEAL!!!]). I had noticed it on the menu last time I had eaten there and had been waiting to try it out for months. The ribs were GREAT. Very tender. I highly suggest getting the Au Gratin potatoes as a side; my parents previously lived in the neighborhood for about 15 years and claim that the potatoes, ribs, and jambalaya have always been the Gale Street Inn's specialties. However, be warned- if you go on the weekends, they do not start making the potatoes until late afternoon (learned this the hard way a few months ago when we went for lunch on a Saturday afternoon). Service is good; the honey butter you receive with the table bread is amazing. I give 4 stars because last night, to our disappointment, there was no live music accompanying the Monday night rib special. We asked our waitress about it and she said the band hadn't been in all summer, but would probably start up again mid-September. Understandable, but the website and menu were advertising live music. SO, while it wasn't the end of the world, it was a little disappointing. I would suggest updating the menu or at least the website. However, I won't let that keep me away. I will definitely be back this fall! Everything here is very good. Free parking, unless the lot is full. Street parking is $1.75/hr on Milwaukee.
(4)
M M.

I was here for a baby shower. As a vegetarian, they were very accommodating to me. I had grilled vegetables served over wild rice which was actually very tasty. Service was good for a large party. Also, enjoyed the side salad because it had broccoli and kale in it, which was a nice, healthy surprise.
(4)
Pat C.

Here I go again giving 5 stars. Ok Gale Street Inn has great food hands down. so they deserve the 5 stars. The abidance is great, very romantic also for a date night. they also have a banquet room you can use. usually I stop in twice a month after lodge meeting with the guys for a few drinks. I recommend Gale street inn if you love ribs, they have the best ribs in Chicago hands down. They are very clean which is important and the staff is very nice and the service has always been good every time I have been here. Now I want ribs :)
(5)
Erick R.

As good as the ribs are, I cannot pass on the Jambalaya. My favorite Jambalaya in the city used to be Heaven on Seven, but I swear they've changed their recipe. This is now my favorite. They also have a halfway-decent beer selection.
(5)
Rico T.

Almost five stars, but not quite. Great looking place. Very welcoming staff without the pretension. The floor plan was pretty awesome. A big bar area with table highboys up front & more formal dining room in back. I was treated like I've been going there for years, even though it was my first time. The food was excellent. Shrimp po'boy with fries (more like deep fried crack sticks) with a side of decent French onion soup. Something about that po'boy stood out....not exactly sure what it was. I'm happy that my friend suggested this place, even though he got way too drunk & I turned into the designated driver..... GOOD TIMES
(4)
raul z.

We flew to Chicago to spend Christmas with the in-laws. As we used to live in Chi-town, we decided to get together with friends at this well recommended place on our last night. Close to the Jefferson Park L-stop (almost across the street), is very accessible by train or bus with a little problem with parking if you drive over. However, it is a great place once you get in. The bar area is very nice and comfy. There was a jazz band playing great hits and the bartenders were friendly and made great mix-drinks at a very reasonable (price) compared to New York standards. (Ok... I give you the lowdown... in NYC we pay $40 bucks with two drinks, not including tip but in Chicago, we bought a round of drink for 8 people and only cost $53 with tip!) We had to wait a little for our table to be ready however we did not care as it gave us a chance to enjoy the band and drinks. The table was ready shortly thereafter. As we looked at the menu, we realized we were there for the "Monday Rib Special" which is a full-slab of ribs for $18 with one side dish. The main dining area has tables spread out which made it nice for a nice conversation. The decor is a little dark but it is ok. I would do a little revamping of the decor as it is getting a little worn out. Our server was great and friendly. Always making sure everyone was having a good time. We order two bottles of red wine and took our meal orders. I had to order the Monday nighty special with the french fries. My friend ordered the fish special of the day which was a trout with spinach and vegetables. The ribs were delicious! The meat fell off the bone and it was very tasty. The fries were very crispy. The side dish was quite small and I wish I had more fries. The fist was very tasty and delicious too. For dessert, I ordered the chocolate mousse. While it was delicious, it was too sweet and could only eat a bit of it. It also tasted too generic but did not stop me from easting some of it. Everyone had doggie bags to go home afterwards. This is a place I will recommend for the food, ambiance and service. Just a little re-vamping of the decor will make this place even better!
(4)
Laura B.

My boyfriend and I came here for his birthday on Sunday. We had both been here before so we knew what to expect. Our waiter was very nice. We split the full rack of ribs and each got our own side - he had garlic mashed potatoes and I had the potatoes au gratin. I also had the house salad with creamy garlic dressing - so tasty! They put broccoli and kale in the salad that, which you normally wouldn't get in a house salad anywhere else. After dinner, they brought my boyfriend a small ice cream sundae and a green mylar balloon, which we thought was very sweet. They were out of the two beers I wanted to try, which were still listed on the menu, otherwise they would have received five stars. But, kudos to them for listing an amazing beer selection.
(4)
Philip S.

After all these years, I should probably just say Thank You. People have been coming here for their ribs for years. I personally like the jumbalaya, steak sandwich, chopped salad and letting the bartenders feed me drinks. Mondays are great for live music. You can find my wife and I sitting at the bar almost exclusively, especially if the Blackhawks are on the tube. Go more than once and you'll find yourself becoming a member of the family. Might just swing over there tonight after having written this. Cheers!
(5)
Jacob J.

Gale street has some crazy event going on now called RibStock and currently their half slab special is on sale for $11.95, full for $17.95 these are special prices during the entire month. Ribs come with soup or salad and a side dish. I've had the half slab now two days in a row! Crazy isn't it, those succulent tasty ribs just call out to me. For those thinking they can share the experience of a slab with a friend; there is a charge for sharing which means that instead of paying the low sale price, the cost gets bumped to the old full slab charge of $22.95. During this event they have been playing older classic rock music and management is wearing tie dye rainbow colored shirts and glasses. Adding to their theme one could order a vodka cocktail by the name of "bong water" and Miller high life bottles are reduced. If you haven't yet tasted their ribs, now is the time! $11.95 for the half and the sides is a great price. Another reviewer commented on her experience due to her skin color and looks she got from the staff. There are times I've been here and all customers were White and I received weird looks all around. And then there were times when I dined and almost every other table had people of all colors. It really depends on the day. I'm sure most of their regulars are used to not seeing new faces and some people are just plain rude so they gawk. Don't take it personally. Everybody likes ribs.
(5)
Ivanka B.

Was only here to enjoy a cocktail before a show at Copernicus Center - loved the dark wood bar and classy old-school service. Can't wait to try their food!
(3)
J T.

Yummm!! We went there a few weeks ago and this was our first visit. The service was amazing and the food was delicious! I had bbq ribs that were so tender that I didn't even need a knife!! Very very good! If you go before 5:30pm they have an early bird special....check it out! Can't wait to go back!
(5)
Robert C.

OK, had the Gale St. half rack of ribs with jamalaya last night. Awsome! Took no prisoners home. BTW, they really toned down the heat (spice) in their jambalaya. First time I had it there (about a year or two ago when they first put it on the menu) it was so damned hot you could barely taste the file powder or other flavors. I complained to the chef that in Louisiana the gumbo and jamalaya is not overly hot. In fact, it's not hot at all but really flavorful. They put out Louisiana Hot Sauce and/or Slap Ya Mama cajun seasoning if you want to kick it up a notch or three. Looks like Gale St. took my (and probably other customer's) advice. Really, that stuff used to be inedible!! Good job. Let the andouille sausage do the spice heavy lifting and not get in the way of the other dee-lish flavors!
(5)
Jim C.

The Manager Brad left a fully packed restaurant on a Saturday night to come help me jump start my car that had a dead battery due to the severe winter of 2014. All I can say is WOW! Best Customer Service and Satisfaction ever!
(5)
Jacob G.

The food at Gale Street Inn is very good. I love their ribs. Most of the other things on their menu are delicious as well. Try this place out if you're ever in the area.
(4)
Amaris B.

I love this place! The food is amazing and I'm always satisfied with that aspect. Try the ribs and fried shrimp combo with a double-baked potato, its one of my favorites. I'm more of a side salad person but my friend swears up and down that the tomatillo soup is amazing! "Tastes as though the recipe was stolen from a Mexican," he says. The one thing I do have to complain about is this: About 2 weeks ago I was there having dinner with two friends and it was busy for a Wednesday night. We waited about 10 mins for a table. I noticed the service wasn't as prompt that night which is understandable with it being busy and all. Before appetizers and salads came out our server suddenly changed. For a good portion of the meal all we saw was our food runner. The 2nd server was forgetful and distracted with other things going on in the restaurant. Talking with customers and telling stories, which I usually could care less about as long as I'm getting enough love to finish my meal. It wasn't a loss cause or anything, we ate well and got our check. Come to find out a few days later after reviewing the bank statement, there was a charge for $20 more than the actual amount we wrote down. Our server charged for the regular meal and additional tip then what we specified. Before disputing the charge with the card company I called Gale Street and told them about the issue. The owner called back a day later and saw that the receipt was not for the same amount charged and he claimed the server accidentally typed in the wrong amount. I feel as though this is a huge mistake that shouldn't ever happen "accidentally." It really turned me off, and though the owner was helpful and charged the card back for the amount overcharged, he didn't offer any compensation or even apologize for the mistake. He was more interested in defending the server instead of keeping customers. So this left me asking myself, is the food really good enough to go back and worry that an unauthorized tip amount will be billed to me? I guess time and fall off the bone rib cravings will tell.
(4)
Anna K.

Can't really write much more here that hasn't already been said. The ribs are fall-off-the-bone delicious and the chicken tomatillo soup is my favorite. My only sadness is that the Monday full-slab rib dinner was raised to $21. But you knew that was going to happen after they revamped the old menu and the special was no longer listed. Regardless of that fact, the ribs keep me coming back. Their honey butter that comes with the bread is also amazing, which is included in your take-out if you prefer not to dine in. Lastly, they typically have live music in the front of the bar. I enjoy it, but if you sit too close then it can be difficult to have a conversation.
(4)
Bridget B.

All was well and good until the waiter took my unfinished drink because he was trying to make room for new customers, even though I'd less than five minutes prior tipped him more than 20%. First and last time here.
(2)
Paul M.

Best RIBS in CHICAGO, Period! This place has awesome ribs, shrimp, & chicken! The service is very good and they have a parking lot on sight too. This is a family style restaurant with dim lighting, good atmosphere and friendly staff. Right off the 94 too! I give this place 4.5 stars all the way!
(5)
Erick R.

Came here on a Friday night with a date a little crowed but the gin & tonics from the nice bar area made me forget about it, the bar has a partition in the middle of the room which in my opinion makes it feel a little easier to hang out & talk to your date if your waiting for your table like we were, kinda like a predate before the main course. the ribs & salmon were awesome.we also had sum oysters on the half shell which where delicious, definitely would recommend a booth feels more cozier.the bill was fair for what we ordered. Depending on what day you go parking can get a little difficult. Went on a Friday had to park at the far end of the parking lot which is connected to the bank Call and make a reservation if your thinking of going on a busy night. if you feel like eating and being cozy sit in the back if you want a more energetic atmosphere sit near the bar lol
(3)
Laura G.

Gale Street can boast about two key strengths for a restaurant: consistent good food and personal service. It has a friendly staff and is welcoming for long time customers as well as newcomers. The ribs put those of other renowned restaurants to shame and are fall-off-the-bone. The seafood is fresh and they usually have specials that are also worth checking out. The bartenders are some of the best in the city, and the owner and managers are on site greeting guests and making you feel at home. A restaurant gets to be 50 years old by doing a lot of things right, and Gale Street's food, service and staff is about as good as it gets. We've been dining there for more than 20 years and can attest to the excellent consistency.
(5)
Brian M.

Great all around restaurant/bar. My new office is located just down the street from this place and I have to say it's definitely the best place in this neighborhood. I've been here several times in the past and I've never been disappointed. Recently I was here with my mom and sister and we had a great experience. Two of us had the ribs and weeks later we are still talking about them. They are literally 'fall off the bone' style ribs. The sauces was delicious too! I also wanted to note that our server was a lady names Teresa and I have to say she was an amazing server. She is a very nice person and she is very passionate about her serving job. She practically catered to our every need and did and amazing job making us feel appreciated as customers the whole time we were there. She does a great job at representing her trade and the ownership of this business. 5 starts all the way here!
(5)
Kelly B.

I've been going here for a long time and it has always been amazing. My favorite item is the king crab legs and filet combination. Honestly, best crab legs I've ever had. (didn't expect that from a place known for its ribs) The service is great and the food is great. Couldn't ask for more! I will be back numerous times!
(5)
Lisa M.

I have never been to a place where the left overs are just as good as freshly served! Our waiter Billy was amazing! Full of life and so hilarious. The food was spot on perfect as always. I don't live near GSI but I always make it a point to come here when I'm in the mood for delicious ribs!! I have my 11 year old hooked on this place!!
(5)
Steve H.

You don't even need to get your hands dirty! These suckers can simply be fork split they are that incredibly tender... YUM! My first time at this restaurant and surely wouldn't be my last. Met up with a buddy of mine for a dinner out and get some work completed. We grabbed one of their larger booths which were spacious to pull out the laptops and eat well at the same time. Our server greeted us and gave us a long, but welcome instruction about the place and its highlights within the menu. Oysters Rockefeller was the appetizer special and was decently prepared. Too many places in the chicagoland area don't know what they are doing with these little suckers, but GSI treats them as if they have an oyster harvesting farm behind their building. All entrees also come with Italian bread with ridiculously sweet honey infused butter and your choice of their soup or salad. I reverted back to my childhood days and chose their everyday cream of tomato soup. My gripe with this is that it should really have been named cream of heaven. This place reveals to you why baby back ribs exist in the first place. If you have been reading my reviews in the past you'd realize why I've been on an eternal search for superb chicagoland ribs. I think my journey has ended as I've found something that was truly meat falling off the bone and perfectly prepared timing. I should've passed on the garlic mashed potatoes on the side and chosen something else that was not so common. The place loses a star with the dessert we were sorta pressured into trying. After believing our waitress was the GSI goddess of food she convinced us to go for the keylime pie. Except it wasn't really keylime at all and tasted alot more like cheesecake with lime flavoring. I will be back but from the time we left I truly don't think my opinion is necessary to keep this place open. The place was completely packed on a Monday evening of all times.
(4)
Maggie S.

While everyone knows the Gale Street Inn for their fabulous ribs (which are indeed tender & tasty ) there are a few other items are the menu worth trying: the Chicken Tomatillo is soup is flavorful with a kick, the Hummus platter is fresh & delicious and the Potato Skins are some of the best I've ever had--smothered in cheese & dripping with bacon, they are just awesome. Also, don't miss out on their homemade bread & butter--truly delicious. Of course, what really puts Gale Street above every other neighborhood joint is the GREAT service. Jill, Steve, Larry, Victor, Patrick, etc. all do a great job of making you feel welcome & at home. We'd come back once a month for the food, but it's the service that keeps us coming once a week!
(5)
Javier B.

Had I reviewed this restaurant a year ago, it would have been 2, perhaps 3 stars. Dined there yesterday and must say the ambiance has improved dramatically. They clearly renovated the interiors recently and the place has a much different vibe. Feels like a nicer, cleaner place. The tomatillo soup is indeed really tasty. The ribs are also very good. Sunday night is family night and they have a magician/balloon artist going from table to table. The kids loved it. Service was good and attentive. Good beer list. All in all, a very solid dining option for the neighborhood.
(4)
Melissa R.

Best ribs in chicago. Thats all I have to say!
(4)
Daniel C.

I wish I could give this place enough stars to bump the rating to 5 overall because this place is unbelievable. Hands down the best ribs I have ever had at a restaurant. The meat just falls off the bone. So tender. Whoever gave this place less then 4 stars must be out of their minds. The service was excellent. We were served by Adriana who was such a delight to have as a server. Normally I go to restaurants and more then half the time I get horrible service from younger waitresses. she seems like she enjoys her job and also seems like she has been doing her work for several years. I've lived in the area for many many years and never have been here but now I will be coming back.
(5)
Johnny M.

Great Restaurant years ago,I think George's ego let the place slide a little over the years.It should be about the food,not George!I am not knocking the food,it is high quality,the soups,bread fantastic ribs all pass the test,I just feel the presence of the owner is somewhat over the top at times.Overall a great neighborhood joint!
(2)
Sam M.

I frequent the Gale Street Inn. This is 5 stars all around. service, atmosphere and ofcourse the food!! The tamatillo soup is excellent and I can't say enough about the ribs. So many places with great ribs in Chicago but this is my #1. Thankyou for the wonderful experience each and every time I visit !!
(5)
George A.

The ribs are fall-off-the-bone, probably boiled and then finished off on the grill. The sauce is mild but good. Everything else we have ever had has been good and consistent. Professional service.
(4)
angela h.

I want to live in a world where I have their ribs within arms reach at all times. The staff was AMAZING. I'm definitely coming back and bring friends with me!
(4)
Lauren H.

This is my favorite place to come for ribs. Their meat literally falls off the bone and melts in your mouth. The service is always great and very nice. This place can get crowded during the weekends at night so its always a MUST to make reservations. Other than that best ribs I've ever had!
(5)
Damian S.

We had the oysters Rockefeller as an appetizer--they were ok I guess (never had them before, but I was a fan of raw oysters, so I thought I'd try something a little different). All I could taste was the spinach, and I never even knew I was eating oysters. My mistake I guess. For dinner, I had the Porkapalooza (Ribs, jambalaya, and pulled pork), and it was awesome. The ribs are so tender; the pulled pork could've been a little more so, but the flavor was great. The jambalaya was not the high point of the dish, as it wasn't as spicy as I'd expected. The pre-meal chicken tomatillo soup made up for the jambalaya's lack of spiciness, however. The key lime pie was actually the worst part of the meal, as it tasted more like plain cheesecake than anything key lime-ish. The Gale Street Inn is definitely a good place to go for excellent ribs and pulled pork! The staff was very friendly and helpful--giving great descriptions of most of the meal choices available.
(4)
Derrick T.

A standard family-esque restaurant with a focus on supposedly steaks, seafood... but from I've heard/seen, this place shines for it's ribs. Fiancee and I decided to swing in and check it out. Monday nights are $4 off for full slab ribs or any combo of half ribs/half something else. This does not apply to take out (dine in only). So we ordered two split orders, and can say the following: New England Clam Chowder: Tasty, simple, and a pretty standard clam chowder. Worth getting. Jamabalaya: Heavy on the green onions, but flavor is right. Nothing outstanding and nothing bad. Half chicken: Breast meat was a bit dry, however the dark meat was perfectly tender. Skin was crisped even with the added on sauce. Worth a second order possibly. South Beach Mash: I still honestly have not found a place that makes mashed cauliflowers well enough to make it fool people into thinking it's mashed potatoes... I'm starting to think it's a myth. Tasty, and mostly healthy (minus the melted cheese on the top). Good for those no carbing. Coleslaw: Standard. And finally, the ribs: From what I kept hearing, the ribs were going to be fall off the bone. Well to be honest, these ribs were not fall of the bone. When I hear "fall of the bone" (now to be shortened to FTB to save time typing), I envision something so tender that you would not be able to life it by holding the bone... as in once you picked up the bone, the meat would literally slide off. That is what FTB means to me. These ribs were not FTB. Now granted, the ribs had great flavor, and the ribs were tender, and separated from the bone fairly easily with a light tug. It was very easy to clean the meat from the bone, soley by pulling with your fingers, teeth, fork, or any other way you want to eat it... but again, this was not the FTB that I had expected. Verdict: All in all, a nice restaurant with tasty ribs and enjoyable. Did I enjoy the experience? Yes I did. Good food, and lots of quantity for a good price. Would I go back? It's not likely one of the top BBQ places for me to go, so unlikely.
(3)
Jonathan C.

The best ribs in the city in my opinion. They are really juicy, fall off the bone and just plain good. The garlic mashed potatoes are great. This is not a bbq joint like fat willy's or Smoque. This is good old fashion Chicago. My fiance liked the food but thought it was decorated pretty bland. To me it just looked old school Chicago
(5)
Brynn J.

Use to love Gale Street! Monday Rib Special use to include choice of side not just a plate of average fries... and when you do order the side you were use to having compliment your "special" that adds you right back up to $23 full price, especially with the ongoing pressure from the waiter to order more.... What the hell? Got a bunch of loyal buddies that come here and same complaint Went with my sis who had a burger, saying it was "Eh, okay I guess", two Heinekens for me and one glass of Merlot for her.... $55 unnecessary dollars later, we'll be taking business elsewhere. Think George can afford to give his customers just a tad more bang for their buck.
(2)
Hyder F.

I have been here numerous times and have never been disappointed. The food is great and the service is excellent. Save room for the bread pudding!
(5)
Carolynne M.

So, I make a reservation with Gale Street. In the reservation I say that we are celebrating the 5th year anniversary of the day we met, and we had first met there, and we were getting married in the spring. You'd think maybe Gale Street would be pleased, charmed, perhaps even the slightest bit interested in that information? Believe me, I didn't expect them to have a parade about it or anything, but maybe a congratulations? Maybe a "hey, we are so glad to have played a small part in your happiness"? Well, no. Seated, fed, and paid the bill. No better or worse than any other schmoe that walked in from off the street. And speaking of our average, everyday dinner, Andy is right about the ribs being small. They were tasty, but I know had he received a half order instead of the full slab he would have been hungry again an hour later. I had soup (chicken tomatillo) which was very good, and a dinner salad, which was not. And that is my fault for not asking for the dressing to be on the side. This salad (which is about a cup and a half of vegetables) literally came with a half cup of dressing. Even scraping the dressing off each lettuce leaf still did not help. It was a honey dijon and that stuff packed a wallop. yuk. I just have such a bad taste in my mouth from this experience (and yes, it is only partially due to the dressing) that I hesitate to ever go back. And that is a shame. :(
(3)
Jenn K.

Love Love Love the Ribs here! Fall off the bone for sure. I work in the neighborhood and on Monday Nights, they have a live Jazz Band playing and a great Rib Special (Full Rack for $19). Great place to enjoy music and food with friends and family. They do get very busy on Monday Nights, so plan to do a little waiting or call ahead for reservations. They have a very simple menu and a bar area with lots of tv's. I recommend the Ribs, the side of spinach, and their chicken tomatillo soup. Yum!
(5)
Minh D.

Good bbq ribs here - tender and fall off the bones. The sweet sauce is made using apple is great. Pricing is a bit expensive compare to most bbq joints in the area.
(3)
Edward W.

Old school. Good ribs. Busy and noisy place
(3)
Bess R.

My hubs had a taste for ribs for his b-day dinner, so we decided to try Gale Street. We arrived around 8:30 on a Saturday night, and only had to wait about 15 minutes for a table. Service was great - both from the hostesses and our server. He had the ribs and crab legs combo, which he really enjoyed. I had the filet with sauteed mushrooms, and a cup of the tomatillo soup to start. yum. Traditional food, but quite tasty and the price was right. We will definitely be back!
(4)
Rick C.

My go-to rib place. Actually, probably my go-to comfort food place. Honey butter with warm bread Super garlicky dressing for your salad Some of the tastiest, fall off the bone ribs you're going to find Huge, delicious fried shrimp if you're so inclined Potatoes au gratin One of my favs. You will be happy here.
(5)
Andy M.

Gale Street Inn has been a Chicago Staple for decades. The food is good and the Customer service is top notch. My favorite thing about Gale Street is the atmosphere. The tables are filled with groups of friends and families that are telling stories, laughing and enjoying each others company. It's hard to be inside the Gale Street Inn without having a smile on your face. The food pretty damn good. The Ribs are glazed to perfection. The meat literally falls off of the bone. You can actually eat them with a knife and fork and not miss a tasty morsel. The Garlic mashed potato's were a delicious side that went perfectly with the Ribs. My only gripe about the Ribs is that they are quite small. I have gotten used to the larger Ribs at other eateries. If you have a large appetite, you might want to go the full slab. The bottom line is, the Gale Street Inn is the perfect place to enjoy a fun night out. Great food, a great Beer selection and friendly people makes this a place that you must try at least once.
(4)
Mario F.

Ribs with meat that fall right off the bone, just the way God intended, and some of the best Carrot cake I've ever had. What more can you ask for? Good to great customer service both times I have been there. Honestly, they can probably get away treating me like sh** and I would still come back for the ribs. Devine!!!
(5)
Vince H.

Best damn steak sandwich I ever had. Steak was perfectly cooked. It was lean, juicy, and tender. Fries were surprisingly good too, crispy, and perfectly seasoned. And if you're looking for dessert the bread pudding ain't too shabby either. It was so damn good I almost wanted to call them back and tell them about it. Lol.
(5)
Tom Z.

I haven't been here for a while. This doesn't mean I don't like the food. It is just a little pricey to be going too often. Today, I decided to have the Cheese Burger. The burger itself was high quality beef. It was tender, juicy and had good flavor. The bun was a roll type that was toasted. It came with fries. The fries were OK, they were nothing special. After reading a few reviews I had to try the chicken tomatillo soup. It was great! I will be telling other people to try this soup. I will be getting it the next time I go to Gale Street Inn. As I stated in the above sentence, I will be returning.
(4)
Scott A.

This is my go-to spot for ribs, but every time I'm there I'm tempted by the Jumbalaya. Every time it's hard to decide between the soups because I've never had a bad one there - and I normally don't even eat soup. The servers have been very friendly, and they've gone out of their way to help with my wife's gluten intolerance*. I prefer to sit in the bar area when I go. If rating the dining room, I'd give it a 4.5 - it gets a little loud in there. *I'm not suggesting that they have gluten free options for celiacs. She's not so sensitive that a little cross contamination impacts her.
(5)
Bill B.

I am a rib connoisseur. That said, rib places over the course of time can sometimes be inconsistent with their quality. You can go to a place over the course of a few years and sometimes you get a good slab and other times it's terrible. Not Gale St. Over the past 5 or so years they have taken over as my top rib spot not only b/c their ribs are fall off the bone goodness on a plate, but b/c they are that way every single time. Also, if you like lobster, they have a ribs and lobster combo for like $30 that is out of this world. It's honestly as good a quality and size lobster tail as you'd get at a Chicago steakhouse for $40 on it's own. I kid you not. Service is also always friendly and great. Love this place.
(5)
Brent W.

GSI continues to hold its 5 star rating after many more visits. I'm in love with this place and more specifically, their Ribs. We went the other night and they have a Monday night Rib special which is a full slab plus two sides for around $17. Easily feeds two people. Monday's also feature live jazz which was great and really made the experience. GSI FTW ETC . . .. . .. .
(5)
James H.

I recently moved to Arizona, but the one Chicago restaurant I'll miss most is the Gale Street Inn. I've watched the place grow from a neighborhood place in 1979 to an upscale restaurant. And the one dish I always go back for are the BBQ baby back ribs. Always fall-off-the-bone tender and covered with a delicious sauce that has a slightly sweet tang. I never found anything as good as these ribs in Chicago. When friends came to town, I always took them for the ribs at Gale Street. And to my chagrin, I have yet to find any restaurant offering BBQ baby back ribs anywhere in the East Valley of Phoenix. Darn I'll miss this restaurant!
(5)
Rob K.

Amazing ribs, great service everytime, and free jazz! George is a cool owner, a big supporter of the gift theater, and is the most amazing chef in the world... See the commercial. Jambalaya and rib combo is my favorite, free parking, and across from blue line and metra stop in Jeff Park
(5)
Angelo C.

We live a block away, if you heard about their delicious prime rib, stay home, they no longer serve it. On the last of many visits about a month ago (Jan 2012), I decided to have the New York Strip, I think it was about $38.00, that's fine. However, now place your index fingers and thumbs together, if you can see the entire steak in the area between your two hands, its a rip off. Even more sadly, a man came over earlier in a suit, asking if everything was ok. My steak had not arrived yet, but I found him later, should him a drawing I made on a comment card, left a my cell number (i think) and email I am certain. Never heard diddly squat. While the place was half the size over a recent renovation, the new decor looks like they were trying to mimic the martini bar across the street. The parking lot is always full, even weekdays, I am certain people duck in just out of curiousity with that kind of traffic. Rest assured this is a place that has come way to far on its reputation. Best of luck going forward. Save your money on the comment cards if no one ever follows thru. Then on all that money you are saving maybe you can bring back the prime rib, increase the size of your new york strip "sampler", or who knows maybe even both!? Angelo
(1)
Alex M.

I've lived down the street from Gale Street Inn for three years now and finally decided to check it out. In my book it's the typical privately-owned steak spot that's more "old school" than anything. Don't expect wild fusion dishes or modern contemporary furniture with a vast martini list. Gale Street Inn is very loyal to it's following of middle aged folk, blue collar people, and anyone who likes a good piece of meat done the traditional way. I tried the Fish and Chips when I went. Loved it. No crumbly crappy frozen anything, but nice plump fillets breaded and fried to the crispy fluffy texture it should have. The fries (chips) were also divine. My girlfriend had a beautiful piece of grilled salmon cooked to perfection, and our friend tried their famous ribs. Beautiful sauce. The service was kind, the drinks were made with good strength, and I can't say anything bad about this spot. If you want the localized true old school Chicago steak house with quality food, check it out. If you want the fashionable spot of the moment where you pay too much for too little...then stay downtown.
(4)
Phil X.

The ribs are so hyped up I finally gave this place a try. Friday night. I call them up to make a dinner reservation for 4. They don't take reservations for groups under 6. Ok fine. -Upon arrival I found the ambience to be classy and cozy. -Waited at the bar for a table. Pretzel sticks are available. meh. -One of the ladies in charge of seating was very rude. -Bartenders were kind. -Our waiter was very friendly. Chicken Tomatillo soup was tasty...with some heat. ON TO THE RIBS: If you're looking for great BBQ Ribs, then this is the WRONG place. If you want good FALL-OF-THE-BONE-Ribs, which were boiled, then flamed, then sauced, ...well...jackpot. They were good, but not BBQ! King Split Crab Legs: Yes, I had them along with my ribs...doesn't everybody??? They were ok...BUT seemed slightly on the COLD side. THEY WERE SPLIT, which made it wayyy easier to eat...a definite PLUS.
(3)
Terry L.

Hi All. We had to try the famous Gale street inn for ribs since we just moved in down the street. Great atmosphere. Food was good. Ribs were succulent and saucy. I prefer Twin Anchors, but GSI holds up. The Chicken Tomatillo soup was amazing, something unique...especially at a rib joint. Waiter was fun, jovial which enhanced the experience. The only downside is the cheesy commercial spoof (or rip-off??) on Dos Equis The most interesting man in the world. Stay Hungry my friends!.
(4)
Jason J.

I've been coming here for years and have never had a bad meal. I love ribs! And no matter how many other places I try, I always end up back at Gale Street and don't forget the twice baked potatoes! Also when they have the New Orleans/Cajun brunch it's a nice change with some real good options. One of my all time favorites.
(4)
April P.

Can't say enough good things about this place! The staff is extremely nice, without being over exaggeratedly sugary. Came here one evening to grab a little supper, as it was 9:45 pm. We ate past 10:30, their closing time, and they weren't at all pushy about us leaving. Me and a friend both had the half barbeque chicken. The meals are HUGE. Needless to say, each half chicken is good enough for 3 different servings. Gosh, no wonder Americans are obese! I had the au gratin potatoes as a side, and they were pretty cheesy and tasty. My meal also came with a salad, and that was delicious even at the 10 o'clock hour. It was not soggy, had a nice variety of veggies, and the ranch dressing was supurb: not too creamy, just the right texture. They have a great array of daily specials, my favorite still being their Friday night Fish Fry. Best beer battered tilapia that I have ever had. Still need to come for their infamous brunch...I guess obesity in America will continue.
(5)
Rick F.

This really hurts! I love this place been going for years! Food 90% of the time is great! BUT! Yesterday you would of thought it was a new restaurant on it's first day. French onion soup was cold!, Caesar salad was very bland and warm! Food took a long time to come out! The tomatillo soup was excellent as usual. I'll just chalk this up to a bad night, we all have them once in a while! Rick
(2)
kevin c.

Great ribs! That is really all that is necessary. One of the top places for ribs I have tried in Chicago. Service is really good as well. Salmon is also very good.
(4)
Frank Q.

Went with the family for ribs. Waited 10 minutes or so for a table. The service was very attentive and old school in the way they take good care of their customers and us. The ribs were very tasty and lived up to the hype. Rest of the food was good and decent wine selection. Great ribs and service.
(4)
P M.

Sunday, 6 November. Arrived 5:15PM. Party of eight - 5 adults, 3 kids. Manager "Mike" continues to tell us "10 more minutes, 10 more minutes" every time we ask. At one point: manager says "we're putting two tables together", and we see they are doing so. 10 minutes later, we see them taking the tables apart again. All other smaller parties are seated before us; parties that arrive afterwards are also seated after us. Finally, at 6:15PM, after kids are obviously melting down, we tell them we don't want to wait anymore, and leave. Manager says "sorry, maybe next time you come by maybe we'll give you a free appetizer". Maybe this place is great, if you're party is 4 or less, or if the manager on duty isn't "MIke", the same one that was working on Sunday, 6 November, who can't seem to seat a party of 8.
(1)
Crystal V.

They have some amazing fall off the bone ribs. They're the best in Chicago! (:
(5)
Dan D.

While they are known for their ribs, I highly recommend the London Broil steak sandwich. It is very inexpensive and the meat is very tender. The staff is very accommodating. If you have a complaint and aren't rude about it, they are always glad to help. The dining room becomes busier as the night goes on, so get there early and you will be seated quickly and have a delicious meal.
(5)
Tom M.

I have been at least a thrice yearly Gale St. customer (more often than that in the past few years) for over twenty five years. When I was a kid, Gale St. Ribs were a very special treat from my parents for a really good report card or a first place organized sports finish or a very special birthday. As an adult, the place is still a treat to my girlfriend and I. The food is excellent. Particularly the ribs, crab cakes, and jambalaya. The recent renovation and menu revamp were spot on. Great, mellow, live music in the bar area. Hosts are all very friendly and accommodating. Wait staff is hit or miss. Most are really great, but occasionally you get one who doesn't quite seem to have her head in the game, but the well made drinks, table bread and AMAZING sweetened butter quickly make that seem like a very minor issue. It is not cheap, nor is it outlandishly expensive. Very reasonable for the what you receive. A NW side gem!
(4)
Kevin S.

RIBS.......nuff said.
(5)
Tory w.

I had no idea that Jefferson Park was so cute - like a pre-suburb before you get to the actual burbs. And I had no idea that a restaurant like the Gale Street Inn was nestled in this adorable neighborhood. YUM. I know that they are famous for their ribs, but I am not a huge fan. Not to worry - the menu is HUGE and I had a hard time narrowing down my choices. I decided on the barbecued chicken - an enormous amount of food - I felt like a Viking as I attacked my half of a bird with my bare hands. Leftovers for a couple of days. As a side I had steamed veggies - trying to be healthy, although I have no idea why (see my review for the Northside Cafe...) but they have delicious looking fries, mashed potatoes, and all the standards. My dining companions had the ribs, jumbalaya, a burger, calamari, and a fish entree, I don't remember which one. I do remember that for a group who had not been together in 5 years - the table was pretty quiet for the half hour after our food came - no sounds but the sounds of finger lickin' and lip smackin'. If you are craving good BBQ and good neighborhood ambiance, the Gale Street is the place for you!
(5)
Janice W.

My Aunt and Uncle love this place so I had to try it. It's a cozy place. You enter thru the bar - dark tones, brass, high booths. The dining room is large. They are known for their ribs and they are good. But they are sweet, which my husband didn't love. I did but I'd probably get sick if I ate a whole slab. Though the slab we got was small. We get our ribs from a butcher down the street and I swear they are twice the size. But it's good. The sides were good (ala carte). Desert was ok - Key LIme Pie. Not bad. I'd go back if I were in the area. Or to take family for a gathering.
(3)
Andrew K.

very good food and sangria's a little on the pricey side but worth it.
(4)
Jean C.

We've been meaning to come here for the Big Easy brunch for a while now, but the last time we tried, we discovered that it isn't served during the summer. So finally we managed to coordinate our schedule with the restaurant schedule and arrived right at the start of the brunch. I confess I was surprised that the place wasn't busier, and frankly I still don't know why it wasn't, except perhaps because the brunch weighs in at almost $22 per person, quite a chunk of change in this recession. Add a single drink and the bill per person can climb to $30. That said, I think it's a good value for the money. The brunch is broken down into breakfast foods, luncheon foods, an omlette/waffle station and a small dessert table. The breakfast foods included scrambles, which were on the dry side, but still fluffy (Frankly I'm happy about that. If there's anything that makes me want to yak it's slimy scrambled eggs.) and a crabcake eggs benny, which I had to try being a high priestess of eggs benedict. I must say they were very nice. Not the best I've ever had, but very nice. There was a spicy tomatillo sauce which I used on my scrambles, though Jim opted to put them on his potatoes. We were both highly satisfied with it, and agreed that it had a kind of Indian quality we liked very much. There were fat baked sausages, not at all greasy, and bacon that was neither flaccid nor nuked. The French toast was good, too. Second plate was devoted to the more luncheon-like dishes. There was smoked salmon -- and brother did the other diners tear into that!, boiled shrimp in the shell, roasted veggies, several different salads, jambalaya, etouffe, red beans and rice with andouille sausage, chicken vesuvio and potatoes vesuvio, a nice, spicy pasta dish and a number of other things I don't recall just now. The cajun dishes all had a nice amount of heat, and I found the roasted veggies particularly good. A side note on the salmon and shrimp: Over the last few years I've noticed that both have suffered from a reduction in quality in many restaurants. Shrimp frequently tends to be rubbery or mealy. Salmon tends to be tough and stringy. I pretty much gave up hoping for much, particularly on buffets, but the fish on this buffet was quite good. We finished with pecan strawberry waffles with a dusting of powdered sugar. They were a little dry and I wished I'd asked for whipped cream or a bit of syrup, but they had a nice flavor, so I really didn't feel I had too much to complain about. I know waffles tend to be dryer than pancakes; my bad. And for the second time in less than 24 hours we got excellent service. There was a waiter at the buffet table to tell us what each dish was, and he even helped with the serving. Three or four waiters refilled water, coffee, kept the table cleared and generally paid a lot of attention but in that unobtrusive way that good waiters have. You know, friendly and even amusing without becoming familiar? They were in no hurry to rush us out of there either, but the moment we made a 'check please' gesture the check was on our table. No question that they'd been keeping an eye on us to see if there was anything else we needed. After Hema's Kitchen and the downright rotten service we'd gotten, it was really refreshing. In all I'd say that it's worth the money. There aren't a lot of frills, but it's a good, solid food value with great service, which is what earned them the fourth star today.
(4)
Chillie D.

If you are looking for a wonderful and outstanding steak done perfectly, with loads of flavor, the Gale Street Inn restaurant is da place to try. Located on the far northwest side of Chicago, in the Jefferson Park neighborhood, one need not travel to the Loop to experience one of the best kept secrets on the northwest side of Chicago. Do you want to taste the "best" ribs and steaks in town? GO HERE! This establishment is frequented by neighborhood locals, people passing through Chicago, business people who do not want to travel to the Loop, Chicago police officers and/or Chicago firemen or fire women, and other Chicago City workers. The restaurant is also not very far from O'Hare Airport or the Jefferson Park "blue" line (across the street from the restaurant). The crowd is mature (over 45), but you will find younger people here from time to time. If you go here before 6:00 p.m., Monday thru Friday, you can get their dinner price specials at a very reduced cost. We ordered the prime rib medallions which was excellent, but the portion was small. The side dishes (asparagus and twice-baked potato) were prepared perfectly. My husband always orders the ribs. If you are a rib-lover -- you MUST try their tender, mouth-watering, fall-off-the bone ribs. This is what they are famous for -- ribs! SERVICE: The service is very, very good. Our Server is always attentive. The food quality is excellent. If you are not sure what to order ask your Server what he/she recommends. Go for it -- take a risk. BEWARE: If you go here on Saturday/Sunday, get to the restaurant before 5:00 p.m. Yes, before 5:00 p.m. Smaller parties are always seated before larger parties (most restaurants follow this rule). The parking lot is very small. Street parking is available. This is a family friendly restaurant, but I do not recommend bringing your toddler or baby. Keep the little ones at home and make it a "date" night with your spouse instead. The restaurant is dark and can be romantic, but needs a more updated look. You go here for the food -- not so much the ambiance -- though the atmosphere is decent, clean and old-style Chicago. This is a great place for groups, families with older kids, a date or just hanging with a group of friends on a Friday night. You can always eat at the bar if you cannot get a table.
(4)
Sara B.

I have to give the place five stars. I have not felt this welcome at a place and served good food to boot in such a a long time. The decor is of a nice restaurant when you come in...then a bar/pub when you pass through the front half of the place and then the back is a wood dining room that just makes you feel comfy and ready to eat a good meal. Nice enough to go for a date but cozy enough to wonder in in jeans and with a backpack like I did. Our waitress was super nice making us feel welcome and was just very (but not too) attentive and made sure that our dining experience was a good one. The boyfriend and I have taken to splitting meals in order to also get a dessert and or appetizer in and most places treat you like a cheap non-tipper one you say the world split... But not here....our waitress brought us an extra soup and kept our ice teas full. The food: They are running construction specials (at least for now) and the deals are great. We got: 1/3 rack ribs, BBQ pulled pork and gumbo with your choice of soup or salad for $14.95. Good deal! We added a side of Au gratin potatoes too for a tiny bit more. Oh and I forgot to mention the fresh baked bread and honey butter that comes with every meal... Everything we had was good! If my allergies had not been weighing me down we would have tried a dessert. I'm a sucker for bread pudding... We will be back here...a few times. :-)
(5)
Shana M.

Hells Yes!! My date took me here for valentine's day. As busy as they were, the service was still totally attentive without being pushy. I decided to do the smart thing and try their famous ribs. YUM-ME! Their homemade bbq sauce is the tops. The meat is literally fall off the bone and succulent. The ribs had slightly crispy tips without being dry and they were just saucy enough. Yes Ma'am!! Thank You May I have another! Also, the potatoes au gratin were delish. The tomatillo soup was novelty for me and it had a great savory spicy flavor that kept my buds watering. For dessert my date ordered cheese cake. I'm more of a chocolate girl myself, but it didn't get left, I assure you. Also, they make a fine strong drink and all the staff was very friendly and customer oriented. Cute little joint!
(4)
Jodel A.

I love the crab cakes here and ribs
(5)
chris g.

The 5 stars that I give Gale Street is for the ribs. The steaks are average. The ribs are fall off the bone, meaty, tender and delicious. I ordered a full slab i (intending to eat 1/2 & take 1/2 home) but couldn't stop eating them. Once seated you are brought generous amounts of fresh bread and sweet butter. The wait staff was very good with water being topped off, drinks replenished, plates cleared etc. The Ribs include soup or salad and a side. I got a Tomatillo & chicken soup that was dee-lish. Popping with flavor and a bit of heat. We also seemed to linger a bit to long after our meal. We were the last table sitting and our waitress was still very nice. Knowing we should get out so our waitress could go home, we retired to their bar. The same warm, friendly service was received.
(5)
Len W.

Just a terrific Chicago institution. I'm not a rib fan, but the one bite I had was really good. Also tasted the pork chop and that was excellent. Meaty, juicy, but not fatty. Stuffed with apples, etc. I had the London Broil. It was perfect. We also had bread pudding and that was awesome. I thot the dining room was a little loud, but otherwise a really great experience.
(4)
Kate W.

I am a vegetarian and I'm giving this place five stars. No, they really don't have that much in the way of food for me to choose from. But I do love their garlic mashed potatoes. And they make great cocktails. The reason I give them five stars is the service, the decor, and yes, the food. My carnivorous friends and family all love the food. My husband was in love with the pulled pork sandwich, but I think it may not be on the menu anymore. Also, it's just a nicer than average neighborhood restaurant that is as enjoyable for lunch as it is for dinner. Insider tip: No reservations for groups under 5 persons. If you don't have a reservation, get there early or sit at the bar. Parking: Ample if you use the adjacent bank parking lot. Transit: Directly across from the Jefferson Park CTA Transit Center
(5)
Karrie O.

If you're looking for juicy, mouth-watering ribs....get over to this place immediately. Aside from the ribs, Gale Street Inn is the go to spot in Jeff Park and great for a before the theatre dinner, a cocktail or 2, date night or out with the girls. The one thing I love the most about this place is the consistency of this place. The food, staff, drinks, and atmosphere are always what I expect....spot on every time. Thumbs up to Gale Street Inn.
(5)
Michelle N.

Gale Street Inn USED to be my absolute favorite place. Everytime I come in the menu has changed and I can't get certain things that I specifically come there to get. They used to serve crab legs with butter over an open flame, now they just put the butter in a cup and let it coagulate (that's how Red Lobster does it, you might as well go there). They won't take reservations for parties less than 6, which means you'll have to wait around for up to two hours just to get some boiled ribs and crab legs with cold butter. Also, the last time I was there, the chairs were mismatched within the same tables, which is not super important but if I'm spending that much for dinner than there sould at least be an attempt to have a nice looking atmosphere.
(2)
Andrea D.

So I was in the mood for a restaurant that wast Mexican or super quick (Albany Park is great for super cheap eats but not so great for traditional American fare). So I dragged my boyfriend on the Lawrence bus and ended up at the Jefferson Park terminal. Right across the street was the Gale Street Inn. It smelled like ribs, and had a steady stream of people walking into it, so I figured it must be decent (even though I didn't order the ribs - I don't care for barbecue sauce.. but we're not here to discuss my quirks, now are we?) Anyhow, I had the filet mignon done medium rare. It was small but cooked correctly. The asparagus was done just right, and the au gratin potatoes were delicious and cheesy. I do wish the steak was a little bit bigger, and to me, the menu seemed rather limited. But what I ate was yummy and the service was good as well. I'd go again.
(4)
Alan G.

While very close to home, not the same to my heart. No reservation, polite greeting as we walked in and directed to our table. Cordial waitress, 20-yr veteran there who alluded to putting down good food for that long a time. The highlighted BBQ ribs were truly tender (tender like boiled then just smothered with sauce. I know from boiled pork stuff, grew up knowing this, I'm 57), but lacked the smokey BBQ flavor & aroma that BBQ lovers love. Carsons Ribs are good. The grilled salmon was okay (when fish doesn't taste too fishy, it's okay. Grew up in fishy culture is why/how I know). Wife said that the rice was very good). I thought that the sweet butter was memorable, I don't remember another restaurant which served sweet butter with their bread. The promise of a complimentary soft drink that never came was a disappointment. Commitments made are expected to be honored without a reminder. While that may be taken as wanting a freebie, I assure you that I'm not a fan of fountain soda . The free 'Mardi Gras' beads plus the live singer/guitarist .. just about the savior for the 'okay but not great' dining experience. Understandably, Valentine's evening was very busy, even for the 'early bird' time (before 5:30PM). I've never seen so many waiters running around in any restaurant , overly efficient! Instead of relaxed good dining, we felt rushed and watched. Soon after the last fork or spoonful, a different waiter asked if my wife was done. I had the 2nd half slab of ribs on my plate and was also asked if I was done (truth is that I decided to take it home, but why the presumption)? Quickly, the BBQ sauce and left-over bread was taken without being asked if we want the bread (perhaps to be recycled into croutons). I commented about the missing BBQ sauce and I was assured I'll have some. On the way out, I heard the customary 'thank you' but not before we opened the door to exit. Wife was already out, I was following a step behind. No reason to come again.
(2)
Y V.

If you're going to eat at Gale Street Inn, you have to order the ribs. That's the only thing I order there and have never been disappointed. They're tender and full of flavor. You can order a full rack, a half rack, or half rack combos. There are plenty of non-rib options on the menu, like steak, pork chops, salmon, pasta, chicken, and burgers. But go for their ribs if you're not afraid to get a little messy. If you can make it, try going there for the Early Bird specials. For about $15, you can get soup or salad, your choice of entree, side dish, beverage, and ice cream. It's available M-F, from 3:00pm-5:30pm. I've had the Early Bird special a few times before and it's a good deal, especially if you're getting the ribs. I added an extra star because my family has been going here for years. It's my "sentimental" star :) Gale Street Inn has been in Jefferson Park for 45 years and I'm glad to see it still around and as popular as ever.
(5)
Dominic R.

I came here last night for dinner. 3 Birthday's in the family and my brother chose Gale Street Inn! I have never been there, just heard good things, so I was excited to go! What did I want? Did I want a steak or Ribs.....hmmmmmmm? They are known for their ribs so I had to give them a whirl! Let me just say..........WOW! Amazing Ribs! Holy Cripe! I am not even going to go into the baked clams and calamari for apps........I am getting right down to the good stuff!!!! The Ribs were falling off the bone......literally! And they give you an extra bottle of BBQ sauce....kind of looks like a maple syrup container but just dab a little more on when you need it! I went with a Half Slab of Ribs and Shrimp! Perfect amount! The wait staff is right on the ball, making sure we had bread and water and took plates away when needed. Very Good service!! Nothing is better then sucking down some ribs and having BBQ sauce all over your mouth and then using the wet nap to clean up! That's how you eat ribs! I will be back.................SOON!
(5)
Kristy L.

by far the best ribs i've ever had. i love me some bbq and its amazing how good this place is. the bread you get is amazing, we always call ahead and carry out, so we get extra bread. they have changed it in the past, the new bread isnt that amazing but still great. we always order for super bowl. i wish they were opened on new years day but sadly they werent. make sure you order a side of al-gratin potatoes, you will not be disappointed.
(5)
Jeff H.

Probably deserves five stars, but we'll give it a strong four. My wife took me here for my 34th birthday, and a good friend came along. This was where I had my very first peppercorn crusted steak (I've lived a sheltered food life, obviously) and it was simply unbelievable. We've always received good service as well. A very warm and inviting place on a cold winter night.
(4)
Winifred b.

One night last year my husband and I were looking for good ribs on the north side as we are originally from the south side of Chicago. We are very particular and snobs when it comes to certain foods,,,,, okay about most foods and food establishments. Any who the ribs her are very good and tasty. We usually order to go and staff is personable and recognize you when you come in. Maybe, one day I'll dine-in
(4)
Larry B.

OK , but a little past it's prime. Still ok for a meat and Scotch kind of night. There are better steak joints in this price range.
(2)
Scott M.

Here is how to tell when you have had some great ribs. a) You can eat the sauce and bread by itself. b) You stop caring about all the bbq sauce on your hands, face, and embedded in your nails c) You bring said ribs back to the crib and wake up at 8:30am, and kill the leftovers. Gale Street Inn is on a different level when it comes to their rib game. Once again, another great Chi-Town Restaurant. This place is for sure not very sportsbar-ish..in fact, maybe i am missing something because I dont really get the name. But forget all the extra stuff, Gale Street has some of the best barbecue that I have tasted in this country. And this is coming from the #1 ribologist on yelp! You couple the ribs with beer/alcohol, a slab for you and a slab for your date....you are all set when it comes to Gale Street Inn. Absolutely love this place...not much I can say besides that! Get yours, cuz trust, next time I am in Chicago, I will get mine.
(5)
Chris T.

Clean place, Good ribs, portions on the sides were small for the $23 full slab that i ordered... They have amaaazing Loaded skin potatoes... Best i have ever had.
(4)
Tom C.

I've heard a lot of hype about this place so I finally decided to give it a try. The meat falls right off the bone and that is basically the only good quality. The ribs although moist lack much needed flavor.
(1)
Gwen R.

The ambiance is a bit dated, but the service and hospitality, and most importantly the food are all exceptional. Granted, I'm not sure I've had anything there besides the ribs, but they are well worth the trip to Jefferson Park. The prices are reasonable and the portions are plentiful. Definitely check it out!
(5)
Christine U.

No question, my favorite place for ribs. They are tender and fall right off the bone as soon as you pick them up. For me, that's the tell-tale sign of a good slab of ribs. Their bbq sauce is fantastic, just the right amount of sweet and savory. Service is great, ambiance is, well, it's kind of what you'd expect from a place that's been in Jefferson Park for a gazzilion years. But the ribs more than make up for it. Our meals came with soup or salad, and I opted for a boring salad, but my husband chose the Chicken Tomatillo soup. WOW. It was phenomenal. It was so good that I asked for a bowl to go, and will be having that for lunch today. Mmmm-mmmmm.
(4)
Justin M.

Being an Elite status member of the Yelp community, I take my reviews very seriously. It has become my responsibility to inform and educate those that don't know. Wherever my travels take me, I feel it is my civic duty to lay down an honest and subjective review about my experience, thereby helping those that seek guidance and direction. Or maybe I am addicted to Yelp and need some serious mental help. Rewind to last night. My gf and i were enjoying snakebites at her apartment before heading out to Rib Fest on Irving Park and Damen. The weather was pretty bad, which persuaded us to head elsewhere for dinner. My friend Diane also came with us, as we decided to embark on a journey up Milwaukee Ave. to Gale Street Inn for some ribs. We wanted ribs badly last night, and Gale Street Inn sounded like the answer to our prayers. When we first walked in, we were greeted by a very friendly host and hostess. I was already tipsy, and I said something goofy which triggered some laughter on both sides. Great opening start to the night. We were dressed down, and I wasn't sure our attire was good enough for this restaurant. Turned out we were fine as we proceeded to the bar and ordered some drinks. Seating took about 10 minutes, not a bad wait at all. The menu is straight-forward and easy to read. I ordered one of the "combo" meals that was not on the menu, half slab of ribs and a fillet. The combo came with Au gratin potatoes, and we also ordered a side of sauteed spinach. They started us off with soup, which was very good. All three of their soups are great, as well as their starter salad. I didn't have the salad, but the girls did. They looked amazingly fresh. Nice job guys! Dinner was served 30 minutes into service. The ribs were great, prepared exactly as expected. The fillet was a tad dry, possibly over-cooked. I still ate it because I was hungry as hell. The potatoes were excellent, cheesy with a soft texture. The sauteed spinach was quite horrible though. It was more like garlic cloves topped with a few spinach leaves. Not good at all. Dessert was next! I am not a big fan of dessert, but I had to try theirs since this was my first time. The carrot cake was insanely good!! I'm not sure if they make it fresh in the kitchen, or order it out...but damn it's really good. I had a taste of my girlfriend's key lime pie, and that was superior as well. Nice job again!! My overall grade: Service: A 1st Course (soup, salad, warm bread): A Entree: B Dessert: A Cocktails: C (Bloody Marys were a mess) Decor: C (the 60's style is out...or is it??) Parking: B Does this add up to a B+? I think so! ELITE IN 08!! WORD!
(4)
jenise r.

Came here for dinner a few weeks ago.I've driven by it a million times and never knew it was there. Nice dining area, they have different rooms and the place is pretty big and can easily cater to a large group and parents would like the place. They are know for their ribs but I didn't get them because I had cooked ribs for lunch that same day. So I decided on the Chicken with mushrooms that came with garlic mashed potatoes. The mashed potatoes were really good. The chicken was too but it was a little bland however the white sauce and peas were tasty. I want to go back and try those ribs!
(3)
Joe B.

I realize that this is my first review, and as such, don't want you to think I'm a "five star Freddy." It takes a lot for me to give a place 100% in real life, and I plan on continuing that trend here in the land of yelp. There are a few very simple things that have earned Gale Street Inn their five star review from me. Clean, relaxing environment: check. Amazing food: check. Brilliant service: check. We've been there twice and sampled quite a bit off of the menu already (although my son seems to stick with the chicken fingers and corn on the cob...hey, he knows what he likes.) Our first trip came late, having already lived in Portage/Jeff Park for 2 years. We stumbled into a hippie festival as the place was flanked in tiedie, records, Grateful Dead playing on the radio, and delectable concoctions from the bar with names like "Bong Water" being served. Our server quickly mentioned that it was not a typical night at Gale Street, and last night's visit confirmed that...however it was fun, and I hope it is something they do annually. This is the kind of restaurant where you can bring a three year old, or come alone on a date, and be treated equally with respect from both the staff and the fellow patrons. We've now had the ribs, the Jambalaya, a steak, oysters, stuffed mushrooms, the chicken tomatillo soup, the black bean soup....and everything, EVERYTHING....is consistently delicious. Gale Street Inn....I'm sorry that it has taken me two years to realize just what a value you are in to the people of Portage/Jefferson Park. You have quickly won my vote as the best game in town. You certainly get what you pay for, and I have yet to meet a person on the staff that isn't genuinely happy to be there...that says a lot.
(5)
Justin S.

Last Thursday night I picked up some friends at O'Hare, then took them here for a late dinner. Got a table, some tasty entrees and down home service. We arrived 15 minutes before closing and the hostess didn't mind a bit. Special requests--no cheese, no sauce, wheat bread-- no problem. The out-of-towners loved the Inn so much they'd gladly take it home in a doggy bag. First time here was with a group of 12, scrunched into an oddly shaped corner table on a packed Saturday night when, somehow, service didn't suffer.
(4)
brian w.

I have ordered two things in my various trips here: (1) the strip steak sandwich. Bomb, a must. It's perhaps the best sandwich and best kept secret in Chicago. (2) the ribs. Both are guaranteed winners, but the steak sandwich is executed perfectly and I suggest that over the ribs. Service is great here too. Oh yeah, discount on the ribs on Monday's FYI.
(4)
Jason J.

Everything that I have every had has been really good. Last night on a rib special night I decided that I would try a burger which I have never had from here. Everyone was shocked that I wasn't going with ribs and maybe I should have listened. It wasn't disgusting by any means, it lacked flavor. I didn't get bacon or mushrooms because I wanted to see how it was with just cheese and onion. All it needed was some love, salt pepper something! Either way it has always been a spot for the family and this is the only time I have been let down. I will continue to go back and won't hold this against them because they dish out delicious food.
(4)
Kevin A.

IRON CHEF: BATTLE BBQ RIBS....WHOSE CUISINE WILL REIGN SUPREME? Alllllllllllllleeeeeeeezzzzzzz cuisine!!! It was a showdown between two heavyweights in the old school rib restaurant battle. Gale Street Inn versus Twin Anchors. Who would prevail? WAIT TIME: GALE STREET Got seated in about 10 minutes versus 30 minutes at Twin Anchors. SERVICE: TWIN ANCHORS Waitresses with attitude who call me hon win every time over ones that eavesdrop on conversations. SIDES: TIE The baked beans at Twin Anchors are incredible, but the bread sticks are kind of chintzy. The sides at Gale Street aren't as good (South Beach mash was waaay to greasy and the salad was an iceberg crime scene), but their bread is served with a mouth-watering apple butter. RIBS: TWIN ANCHORS Ok, the main event. Gale Street's ribs are cooked in a similar style to Twin Anchors to achieve a fall-off-the-bone tenderness, but that's where the similarities end. Sure, the ribs at Gale Street were tasty with a nice slight char to them, but at the end of the day they were missing the magic that Twin Anchors has. When the ribs arrive at Twin Anchors, I can barely pay attention to the conversations going on because I'm so fixated by how good the ribs are. Not so much with Gale Street. WHOSE CUISINE REIGNS SUPREME? Without question, it's Twin Anchors.
(4)
David S.

The 5 stars include sentimental feelings for me, so keep that in mind. Otherwise, a solid 4 would be appropriate. During a not so pleasant point in my life, I was travelling to Rosemont weekly for about 4 months, working 80 hour weeks in a high stress environment, and dinner was a luxury. Whenever we could sneak away for an extended break for dinner, this was my favorite place to come. The feel of the place was very enjoyable. Nice, and somewhat formal on the part of the restaurant while maintaining a nice level of comfort. People eating there could be as casual as they wanted to be. I would love to be able to talk about multiple menu items, but I always got the same thing- the Ribs-Jambalaya combo with the chicken tomatillo soup and the twice baked potato. I am no ribs expert, and rarely have them outside of a back yard BBQ environment, but the ribs here were tasty as hell. The Jambalaya was satisfying, the Chicken Tomatillo soup was like liquid crack, and the twice baked potato was excellent. Looking back, I hated the time I spent in Rosemont, but I do miss the escapes to Gale street. A handful of us could take a break from things, enjoy some great food ( I would almost call it comfort food), and leave with a big smile on our faces. Honestly, what more could you really ask for from a restaurant?
(5)
Warren C.

Nice place with very friendly staff and great food. The trip north of town is worth the money. I had one of the local beer from the bar on tap, the ribs, mashed potatoes and house salad. The beer was cold. The salad was good and the dressing was great. The rib were AWESOME!!! Meat was fall off the bone and everything came out HOT! Definitely will be back here.
(5)
Daniel R.

I can't believe this place. I've been there twice and had relatively memorable meals. But they were only memorable in that they were so lousy. OK, so the Gale Street Inn is known for their ribs. They pride themselves on them. But boiled ribs with bottled sauce is no good no matter how you slice it. It seriously reminded me of hospital food. I had some kind of scalloped potatoes thing, too. Very cafeteria-y. I was invited there for dinner the next time I went. OK, skip the "ribs" and get pork chops, right? They were flavorless (probably frozen)...and again with the bottled sauce. Please. There are about a million other places that do their pork better than here. Seek them out.
(1)
Kathleen C.

Gale Street Inn is a rib joint with some great prices. They are known across the city for having ribs. They have a few other items such as chicken, salmon and steak but go for the ribs. Each item comes with a salad and side. Everything is under $25 and there is even free parking. The restaurant isn't the nicest looking place and the lighting is non-existent. The last time I went I had salmon, a salad and mashed potatoes. It was so good and I couldn't even finish because there was so much.
(3)
Nicole M.

Was craving RIBS and I have heard people rave about Gale St. Inn for their ribs... So I had to see for myself. When my boyfriend and I got there, it was about a 15 mins wait. Got seated, looked around and it seemed to be more of an older crowd and regulars. The ribs were about normal price for a full rack and comes with a side. The ribs were fall off the bone YUMMY and moist. I have to say the BEST RIBS I've ever had! Also got the Turtle Pie for dessert, it was like ice cream, it was good too! And it's nice they have their own parking lot (+).
(4)
Gary L.

Where do I start??? I have been coming here since I was a kid! Love the place. Great food and service! Great french onion and chicken tomatillo soups to start with. For the main course the ribs are to die for! But the chicken is great as well as is the salmon. They have remodeled the bar area it looks amazing! Live entertainment which is nice. Bartenders (Larry and Gil) are the bomb and really know how to take care of their customers. I plan on many more years of enjoyable meals to come. Oh and I need to mention carry out as well which they box the ribs up in HEAVY cardboard boxes so they are piping hot when you get them home. Don't see that very often anymore!
(5)
Fred S.

I hadn't been here in over twenty five years when I returned in early March with my Aunt, and - Wow. The food was great. A full slab of ribs at Gale St. is $22, and the ribs come with a choice of soup or salad and a side dish. I had the salad, which was good. For my side I had the twice baked potato. It was outstanding. The ribs are incredible. The sauce is delicious, and you can eat the ribs with a knife and fork if you want to... the meat literally falls off of the bone. Bread is also served with the meal, and I was surprised to find that it was really good. Gale St. has a good selection of beers on tap (though they needed to change the keg for the Harp the night that I was there), and the wine list is decent as well. The service was also really good. Our waitress was a sweetheart - one of those ladies that just makes you thankful to be in Chicago. All in all, the Gale St. Inn is a place I look forward to returning to as soon as possible.
(4)
Amanda Z.

Fantastic ribs...i mean, what a satisfying carnivorous experience! However, i am not into the old school dining atmosphere feeling like i'm in a little country town in the middle of nowhere and all the patrons in the restaurant are regulars/know each other (and are old...we were by far the youngest peeps in the place). So, despite the fact that i was super happy with my finger-lickin' good half rack of ribs, i do not care to return to Gale Street Inn. I'm glad i went...after all, my bf has been raving about the ribs since i met him over a year ago, and just now finally took me to eat there. And yes, the ribs he did not oversell, they were top notch, but the rest of the food, atmosphere and location will prevent me from returning.
(3)
Nicole S.

Been going to Gale Street Inn for years. Celebrated my last birthday dinner with my friends here because I was craving the ribs! Managed to get a few seats at the bar and enjoy a cocktail while we waited for the rest of our party. We had reservations, but I was still pleased to see how promptly we were seated on an extremely busy day. The restaurant decor could certainly use a little updating but it's far from aweful. The staff is friendly, attentive and efficient. Food has always been consistent, and everything I've ordered has been very good (I almost exclusively go there for the ribs). I was a little disappointed last time I ate there because it seemed they pared down thier menu, and no longer offered the mashed cauliflower side which I absolutely loved, but I will definately continue to go back regularly!
(4)
Jennifer C.

We had a ribs craving last night and decided to forgo our neighborhood Bucktown rib joints in walking distance and drive to Gale Street Inn (easy to get to off the I-90 expressway). We found parking immediately in their lot (I hate paying for parking in neighborhoods). The drive was worth it. The ribs are the BEST in the area. They fall off the bone and the sauce is rich and sticky with a kick. At some rib joints, you can tell that the ribs haven't been slow cooked and the sauce is slathered on at the last minute. Here, the flavor of the sauce is baked in and well carmelized--just the right balance of sweetness and tang. For 17 bucks for a half slab, you get a choice of soup and salad and a side. The service was fast, friendly and they always kept the table clean and our drinks refilled. The General Manager and staff really give you the homestyle treatment. I highly recommend the chicken tomatillo soup. It tastes homemade and also has a nice kick to it--a good palette prep before the meal. I may have to stop at Gale Street to just get soup take-out on the way home sometime.
(5)
Ryan G.

I have been going to the gale street inn for over 10 years and the ribs are good if you are looking for ribs its not bad...evrything else is terrible... I got a burger and chicken sandwich the other day it was 25 dolars and the fries were lacking big time. Everything on the menu especially the steaks the are so over priced go to wildfire gibsons mortons pretty much anywhere besides the gale street inn...they had a speacial that my mom ordered without saying the price it was 40 dollars and not worth half that money... The owner I have seen him multiple times screaming at his employees in the parking lot and at the hostess desk never seen a restaraunt owner act like that infront of his customers...
(2)
Joan O.

I have been going to this restaurant for years. But last evening made me think I won't be going back. We were there early (5:15), the three of us (husband, daughter & myself) were seated right away. The waitress was very pleasant. We eventually ordered & when they brought the meal it was all downhill. My prime rib was way overcooked, she took it back & then told me it was all overcooked. I ordered something else & ate my veggies. We asked about the magician(my 9yr old watched him in the room). He stopped by the table as she got her food & said he would be back(never happened). We paid $102.00 for this & all we got was an apology & an explanation that the waitress didn't ask if they had rare prime rib & the chef ruined the roast. I was really disappointed with the whole experience & I hope they get it together.
(1)
Harry P.

The service at the Gale Street In has gone down hill the last couple of years. The owner, I think his name is George, if I'm correct ,also has a big chimp on his shoulder.
(1)
John F.

Tomatillo Soup phenomenal. Blue Cheese Vinegarette dressing amazing. Ribs. Meat fell off the bone. Sauce amazing. Crab legs tender and juicy. Atmosphere was friendly and has a great neighborhood feel. Waitstaff very good.
(4)
J K.

Just came back from dinner excellent as always. I had rack a lamb others had the famous RIBS. Gale Street Inn always good. Clean location courteous staff friendly bar.
(4)
Brian Q.

When my (retired) folks come up from Florida, they can't get enough of the Gale Street Inn. We usually mosey in around 4pm for a Sunday night dinner, and the place is packed. Last month, we went super late...like 7pm. By that time, most of their clientele has dropped their pearly whites into a tub of Polident. We practically had the place to ourselves. Sure, they get the senior crowd like nobody's business. But that's because those people have been around the block. They know good food when they taste it. Good drinks too. Just ask my dad about his usual rusty nail. They don't make em like this any more.
(5)
Jason W.

Not sure how I feel about a restaurant thats "carpeted" but if you're looking for ribs...look no further. Twin Anchors is the only place in Chicago that can hold Gale St.'s jock.
(4)
Jeremiah Z.

These are my favorite ribs in Chicago! This place is a local institution on the Northwest side, but I find alot of people have never even heard of it. The restaurant itself is swanky but casual and there's no dress code here. It almost feels like a steakhouse at first, but the dining room is very comfortable and service is always friendly. And those ribs are mouth watering....fall-off-the-bone, perfectly tender, and served in good portions. The menu is great whether you're in the mood for steak, pasta or anything else. I just can't get past the ribs...
(5)
Joseph P.

Date of Visit: 02/22/2009 roughly 6pm My parents have visited this place quite often and had the opportunity to dine there this past Sunday with them. In a nutshell, I'll be back . 1. Service was excellent, our server was attentive, but not overbearing.. this includes the busboys and the managers who went out of our way to be friendly and accommodating to my step dad's needs. Oh, we didn't sit in the dining room area, but it did look pretty packed inside. So I can't judge how well the service was there, but from my vantage point it seemed just as good as what we received. 2. The food was really good. They bring out a basket of bread which included some jalapeno corn muffins as part of their Mardi Gras - Cajun menu. It also included this sweet butter that can become quite addictive if you like that sort of thing. My entree - I had the Ribs and 1/2 Chicken dish with a Clam Chowder Soup to start and garlic mash potatoes as a side. I say the food was really good and not super good because I wasn't overly ecstatic on the BBQ sauce, don't get me wrong, it wasn't horrible but perhaps just a bit sweet for my tastes, I prefer a smokier BBQ sauce, and the garlic mash potatoes were pretty good, just not enough garlic. But again those are my personal tastes. My parents really like the el-gratin potatoes so maybe I'll give those a try next time. The New England Clam Chowder soup was really tasty, I should have taken up my mom's offer to take some home! Step dad had the baked French Onion soup and holy cow was they delicious. If you're a french onion soup lover, def give it a try. 3. Deserts.. holy cow. We all shared a chocolate cake and a Key Lime Pie, and they were freakin GOOD. The cake was almost like a fudge and you know how sometimes chocolate cake can leave a burning sensation in your throat or maybe sometimes give you heartburn if you eat it too quickly? Not this cake.. And the Key Lime Pie, wow, light, tasty and I just wanted more!! So yeah, despite my personal tastes.. I'm giving this place a 5 star rating. It's a bit pricey, but heck, with the level of service we got and the overall excellent quality of the food, it was worth it!
(5)
Mark L.

I live downtown and I dont own a car, so its not always easy to get here. That being said I have been 3 times in the few months since I was introduced to GSI. The first time I went, the owner bought me and buddies drinks and chewed the fat with us about his college years while we waited for a table. Everyone is extremely friendly, and what can I say about the food? The RIBS ARE AMAZING, they DO fall off the bone, and its all about the sauce. They have a great deal on Mondays for a rib dinner. Got the full slab ate half (along with salad and sides) took the other half home and ate them later (pour sauce over them so they soak while they are in your fridge). Still tasted good out of the microwave. The only downside to this place is that it isnt closer to downtown, or at least closer to my house. Definitely worth the trek if you are at all able. I think it may be close to the JP Blue Line stop if you are really adventurous.
(5)
Frank L.

I love the ribs. They are tender and fall off the bone. I can't comment on anything else as that is the only thing I ever order. You can tell they have a bunch of regulars as you sit there and the waiters and waitress greet them and ask them if they would like their usual drink.
(5)
Natalie A.

I just moved into the neighborhood and really really really wanted to like this place. I dragged the whole family there this past Wednesday night to celebrate our 3 year anniversary. We threw the kids into our double stroller and walked the 3 blocks to the restaurant. When we got there at 4:45 the place was empty. We stepped inside, and the hostess asked us if we needed two high chairs, we said "nope, just one, the baby can't sit up on his own yet, and will stay in the stroller." The hostess replied "I'm sorry, we don't permit strollers in the restaurant." I informed her that we purchased this stroller particularly because it was the same dimensions as a standard wheelchair, thus any place claiming to be handicap accessible should also fit our stroller. I wouldn't have made a big deal about it, but again the place was empty, and the aisles were wide. We told the hostess we'd just come back another time, then a manager came out and told us that she could seat us alone in a side room. We told her that was fine. After a small situation, they accommodated us and our stroller. (Must admit that during the whole conversation, I was thinking I'd get my revenge on YELP if they didn't!) We arrived early, around 4:45, and were able to take advantage of the early bird specials. (Soup or salad, entree, ice cream dessert and soft drink for $15) We had a great server named Pedro. My husband ordered the salmon, requesting it blackened, and the server didn't hesitate to have the chef prepare it this way. We used to live around the corner from Smoque, so I was interested in trying their BBQ sauce to see how it compared, but I've got two babies and their messes to deal with, so rather than ribs, I ordered the half chicken. We ordered Sangrias, and they were the best we'd had in awhile. Pedro the great server asked if I'd like my toddler's food to come out early, ABSOLUTELY! A nice gesture. The place seemed pretty kid friendly aside from the stroller incident (and I do understand the whole servers tripping over large objects on wheels thing...) they gave our daughter crayons, and a picture to color for a free ice cream (she's 2, she loved this.) Our 7 month old enjoyed the bread and salmon :-) After dinner, we decided to forego the "early bird" ice cream and get some better desserts. We asked Pedro for some recommendations, and decided on the Carrot Cake, and Chocolate Lava Cake. We'd go back just for soup and dessert!
(4)
Laura A.

I cant believe that i have yet to review this place. We have been going here for over two years! Ribs here are great, twice baked potatoes, soups, even the burgers are nice! Wait staff and front staff are so friendly. Drinks are made nice and stiff too! Its a great family type place where you can go to celebrate something or not. The carrot cake has a really yummy thick frosting. Jazz is usually the music of choice playing in the background.
(5)
Paul M.

It's a wonderful throwback to what supper clubs used to be like. It's got a great retro atmosphere. The food is good, the staff was very courteous and attentive. You can't knock the prices. Loved it. Had a salad, great rack of ribs, and a couple glasses of wine.
(4)
Monica B.

I don't even eat ribs and I like this place! Great soup, salads and fish and seafood entrees. Also a decent wine and cocktail list. I recently had the seared Ahi tuna special and it was outstanding!
(5)
James S.

Hands down, the "only" choice when I want ribs. Since I was a little shaver, my parents instilled a tradition within me that I have since passed on to my daughters! The "sweet butter" is awesome!
(5)
Patricia K.

My husband and I first went to Gale Street Inn for the ribs, which were highly recommended by my son. Their ribs are very good. Since our first time, we have come for dinner, brought colleagues and friends for special occasions for lunch and dinner (we were seated in the side room so we could meet in relative quiet), and bought several gift certificates for family members. We have always had a good meal, hearty and well prepared, and an excellent staff experience. The owner, George, treats his customers like friends, and I have always seen him treat his staff with respect. Early Sunday evenings, my husband and I mainly go for the drinks (Gale Street Inn has the best Martinis) and appetizers and a quiet place to talk to each other. The decor is subdued and the music is at a reasonable volume. And, if you want to, you can watch sports games on the new TVs behind the bar. The prices are very good for what you get. Gale Street Inn suits us!
(5)
Evelyn Z.

Rib were pretty good, I've had better but definitely will go back for the crab cakes! Crab cakes were Mmmmm Mmmmm good! Staff was nice and attentive. It definitely has an old school lodge feel to it as far as decor goes.
(4)
Michelle H.

This place has the best ribs I've had in the city. Their other food is pretty on point as well.
(4)
Andre L.

Good neighborhood restaurant, been here many times for lunch and dinner. They have a new menu item-an asian Tuna salad something...it's FABULOUS! Seared Ahi tuna with mangos and other goodies...MMnnn-can't wait to have it again. My new summer favorite.
(4)
rachel p.

first off, i'm gonna put a moratorium on referring to the gale street inn as GSI. stop it. stop it right now. ambiance: 70's mafioso den meets nursing home food: completely unimpressive in every way service: attentive and friendly the gale st. inn seems to be a mecca for seniors, which makes sense, since they serve old people food (generally bland, uninteresting and easy to chew). the salads were a paltry combination of iceberg lettuce, shredded carrot, one cherry tomato and flavorless italian dressing. the grilled calamari were down right bad. the blackened salmon was cooked properly and tasted ok but was served atop a bed of undercooked spinach swimming in garlic oil. now, i realize people don't come here for the salads or the seafood, so lets move onto the ribs. the ribs were fine; probably the best part of the meal. they were tender; they were NOT fall off the bone. the sauce was decent, a somewhat sweetened texas style bbq. if someone were to ask me if my meal here was bad, i would say absolutely not. but, was it good? meh, not so much.
(2)
L T.

We've been here several times and it's kind of a neighborhood staple, but we had such a nice time there today I just wanted to write a quick review. We went for brunch today with the kids (almost 3 and 4) and a couple of friends - can I just say, the food was wonderful and so was the staff - so friendly and really nice to the kids. There were lots of great Cajun items on the buffet and the staff was really informative. Yummmm. Hoping we make it back before they wrap up brunch season before summer!
(4)
Bill M.

This restaurant is named after an obscure little street that intersects Milwaukee Avenue across from the Jefferson Park CTA transit hub. This neighborhood restaurant gets busy, so get ready to hang around the bar if you have a wait for your table. The ribs are pretty good here, though I've had better elsewhere.
(4)
Ted H.

The ribs are not BBQ, they are typical Chicago meat jello. The pork chop is good. It is overpriced due to reputation when there was no real BBQ in Chicago. Well, times change and this place is no longer worth it.
(2)
Justin H.

I have been to GSI many times for family birthday parties and the like. I have always had the ribs and I find these are the best around. Pair them up with the Garlic Mashed Potatoes and you have food bliss. Always good service good food and great prices. Dont miss this rib joint! AND THEY HAVE FREE PARKING!
(5)
Matt M.

If you're on the NW side, this place is 5 stars. If you're considering restaurants in the Chicago area, the best I can rating I can give the Inn is 4 stars. The food is consistently VERY good, and their ribs are among the best I have every had. Prices are reasonable and the drinks are good. They have a good kids menu too if you happen to have kids. The only downside to this place is the ambience. It's got a high-end family restaurant feel to it (like a step up from Denny's). While the food and the clientel are classic old school Chicago, the interior seem staid, neutral and basically boring. The service is pretty good, and a lady (who I presume is the manager) frequently stops by each of the tables to say hello. By the way, one way to avoid the 3-star ambience is to do take out, which the folks at the Inn have mastered.
(4)
Cristina T.

This place is AMAZING! Despite the long drive, I took my boyfriend here for his birthday dinner. We were immediately greeted by several servers and brought out complimentary toasts w/ hummus. Their homemade bread w/ honey butter is so divine you almost forget you have ordered ribs. I got the 1/2 rack combo w/ 1/2 bbq chicken. The chicken was moist and delicious(some of the best chicken I've ever had), but the show stopper were the ribs. Tender and falling off the bone, the bf and I were licking every last morsel off those babies. He ordered the full rack & a twice baked potato which was filled with bacon! The portions were large, but not too much like I have seen at other "steakhouse" restaurants. For dessert, we had the carrot cake, which was very good. The atmosphere is casual and cozy, not like other pretentious "foodie" restaurants I've been to in the city. You feel like you are part of the family there, and I will most definitely be making the drive back for some more ribs!
(5)
Christopher H.

I recently came across a study done by the FDA, a study addressing meat consumption across the United States. Over the last decade, Chicagoans have consumed the most beef (per capita) by far--at an annual amount seven pounds greater than the national average (!). I cannot prove it, but I'm pretty sure Gale Street Inn is largely responsible for those numbers--one visit, and you'll see why. I always went there as a youth, but stopped going with my parents (for whatever reason) when I was in eighth or ninth grade. Until Thanksgiving, I had forgotten the Inn existed, and happened upon it purely by luck. One of my favorite restaurants in Chicago had moved to Arlington Heights, hastening a change of plans as my dad and I sat in the car, staring at an empty building. He thought a moment, then said "Gale Street Inn." We went, and I consider myself a changed Chicagoan. The place seemed deserted on the outside (tinted windows!), but was slammed on the inside. Fortunately for us, a deuce opened up as we walked in and we were seated immediately. I got a half-rack served with King Crab legs, and though they split the crab legs for you (eliminating half the fun), you are rewarded with some of the most delicate crab meat around. As for the ribs: there is not, nor has there ever been, a restaurant that can equal the ribs at Gale Street Inn. They are perfect: juicy, falling off the bone, and with a rich and decadent glaze that is dark and berry-like but not intrusive. You cannot order ribs without spending serious minutes sucking the meat off of the bone, feeling completely happy and utterly unself-conscious. All in all, Gale Street Inn speaks to the stockyard heritage of Chicago: we are (and always will be) the heart of America's railroads, just as one hundred years ago we were the heart of America's stockyards. If you want meat--ribs, tenderloin, just plain meat--you could do much worse than select Chicago first. Gale Street Inn stands in the forefront of Chicago's meat restaurants; the sensible eater will avidly take the Blue Line up to Jefferson Park, cross Milwaukee Avenue and experience heaven.
(5)
Nancy H.

I've tried the ribs and filet mignon from here and various sides, and overall is a good restaurant. The ribs aren't too saucy, was very tender ("fall off the bone" type), and didn't leave dry, stringy meat in between my teeth. The filet, however, was dry and disappointing for $27. The jambalaya is phenomenal - moist rice and has chicken, andouille sausage, and shrimp (full size order is $17, but the half size is much more economical at $4). The lighting is a little dim at night, and the windows are tinted so it actually looks closed from the outside. The owner was friendly, being sure to say goodbye to every patron who leaves, but he seems to nag the waitstaff. This is probably my new go-to place for ribs. Check out Ribfest in the city in June - Gale Street offers a half slab and jambalaya combo for $12 (2007; $15 in 2008)!
(4)
Ted C.

I've been here twice now and I don't have a complaint about it. The ribs were pretty good and I never had a problem with the wait-staff. The price is a bit much I think and to be frank, I just can't get used to a barbecue place to be so...stuffy. I like having everything smell like cooked pork and a roll of paper towels sitting on the table. Nothing against this place but it's definitely a barbecue restaurant whereas I prefer barbecue joints.
(3)
Kevin S.

Amazing ribs, friendly service. That's all there is to it.
(4)
Collette Y.

I had gone to Gale Street Inn several times over the last 25 years and I was so disappointed a few weeks ago that I will never go back. I ordered pull pork and it had other things slapped on top of it that was not clear on the menu. The waitress acted like "Didn't you read the menu?" Service was good, as it always was, but the menu has changed to not my liking with alot of spicy, southern-type of seasonings and garnishing. I am sure their ribs are still super, but I would be hesitant to order anything else while there.I go to great restaurants every week and this one is rated in my eyes as way on the bottom.
(2)
Jess S.

Dined here a few times with family. We all enjoyed our meals very much and were very pleased with the attentive and enthusiastic service. From ribs to chops to fish ... beltbusters. Yum. And it has history which is always kinda fun.
(4)
Yahaa T.

My fiance took me here after a crappy workday as he knows I am an avid rib fanatic. The inside decor is very warm & old school Chicago. Waitress was very friendly & started us off w/soups, me clam chowder, the fiance chicken tomatillo. The bread was warm & hearty, however, I am not a fan of sweet butter which is what it came with, I was soooo disappointed because I love bread & butter w/my soup, who doesn't??!! The soup itself was scalding hot, creamy, & rich as a chowder should be. The tomatillo had its own unique flavor & had a spicky kick to it. Soups get an A+ Then we received our full slab of ribs,pitcher of bbq sauce, side of garlic mashed potatoes, & side of fries. I think I actually tasted a little bit of heaven from that first bite of sweet, spicy, tangy rib meat that literally fell of the bone. My fiance had to pinch me as I sat there savoring my first bite for minutes w/my eyes closed! I have never tasted a barbeque sauce quite like theres I must say, it's hard to describe, it's just the perfect mix of everything. I drowned the ribs in sauce & ate them in 5 minutes & sopped up the sauce w/bread, I'm ashamed to admit! The ends of the ribs were the best bit as they were a bit smoky & burnt which I love. Fries were fries, as long as they are hot & perfectly salted, you really can't go wrong! Garlic mashed potatoes were done to a perfect consistency & tasted good, but would be better w/ alittle less garlic, just my opinion. Leaving the restaurant, I decided I would have at least 3-5 bad days at work every week just so my fiance feels bad & takes me out for ribs here all the time!
(4)
Mike M.

My wife and I went there last night, Valentines Day, and had a great time. Went without a reservation as they told me on the phone that they weren't taking any, first come, first served. So we got there about 6:15 pm and were told it would be 20 minutes or so. Got seated in 10 minutes. This place is known for their ribs and boy, were they good. Fall off the bone. There was the Mardi Gras theme going on and so we had the gumbo soup and jambalaya along with half rack of ribs each. Excellent. Will definitely be back soon.
(5)
Mark S.

'Honey- poof up your hair and put on your gold jewelry, I'm firing up the Town Car and taking you to dinner at the Gale St for some ribs!' At this somewhat fancy family restaurant, you can expect to see a variety of reasonably respectable high school kids on dates, a parking lot full of Cadillacs and Lincolns, a good collection of Grandmas and Grandpas taking their family out to dinner, etc. The restaurant itself is pretty nice inside, the food is American, with a just a little creativity. Think 'corn chowder with tortilla strips on top' creativity level. Ribs are typical Midwest variety- not smoked for long enough, but cooked until tender with BBQ sauce. Their Au Gratin potatoes are pretty good too. They really pump their weekend Cajun brunch- I haven't tried it out but bet it's pretty good. So I like this place for what it is- there's some good people watching, they care about the food they serve and knowing what to expect I like it well enough. I get carryout from them sometimes too when I want some ribs. There are just few restaurants I enjoy with any regularity on the NW side, when I'm in the right mood, this is one of them.
(4)
Shaun S.

My brother discovered this place when he and his wife moved to Jefferson Park. In ten years, I don't think anyone in our family or friends have had a bad meal here. Great service comes along with the experience... Steaks, Ribs, what ever you want.
(5)
GABRIEL M.

Everything I've tasted here is delicious. The Gale Street Inn is classic American food with a Cajun tinge. Remarkable breakfast/brunch buffet, with waffles and omelettes to orders. Smoked salmon, home fries with warm salsa verde, eggs benedict with spicy crab cakes. The place just feels completely genuine; thoughtful and not intellectualized. You can sense that the Inn has been around for decades. How can you not give the place 5 stars?
(5)
Bridget S.

This is the kind of place you bring your grandma for a nice family dinner. It's not a great looking place, and when I visited it was all decked out in 60's hippie paraphernalia for the celebration of "RIBSTOCK." Cute...I guess. The staff all seemed to be into the promotion, wearing band t-shirts and such. Obviously I didn't select the restaurant, because well, I don't/can't really eat ribs. I really just wanted a nice salad, so I ordered a cajun chicken spinach salad. After receiving it, I realized I should have asked what was on it (the menu did not spell it out). I was pretty disappointed with my huge bowl of spinach, which had already been tossed in this sweet cilantro dressing (but also had more dressing on the side), topped with some mushroom slices (which I don't like), a couple cherry tomatoes, and, of course, the sliced cajun chicken. It was lackluster, but I picked at it enough to make it worthwhile. I had a glass of white sangria that was pretty good, though. Nearly everyone else at the table had ribs and all seemed to enjoy them. The main complaint I had about this place was witnessing the manager (owner?) reprimand the hostess. I have worked in the service industry for many years and know that if there's a problem, you don't bring it up in front of customers. It was distracting to our entire table, and I really felt badly for the gal - it wasn't her fault they had a Sunday dinner rush! Sheesh. The fella later came by our table and asked if everything was OK with our service, which it was (our server was definitely on top of things), but I was really put off by his behavior to the staff.
(3)
Lisa K.

A friend suggested Gale Street Inn for a recent dinner date. Not knowing what to expect, I agreed. When I first walked in, I was pleasantly surprised. It has a nice wood decor and an old school steak house feel. We were seated immediately at a booth and told the specials for the day. Unfortunately we dallied too long in ordering and the two specials we wanted were both gone so we had to think of an alternative. The oysters were still available so we started with them. They were phenomenal. Rich and buttery, not a fishy thing about them. I could have had more of them and been happy. I ended up going with the blackened salmon. Very flaky and a nice flavor. My friend got the Porter House and ate every bite of the 22oz. It was tender, juicy and flavorful. Since we both had been denied our first choice on dinner, the owner bought us a dessert. We decided on the key lime pie. What a great decision. Not really a lime lover, this pie was light and didn't have an overpowering lime taste. It also came with a raspberry drizzle so tasted a little like cheese cake. I would definitely come back here again to try another item on the menu and enjoy the cozy yet classy neighborhood atmosphere.
(5)
Jacqueline S.

Ribs are so tender (you can eat them with your fork), lean, sauce is a perfect blend of sweet and tangy. All food was delicious and hot - Wonderful service and reasonable prices.
(5)
Christine O.

Best ribs I've ever had. Tender, fall off the bone. Sauce is delicious. Chicken is very good too. Service is always great.
(5)
Justin L.

Excellent place all around. Growing up I would be waiting for the bus at the Jefferson Park blue line station and smell the aroma of their incredible ribs wafting across the street into my nostrils. Loved it. Craved it. but was too concerned with missing my bus that I never stopped in. That is until one day curiosity took over and I stumbled in there. I was hooked like a crackhead ever since. The place is clean and friendly. Very much like you normal family restaurant. The restaurant serves and treats its patrons like a real restaurant. Not something you would expect across the street from a CTA train station.The guests are usually all talking loudly and throughly enjoying themselves. No need to look at the menu. Just order the full rack of ribs. Don't bother with the half and half or any of that other non sense. You will end up eating your half and sneaking ribs off your gf's plate as well. (Everything is delicious but you go there for the ribs, you can get chicken anywhere). The bread will come out and while it nothing special, it is not like white bread slices they give you at Memphis rib joints. What pushes it over the top is the butter. They provide this sweet corn tasting butter that would be drinkable if melted. Itis that good! Before you know it the ribs are in your face. Very awesome. My mouth just watered thinking about it. They not only fall off the bone, but the sauce is not as sweet (which I prefer) and the ribs are meaty and fall off the bone. U could eat this utensils! Of all the ribs I have eaten, this place is one of the best. Not only for the quality of the ribs, the service, or the value, but also the memories. This is the only ribs place I remember time and again. The experience of the meal stays with me. Almost haunting me. Whispering in my ear to come back....... and I will.
(5)
Leah C.

this review is for the seasonal brunch... i hesitate to write about this place because it seems to be the only restaurant in the city where you do not need to wait for a table for brunch. my table of 6 was sat promptly and comfortably at a prime time brunch hour. the $20 brunch buffet included "fat tuesday" fare of etouffee, crab cake benedicts, jambalaya and crawfish. there was also the standard eggs, hash browns and breakfast meats and an omelette (delicious pico de gallo)/waffle/carving station. i especially enjoyed the grilled vegetable platter and the fruit salad that included more than the typical melon and mushy red grapes. it also included pears, berries and oranges. the dessert offered your usual dessert bars (outstanding lemon squares) and bananas foster! i love the location of GSI reminding us that brunches aren't only offered in trendy LP or LV. it's very conveniently located across the street from the jefferson train station (metra and blue line) AND just off the expressway!
(5)
Ellen P.

As most native Chicagoans will tell you, these ARE the best ribs in town. Have been eating them for years, and also tried places like Carson's (no longer around) and Twin Anchors - keep coming back to GSI. Whatever you order (ribs, chicken, etc) will be tender, BBQ sauce off the charts delicious. Took friends who tried some non-BBQ options - even the risotto looked pretty good. And they have carry out, but no delivery, which might be a good thing - I'd be eating them all the time!
(5)
Tommy A.

Maybe just 3.5. Seriously, Chicago's best ribs are boiled? I don't think so Jack! The funny thing is I went in thinking this is a great rib place. The ribs were probably the least quality thing we had. French onion soup was solid, salad with garlic dressing was very solid. My girlfriend had the pasta with the chicken and champagne sauce, I had a bite and thought it was good, she enjoyed it a lot. Then i had the ribs. Full rack $18 on Monday night, glad I didn't pay $23 cause I'd of been pissed if I paid that much for boiled ribs. I'll say this for them, they were about as good as boiled ribs can be, but you just shouldn't boil meat, it takes the flavor out of them. There are a few things I need to add to this, the prices are a tad high in general, but the service is outstanding. The waitstaff is extremely nice and friendly. They are making an effort to create a scene there. In about an a half hour after we left a Jazz band was about to play, that was cool. Although on this night we were on our way to see Paul McCartney, so needless to say we didn't need to stay for the Jazz band. But I do like what they're doing. I would go back if it was in my tracks. Wouldn't go out of my way to go here, and I would not get the ribs again. Gale Street Inn is not a bad restaurant, it's a decent one that is making a rediculous claim!
(4)
Regine J.

I wanna get fat at Gale Street Inn.
(5)
Bobby D.

Disappointing for a top-grade restaurant, The Minestrone soup was awful, Tasted like Spaghetti O's. The service was awful. The restrooms were small & seemingly uncomfortable. Though the rest of the food wasn't bad.
(2)
Kate L.

Though I no longer live in Chicago I head to Gale Street from O'Hare every chance I get. They have fantastic ribs, great service and a better than average beer selection. You can not go wrong here.
(5)
Jennifer C.

Hell yes! This place is yummy. We originally wanted to go to Smoque but the line was out the door so we came here instead. We got there around 6 and this place was packed. We waited at the bar for over an hour for our table. Worth the wait though. The ribs are fall off the bone amazing. The prices are totally reasonable. For three people, two full racks of ribs, and my husband had the 14oz prime rib special plus 4 cocktails the bill was $107. The food is excellent, and our waiter, Victor, was really nice. The hostesses worked very hard to get us seated and they were so friendly and patient considering how busy this place was. We will definitley be back!
(4)
Christy H.

WOW- was introduced to this AWESOME place by a born and bread local- and she's even a vegetarian. The drinks are great, and the ribs melted off the bone. They has a special Cajun menu for Mardi Gras that went all the way from drinks to dessert and all were amazing. A great local neighborhood joint that I truly enjoyed:)
(5)
Katherine R.

After all I have heard about how phenomenal this place is, I have to say I was somewhat disappointed. Which leads me to a somewhat contradictory comment- the food was pretty good I was just expecting a much bigger menu and much better food. I ordered the salmon which was a bit undercooked, but still satisfying. My friends ordered the ribs and both agreed 'they have had better.' The fried calamari was really good though- not too much breading but they serve it with a tomato paste/marinara sauce which was kind of off-putting. The service was great though, no compliants there. Definitely check the place out, but I'm going to go ahead and say it's not a place you will be running back to.
(3)
Roland B.

You already heard it. The ribs is what will make me come back here.
(5)
Robert N.

Gale street inn is an institution for ribs in my opinion!
(4)
John M.

I have to agree, their ribs are among the best and they do fall right off the bone. The service is also excellent here. What is amazing is how they handle the large amount of people they have for dinner so easily. We enjoyed the place very much and will return again for more. We were very pleased with the whole experience.
(5)
Eric V.

After a recent sub-par BBQ experience I decided to pick up some GSI ribs for carryout, just so I could remember what awesome ribs taste like. I'm so glad I did, these really are my favs in the entire city. The ribs are so tender that they began to fall apart just by trying to transfer them from their foil wrapping to a plate. You can literally knife and fork these bad boys and still be left with a clean bone. So if you've got issues with getting your hands dirty but love you some good BBQ then this is definitely your spot.
(5)
Ngoc H.

A couple of my girlfriends and I came her one night for a dear friends birthday. I've never heard of the place so I decided to Yelp it. All the reviews were geared towards the ribs, so putting my trust in my fellow Yelpers, that's what wanted to try. Our waiter was super nice, the place itself is HUGE. There's a bar area and a dining area. The place was dim but not uncomfortably dim where you couldn't see the person in front of you unless there was a candle between the two of you. The atmosphere was cozy, music wasn't too loud. The food came out pretty quick. They have some pretty awesome martinis that my girlfriends ordered, I had beer, not a huge selection but good selections. The ribs came in a dinner with a side, we got the au gatin potatoes, REALLY cheesy, The ribs came out falling off the bone. DELICIOUS. The fat content was there but not overwhelming where you wanted to scrape it off and put it to the side, moist and flavorful. There's a parking lot so you don't have to worry about parking. It's right across the street from a train station too. Prices were very reasonable for the quality off food you get. I wold definitely come here again.
(5)
Gene W.

God the ribs here are orgasmic. I've never ordered anything else on the menu and I never plan to. Thick meat that drips off the bone, tangy sauce, Christ, I'm getting hard. No, really, they are good ribs. Decent service, good music, classy looking place, and on weekend nights they have some live jazz. Can't beat that. The potatoes au gratin are pretty tasty, though the baked potatoes are good too. Ok, so I've only had potatoes and ribs. I think my girlfriend had the salmon last time we dropped in, and she seemed to enjoy it, but I was a little distracted ritualistically devouring my plate. Decent wine menu too, and good, strong martinis. Ok, I'm kind of a drunk, and if I didn't mention the booze until now, please, go eat here.
(4)
Kera E.

Great food, totally professional service. The type of a place you bring a first date or your fiance's family. It has that old Chicago feeling-a very warm and fuzzy steakhouse. I had the oysters on the half shell (yum) and the bleu cheese encrusted filet. Everything was perfect. We loved the atmosphere and the bartender so much that we went back to hang at the bar when we were finished eating. They are known for their ribs and I can see why. I had a bite of my friend's ribs and the meat literally falls off the bone. Awesome.
(5)
Kristen W.

I liked the Gale Street Inn. It definitely had the ambience of an old-school Chicago type joint, complete with jazz trio. It reminded me of an old-school supperclub although the current clientele is more family-oriented. The food was very good- huge shrimp cocktail, wonderful ribs and top notch service. Very pricey though. I tend to prefer to prepare this type of food at home- have hubby smoke ribs, buy large shrimp from the Fish Guy and there you have it.
(3)
Eric W.

Oh my God! A meal to remember. I don't usually splurge when I go here. I am a lifer fan of there fall off the bone ribs and great sauce. I took a gamble & ordered the King Crab Legs (a meal fit for a king) the legs were not just pre-cracked but cut in half. They were so good you didn't need any butter. Don't get me wrong I used the butter. The waters arrived seconds after we were seated the server came buy shortly after. As we were speaking to Oscar our server a porter came to the table and severed complimentary bruchetta. I couldn't not get the ribs so Oscar suggested Crab & rib combo. My wife had the fillet. We both ordered our staple side dish o gratin potatoes. Good luck finding a better dish of spuds & cheese. We also both had the salad with house dressing of a sweet balsamic ??? It was good. They of coarse offered dessert but I couldn't fit another bite. Not to mention I spent my money on the main coarse. No ordered appetizer 2 entrees well mine could count as two on it's own. 2 beers Spaten October fest (great brew) was 101.00 expensive but considering that 1.5lbs of king crab legs at Costco un-split uncooked would probably set you back about 25 bucks. I say a great value. Not to mention my salad bread & o gratin potatoes. And I didn't have to wash pots And pans or dishes. Way to go Gale street you knocked it out of the Park.
(5)
Sean J.

ehhh...what a disappointment. I'd been eager to try this place for years. I'd heard the food was good, and that it was warm and comfie inside, and it certainly looks great from the outside. But it turns outs it's horribly average...the comfort factor is, in fact, great in the front room where there's nice, nearly-enclosed wooden booths, and a nice, long bar. But in what I feel was the larger room in the back, where we ate, it wasn't very comfie at all. And in fact it was kinda plain. The service was great...attentive without fawning...but the food was really plain and boring. I believe you simply MUST have the ribs, because we tried chicken, fish and an appetizer and all were very plain and uninspired. So hopefully the ribs are the stand-out reason to go. But if you're not into ribs (which I'm not) then you're better-off elsewhere
(2)
M. C.

I've been coming to this place ever since I was a little child, and to this day, it's my absolute favorite place to get BBQ ribs. The ribs here are amazing, simply amazing. Not only do they fall off the bone because they are so tender, but the sauce is the perfect blend of sweet and spicy. Don't even bother with the rest of the menu. Don't get me wrong. Everything else is done well, but the ribs are the reason that people come here. Ordering anything else would be doing yourself a disservice.
(5)
JP S.

Excellent food - excellent waitstaff. Old school style of the restaurant makes up for the lack of class of some of the clientele. The ribs are some of the best I've had, but don't miss out on their seafood and steaks, too. It's been a winner every time we've visited this neighborhood restaurant.
(4)
Ralph F.

I've probably dined here 15 times in the last two years. The menu has been somewhat rewritten several times in those two years. Yet I don't really notice anything new. Well known for their ribs and rib combos. And that is what I recommend. The rest of the menu is a hodge podge of items that do not go well together. The other day I dined with by brother. I ordered the onion soup which came out cold and the soups flavor was overridden with rosemary. I sent it back and asked for the tomatillo soup which is always perfect. Then I had the Caesar salad. The veins on the romaine lettuce were not removed, the romaine was cut to large so you could barely get it in your mouth without having to use a knife to cut the lettuce into bite size pieces. The Caesar dressing is very heavy and it seems they may add some sugar. It was so heavy it took away the thirst quenching qualities of the lettuce. My brother had the Cajun chicken bites and the baked clams appetizers. The Cajun spice is good however the way this item is served, the chicken is in random chunks as it they are scraps leftover from some other dish and they simply toss these onto a small plate with no garnish. The clams were a little greasy but fine. We decided not to order an entree this time. Honestly whats happened here is the cooks have too much control in the back without the credentials to come through. George needs to get back to basics this is an easy fix. I still have to say the reason I keep coming back is the ribs and rib combos are awesome the vegetable sides that they offer are well made and they always pour a good drink.
(4)
Terri N.

My family and I have gone to Gale several of times. We enjoy eating here. It's a nice cozy family friendly place. Although, they do have a nice bar set up before entering the dining area. I love their live band during the evening. The waiting time during the weekend isn't so bad. The staff here are all wonderful from the front desk to the waiters and waitress. We love their ribs. I'm not so sure about their BBQ chicken though, it's kind of bland. Their sides are just as great. Especially their garlic mashed potatoes. My daughter and I are a huge fan of their chicken tomatillo soup. It's has the right amount of kick to it. Their cream of potato soup is just as good. We always get their baked clams, it's awesome. They have a nice wine and beer selection to compliment the food. Also, if you can't stop on by, try using their take out service. They are great about it and the food is just as great!
(4)
Theresa R.

Came here for a late lunch/early dinner. Overall great food. I hear the ribs are amazing, but saw a chicken pesto sandwich on the menu and had to order (weakness for pesto). Good sandwich. I think what impressed me most about this place wasn't so much the food, but the service. Attentive and friendly waiter. But even that wasn't it. The minute you walk past ANYONE that works there, they acknowledge you. Saying HI or THANK YOU when you leave. And I mean everyone. Kinda nice and refreshing. Also it's easily accessible via the Jefferson Park Blue Line stop or if driving, they have a parking lot.
(4)
Julie B.

If I could base this place on their ribs alone, i would give them 5 stars. They are perfectly spiced and they fall of the bone! I mean, you can hardly pick them up w/out meat falling off. Ok, with that said..Service is majorly lacking!! First of all, I went w/ some friends and I was about 10 minutes behind my friends. My friends put in a request for a table and they said they would set up the table right away. I got there 10 minutes later and we announced to the hostess that we were all there and she said they were going to set up a table now. WTH? They were supposed to start 10 minutes earlier. It took them 20 minutes to set up the table from the time I arrived! And it was at 3pm on a sunday w/ only a handful of tables occupied. Once were finally seated our server came by and never once smiled or acted friendly. She seemed to be in a bad mood. I know we all have bad days, but c'mon at least don't act like we just kidnapped your daughter or slashed your tires. When the food came out, she forgot 2 of the sides and one of the dishes were wrong. It took her 10 minutes after we were served to come back w/ the correct sides and the new dish came about 15-20 minutes later. My poor friend had to sit there and twiddle her thumbs while we ate. I tried my husband's pork chops and they were SO tough. They should do whatever they do to the ribs to the chops. If I ever go back I will order the ribs to go, until they learn what good service means.
(2)
Alice H.

The ribs...the ribs...the ribs!!!! Not to mention the au gratin potatoes, the grilled veggies, and the warm bread pudding. Did I mention the ribs? They're great. Our first visit there was marred by service that wasn't very good...happens, and it WAS Easter. However, our last visit, about a month ago, was superb. It was a Friday night...the place was jammed. They were going at a pace I haven't seen in a restaurant in a long time. Yet, we only had to wait about 20 min. for a table. We sat at the bar while we were waiting and the bartenders were rocking and rolling but didn't skimp on the service. A woman named Rosanne waited on us and she was terrific. Even with the fever pitch they were working at, she gave us impeccable service. Sure, they have things other than the ribs and they're wonderful. We tried the lobster tails and pasta with chicken. Oh, and the soups...the black bean is yummy and the chicken tomatillo rates a try. But go for the ribs...you'll purr!!!
(5)
Stephanie L.

Great Ribs and great sandwiches The brunch is unusual but great. The service is very family friendly. Every time we go, we are checked on by a manager....very nice touch!
(4)
Patty V.

Nice place that has been around a long time. Famous for their ribs. Can't say, never had them. The fish Items I have had have been very good and good martinis! Place gets crowded on weekend nights, so make reservations. Sunday brunch is supposed to be good, but have not tried it.Not the best , but certainly worth going to.
(3)
Arlene T.

I've been going to Gale Street Inn for years. Hands-down the best ribs in the city! My husband loves the jambalaya. Honestly, I've never had anything I wouldn't recommend. The Big Easy Brunch is a do not miss, although they do not have it all year long so call first. I've never had room for dessert so I cannot comment on that. Great service and atmosphere. Easy to park and it's free--who doesn't love that?
(5)
Darlene R.

we use to go here a lot, but for some odd reason, we don't anymore. actually, the reason we don't go here is because we discovered 10.99 ribs at calo's. i've only had the ribs here and they are good. however, after calos, this place seems kind of like a rip off. the ribs are fall off the bone and the sauce is great, but i wouldn't say its my favorite rib place in the world. the butter that comes with the bread stands out and i haven't eaten here in two years! i might go back just to try something else, but the ribs just aren't worth it.
(3)
Chicago C.

I live 5 minutes from Gale Street Inn, have not been there for a while since they decided to discontinue lunch hours.... Everything I have eaten there was wonderful!! even had stuff to make the kids happy. Never tried the ribs though, considering I love BBQ ribs. I will have to go back and give the ribs a try.
(4)
john s.

I just love the atmosphere of this place. I feel at home, the staff is great and it has a classic aura to it. The food is ok, not the greatest but very much worth its prices.
(5)
David R.

Some of the best Ribs I have ever had! The sauce is fantastic and the meat falls off the bone! The wait staff was very friendly and attentive. Worth the trip to the Northwest side of the city and can't wait to go back for more!
(4)
K. J.

I haven't had anything but the ribs here--they're so completely fantastic, I can't imagine having anything else! The caramelized sauce, the meat that just falls off the bone...drooollll... I didn't even like ribs before I had Gale Street's ribs. The only reason I didn't give it five stars is because my husband and I don't care for the eat-in experience. The place is kinda cheesy. We just get carry-out now.
(4)
B. L.

Famous for the ribs, steaks and seafood, this slightly upscale bistro is known throughout the city and beyond. There is live entertainment on weekends. A popular place for white collar men and women. You may even spot the local alderman and his friends here sometime! I recommend the rib dinner and a cold beer from the tap. They have a separate bar area as well.
(4)
Mary L.

I have been to Gale Street Inn many times over the years. Their food never disappoints & is amazing. The drinks are great. The service is usually stellar. The new remodeling looks wonderful & opens up the bar area nicely. BUT, last night we had a reservation that I called in 2 days prior & it was not on the list when we arrived. They said they'd seat us quickly but we waited 45 mins for a table. We were not put on top of the list or anything. I was really disappointed in this situation. They didn't comp us a drink, appetizer or desert or anything. The man who seated us, apologized but this to me was unsatisfactory. Now, this has also happened to me twice before. I am not sure what the point of reservations is if they don't put your name on the list & you don't sit down in a reasonable amount of time with a reservation. Seriously?? Should I have to call twice--once to make a reservation & then again to confirm a little while before I head to the restaurant?? I will definitely think twice before I head to Gale Street Inn again.
(3)
Karen S.

We used to come here all the time when we lived in the city. The ribs here are amazing. They have the perfect amount of spice and flavor. The meat is tender and leaves you feeling like you can consistently make room for more. I miss this place so much!
(5)
Lizzie C.

What a disappointment! I'd been to Gale Street before and was quite looking forward to it, especially my favorite side dish, the rapini (broccoli rabe). We arrived around 6pm on Sunday to find the place packed, so decided to eat at the bar. Waited an unreasonable amount of time for every interaction thereafter...drinks...menus...taking our orders. We weren't alone. The bartender must have apologized to half a dozen customers, confirming that one lone bartender cannot provide adequate service to a crowded restaurant and full bar. Get the guy some help! Needless to say, due to the circumstances, they were out of rapini and my order was messed up. By the time they corrected the order, we almost weren't hungry any more. Good thing. They forgot my husband's vegetables (didn't even seem worth complaining over an hour into the torture), and had kept his lobster tails under heat while they fixed my incorrect order. His lobster inedible, my shrimp not much better. Such a shame.
(1)
Sarah J.

Every time I go here I leave feeling as if I have gained about 10 L-Bs. Their ribs are a constant crowd pleaser but venturing off that track and to their featured specials has never disappointed me. I recently tried their Mahi Mahi in a teriyaki sauce with stir fry veggies and rice and it was beyond amazing. You usually have to wait a bit but unless you are going to dinner with people you don't like??? it really doesn't matter. If you made the wise choice to attend the meal with someone special I feel it gives a welcomed oppotunity to sit at the bar, chat while you enjoy a drink and take in their live jazz.
(4)
Sunil M.

wow! the ribs!!
(4)
Duyen D.

Hands down, the best ribs in town!!! My husband is a huge ribs fan and we have tried many many places in the city and keep coming back to this place. The meat always falls off of the bone and their sauce is just delicious. I have tried their steaks in the past but in my opinion, you should just stick to the ribs at this place. 5 stars for the ribs and maybe 3-4 stars for the atmosphere. Wonderful place for ribs!
(4)
Greg G.

Good food, and famous for their ribs, as everyone has pointed out. Ribs are good to very good some days. Rest of the menu is good as well. Not the best place I've ever been, but if you're looking for a steak or some ribs, you could do worse. Chicago style steak place, never had a bad meal there. However, it does get busy pretty much seven days a week, and parking can be a pain. The neighborhood though is safe, so if you to park and walk a bit, you'll be fine. Located directly across the street from Jefferson Park station, so if you're coming from the city, its very convenient.
(3)
Marian L.

Famous for their ribs - this place is usually packed. It shares a parking lot with a TCF bank so good luck getting a spot on the weekends! This place was once an Inn where US President Abraham Lincoln stayed. They then transformed the Inn into a restaurant. Don't drive? Hop on the subway and get off at the blue line stop Jefferson Park. It's right across the street! Great family restuarant!
(4)
D. G.

Expensive but the best Ribs in Chicago... better then "Smoque"
(5)
Elvira V.

I just went there last Friday for some ribs and it was pretty good. I'm picky about ribs, all I have to see is a dangling vein and I get grossed out. Anyhoo, hubby and I ordered the ribs and we were satisfied. They did fall off the bone and were nice & tender. They had a tomatillo soup which was surprisingly really damn good, it tasted much better than it looked. I'm not painting a lovely picture by saying it was green and gelatinous (maybe too much corn starch?) but it was tolerably spicy with tortilla strips on top. The garlic mashed potatoes were definitely garlicky, normally I would groove on that but I was too full from drinking...which leads me to their Mai Tai's --- very yummy --- much better than the Harvey Wallbanger. [Ok I still don't know what Galliano is and Do I really I need to know?] I thought it was cute how they had a list of drinks which weren't your typical martini-this or martini-that but old school drinks that you could envision Ray Milland or Cary Grant drinking. We lucked out I guess, service was excellent, our waitress was so cute with an accent like Salma Hayek and the bus boys were very attentive. However, the decor is depressing, no ambience --- c'mon how about some candles?! I understand they have jazz on the weekends; the band was setting up as we left. Not a place to cruise for young tail either (if you're single), it was chock full of corn fed grandma's & grandpa's with asses that spilled out of their seats. (Uh, oh, I see my destiny...) If you like to wear your Bears sweatshirt for a night on the town --- then Gale Street Inn will be a second home for you.
(3)
Renato P.

I love this place , it is in a very nice neighborhood , pretty easy to find parking. Inside there is a nice bar space , which is good because if you don't have a reservation , I've always had to wait at least a half an hour. If you go here , you have to get the ribs at least once , I guess it is some sort of tradition or something. I would have to say that they have ribs on my top 5 list , a little too tender , I usually like em a bit chewey but the sauce is killer. The au gratin potato's are killer as well. It is a nicely decorated room , the service is good , not necessarily great. I had the London broil , I don't remember if I ever had that anywhere else , but it kicked ass. The baked clams are probably top 5 as well , just great. The fried calamari is really good. The blackened Salmon was again some of the best salmon I've had. The prices here are pretty high , just under what your fancier downtown joints charge. For what you get , I can't complain too much about the prices though. Sadly , this was the favorite joint of my buddy and his ex wife. I would go here on couple date night with them and my wife. Sadly the wife hasn't really had the desire to go here since the divorce. This place isn't exactly the place I would go by my self but I know I'll get back here sometime.
(4)
Patria H.

BEST RIBS IN CHICAGO!! Love this place. Great take out packaging and I have even ordered trays of ribs for catering from here. Fall off the bone tender and such delicious sauce.
(5)
J B.

We had a nice meal here right after my stepmother's graduation ceremony at Navy Pier. They claim to have the best ribs in Chicago. While that may not be exactly true, I had a taste and they are still pretty good. I had a "mimosa pasta" dish that was nothing memorable. Everyone else seemed to really enjoy their dinners. My sister had a great chopped salad and baked french onion soup, which is what I should have gone for. Service and atmosphere was fine. They were busy and I would reccomend a reservation if you plan on coming here. Lastly, the desserts were great. I tried bread pudding for the first time and it was very tasty, as was their homemade chocolate mousse.
(4)
Suzanne M.

Will be going back for the ribs! We had just a couple of the pasta entrees mimosa pasta and sausage penne. Both great. If they ever have the carrot and ginger soup, get it! service was very attentive. all the food from apps to desserts wad very well balanced in flavor. It was a steakhouse experience at neighborhood prices.
(5)
Jeff B.

Hands down the best ribs in the city. Been coming here for about 8 years and never disappointed. Tried a Polish beer this time, went great with the ribs. In fact so good, I had four more. The ribs are fantastic and never dissapoint. Fresh baked bread is served and the sides are plentiful. It's right across the street from the Jefferson Park Blue Line stop, so if you're on that line, it's an easy commute but the do have a good sized lot if you need to park your car.
(5)
Dave M.

I usually stop at Gale Street for the ribs. They aren't great but they are definately above average. The staff is always friendly and the menu won't break your wallet.
(3)
Tammy Q.

Probably my second favorite place for ribs. So tangy and sweet. LOVE their house salad with balsamic vinaigrette.
(4)
Emerson C.

Came here over the weekend since it was conveniently close to my place. I was really hung over, but i wanted something greasy and covered with barbecue. I ordered the half rack of ribs. The ribs were ohh so delicious. It slipped off the bone. That's how soft it was. They also gave me a jugg of barbecue sauce to add more if needed. I believe i didn't need to, but since it was one of my eat all you can day.. i said screw it.. let's cover this sucker with more barbecue. Like I said the ribs just fall off the bone.. you won't even need any eating utensils, but if you do want to be all clean about it.. go ahead. I would definitely go here again. I'm going to MN this weekend and I usually use the jefferson stop to go to ohare.. so I'll make this my first pit stop prior to the airport...
(4)
Andrea K.

Gotta give it five stars for the ribs. They are the best ribs in the Chicago area in my opinion. Better than Twin Anchors. The meat is so tender it falls off the bone and just melts in your mouth. They have a good menu selection with rib combos. Loved the smoked chicken quesadilla appetizer. Went last night and sat at the bar while waiting for our table. The bartenders were very welcoming and seemed to really enjoy their jobs how refreshing! Should the decor be updated? Maybe but this a neighborhood joint that has been around for years not a trendy downtown restaurant. The food is great, and the staff is great which is why it is still a favorite after all these years.
(5)
Tracy L.

Monday night blues music, and $18.99 full rack of ribs/a side oooOOh YEAH! The rack of ribs is fall off the bone, me and the bf were trying not to eat the ribs we set aside to take home. They really fill you up with appetizers. Complimentary bread and hummus pieces, and then complimentary bread and honey-butter...plus your side...and your meal. WHOA. It's great! Dessert menu is eh. pass.
(5)
Mary P.

They don't lie....the ribs simply "fall off the bone". A group of 8 friends met at Gale Street Inn (there is parking in the bank parking lot next door) and our service was great. Majority of us had the baby back ribs, a rack please (have to have some to take home for leftovers). One had the jumbalya and another the pulled pork. Everyone agreed their dishes were delicious, especially those of us with the ribs. The waitress kept the drinks coming and the water glasses filled. One Turtle Pie desert was shared by all - there was definitely enough to go around - the piece is HUGE. Ate my leftover ribs the next day and they were just as good! The place gets packed on a Friday night so be sure to make reservations. Enjoy!
(5)
Ralph F.

Great place. Remodeled bar area is very nice. George is the kind of owner you always hope to see - still hanging around and greeting customers (most of them by name), leaves the waitstaff and kitchen alone so they can take care of everything. I've had most everything on the menu by now, so I can say the following with authority: Steaks and seafood are great. Well seasoned and cooked perfectly. Ribs are good - my wife loves them (tender, saucy) but I prefer the results I get off the smoker we have at home. All depends on the type of bbq you like. Staff is great - high class but real. No pretensions here. Good food priced fairly and service with a smile = long lasting success.
(4)
Rod D.

I love Gale street inn. They really know how to make great food. What's nice is they have parking, it's not too far off of the expressway and the food is reasonably priced. I love the ribs and the pulled pork there. Last time my girlfriend and I went, she had the special parmesan crusted talapia and I had the combo pull pork, ribs, jambalaya. SO good! Great family atmosphere, clean and well staffed. I would definitely bring friends and family back soon!
(4)
Dan F.

I went here because a friend said the food was outstanding. I started out by going to the door,they asked if i had a reservation and I said no. They said it would be a wait and acted like I was bothering them,so i said no no problem and went to the bar. When we got seated we had a bad server who was so busy with other tables we barley got any service if that's what you want to call it. I ordered the RIBS because they were suppose to be Incredible. I wasn't that impressed as read on all the other yelp responses. I personally was not that impressed for a place oped for many many years. If the service is bad then The food goes with it.........very expensive ,Poor service and not going back to waste my money or time......there are many other smaller places no wait and cheaper and better food!!!
(2)
Jackie M.

God, this place is tasty. I don't have much to say other than... this place is so damn tasty. A little pricey, it is definitely not fast food. I love the ribs, I love the mashed potatoes (SO MUCH), I love the burgers, I love the soup. It's all so good. I mean... it's just GOOD! What else can I say? I went here on a date once, it was delish. I went here with a friend once, sooo delish. I went here for a business lunch once... again, couldn't be beat. I don't go here much because of the prices but I love treating myself to Gale Street Inn.
(5)
Barry C.

We had brunch here (pork belly and french toast). Both the service and food were great here! It has its own parking lot, which is quite convenient. If we're in the area, we'd definitely stop by again!
(5)
Dan H.

This place has a relaxed ambience it's dark and relaxed. Good place to go with friends or on a date. They have nice bar with a lil jazz playing in the back round just a great vibe. Great place to take the whole family on Sundays. But besides all that its the ribs!! You could eat them with a spoon sides are excellent and with a grey goose gimlet it's all just so perfect. This is the best place for ribs period I can't even try any other meals on the menu because I can't say no to the ribs. Thee staple of Jeff park! If you haven't gone yet go.
(5)
Mick S.

Great ribs, very cool atmosphere, friendly - helpful staff. Definitely a step up from Carsons. Fall off the bone style. Very solid meal. Not really a foodie kinda place, but real solid american style food / drinks.
(4)
Alison H.

I have so many memories that involve Gale Street Inn. One of my first dates with my husband was here nearly 12 years ago, and food and service are still amazing. This place has a classy, yet friendly neighborhood atmosphere, with high quality unpretentious food. While I've enjoyed just about everything I've tried off their menu, my favorite dishes are the ribs, the jambalaya, and the chicken tomatillo soup. Whether for a romantic date night, or a quick dinner at the bar, this is one of the best restaurants on the NW side. If you want a meal full of top-notch comfort food served by a genuine and gracious staff Gale Street Inn is the place to be.
(5)

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Address : 4914 N Milwaukee Ave
Chicago, IL, 60630
Phone (773) 725-1300
Website https://www.galestreet.com
Click To Get Directions

Opening Hours

Mon :4:00 pm - 10:00pm

Specialities

Takes Reservations : Yes
Delivery : No
Take-out : Yes
Accepts Credit Cards : Yes
Good For : Dinner
Parking : Private Lot
Bike Parking : Yes
Wheelchair Accessible : Yes
Good for Kids : Yes
Good for Groups : Yes
Attire : Casual
Ambience : Casual
Noise Level : Average
Alcohol : Full Bar
Outdoor Seating : No
Wi-Fi : Free
Has TV : Yes
Waiter Service : Yes
Caters : Yes

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Gale Street Inn

4914 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL, 60630

Gale Street Inn Menu

Starters

Soup

Salads

Chef's Summer Features

Nola

Ribs & Combos

Steak & Chops

Sandwiches

Burgers

Sides

Desserts

Healthy Meal suggestions for Gale Street Inn

Starters

Soup

Salads

Chef's Summer Features

Nola

Ribs & Combos

Steak & Chops

Sandwiches

Burgers

Sides

Desserts

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