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Name: Northdown Café and Taproom
Address: 3244 N Lincoln Ave, Chicago, IL, 60657
Telephone: (773) 697-7578
Price range: Under $11
Rating: 4.14

Northdown Café and Taproom

3244 N Lincoln Ave, Chicago, IL, 60657

(773) 697-7578
Store is closed

Northdown Café and Taproom Menu

Appetizers

Bread And Butter

Roasted Garlic And White Bean Dip

Pork Fries

Lamb On Stick

From Scratch Soup
Sides

Plate Of Hand Cut Fries

Mashed Potatoes And Beer Gravy

Housemade Pickle Chips

Housemade Pickled Veggies

Smoked Cabbage Slaw

Vegetable Of The Day
Salads

Spring Steak Salad

Portobello Salad*

Caesar Salad

Regular Salad
House Staples

Mac And Cheese*

Chicken And Biscuit Pie

Ajs Compact Turkey Dinner

Open Face Meatloaf Sandwich*

Vegan Cassoulet*
Sandwiches

The Burger

Roast Beef Red Pepper

Submariner

Seitan Philly*

Pork Slaw*

Short Stout

Roasted Spring Veggie*

Chicken Sandwich

Grilled Cheese And Tomato Soup

Leslies Cheesy Tomato

Healthy Meal suggestions for Northdown Café and Taproom

Appetizers

Bread And Butter [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Roasted Garlic And White Bean Dip [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

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

Lamb On Stick [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

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

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

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

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

Housemade Pickled Veggies [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

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

Vegetable Of The Day [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Salads

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

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

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

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

Mac And Cheese* [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

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

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

Open Face Meatloaf Sandwich* [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Vegan Cassoulet* [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Sandwiches

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

Roast Beef Red Pepper [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

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

Seitan Philly* [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

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

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

Roasted Spring Veggie* [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

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

Grilled Cheese And Tomato Soup [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

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

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Write An Anonymous Review

Stephany F.

Do you like risky beers? Do yo consider yourself a beer connoisseur and rage at the local brewpubs that don't seem willing to take a chance on things that may not appeal to the masses? Northdown Taproom will make you less ragey while satisfying your love of beer. Their list is constantly changing, so check out ( beermenus.com/places/273â€¦ ) for updated stuff. My beer snob of a boyfriend was almost giggly while looking at the list of sours they had available. ...And who doesn't like a bar that stocks books with titles like "The Complete Manual of Things That Might Kill You" to entertain oneself with? The paintings on the walls caught my eye as well: original Chicago-themed fine art from John Airo. I'd love to get my dirty lil' mitts on one of those grungy looking paintings! ( johnairo.com/fine-art--câ€¦ ) We went there on a Wednesday evening for some low-key Blackhawks watching- this place is not a sports bar, and they only have a single large TV over the bar. The music genre is in the same vein as Kuma's or Lockdown- a little loud for my taste (my hearing is terrible, anyway), but not as loud as either of the two places. No wait at all, so we sat at the bar. At first glance, the place seems small, but that's because there's seating in back that I was too lazy to venture into. I ordered pork frites, to satisfy my urge for gluttony after forgetting to eat most of the day. While the sheer amount of food they handed me was satisfying, I feel like the flavor of the gravy and the shredded pork was lacking seasoning. (They're an appetizer, but more than enough for two people to eat as an entree.) My boyfriend ordered the wings special, and wasn't terribly impressed- his only comment was that it was a good deal, but the lemon-pepper-garlic wings didn't have any pepper flavor whatsoever. Our bartender, Adam, took great care of us- he even bought out the single lonely chicken wing that the kitchen had forgotten to put on my boyfriend's plate the first time. This place gets four stars for the beer, and three for the food.
(4)
Michael H.

Cool Spot! Pretty obscure "Beer List" to say the least with many selections I had never even heard of before/ even brews from Norway!! .. Really liked the Artwork inside the establishment and had a great bartender! Didn't try the food but I've heard it's great.. UPDATE Pending after that! Give it a shot...GTFJD
(4)
Alan F.

Another new discovery on this year's Chicago trip, Northdown occupies a dark, rather irregular, roughly L-shaped space, with a dining area at back. Atmosphere is pleasantly divey; about the only flaw of the physical bar is the absence of a bar rail. The food menu features a number of vegan options. Helpful and beer-savvy bartender. The beer list is wonderful, a dozen drafts and around 150 bottles, including a number of items I hadn't seen elsewhere. I tried two: -Evil Twin Soft Christmas, AKA Pretty Please With a Cherry on Top. (Random question--how much time over the course of a year do the Borg twins spend thinking up their beer names?) 10.9% ABV; 500-ml bottle for $21. Produced in Denmark at Amager Brauhus. Opaque black with slight amber highlights, almost no head. Winey nose. Front is tart with raisin, dark chocolate, and soy sauce notes. Dense, slippery mouth feel. An excellent if pricey winter warmer. -Nogne O Tiger Tripel. 9%. In the style of a Belgian tripel. Slightly cloudy orange-gold, light head. Fairly mild sweet malt and ethanol nose. Front is intense sweet malt, with a touch of tangerine, and ethanol rising to a flavor element. Long dry finish, with only a touch of bittering hops. Fair public transit access, 3/4 miles west of the Belmont station (Red, Brown, and Purple Lines), connecting via the 77-Belmont bus; also within a few blocks of the Paulina and Southport stations on the Brown Line. For pub crawlers, about a mile from Sheffields, and a mile and a half from Kuma's Corner.
(4)
Masil M.

Great beer selection with a knowledgable staff to point you in the right direction. Pork fries were stupendous.
(4)
Martin M.

Very conflicted about Northdown. I have gone here a number of times since they opened and every single change they've made has been for the worse. Every one. They used to serve these great pies which they stopped. The food is noticeably worse across the board. Service is ok but no one is particularly friendly or inviting. They ripped out the booths to make room for a large communal table. The back room is annoying. It has all of the ambience of my grandmother's basement - literally. No windows, an emergency exit, some furniture from the 70's, and a DVD player. It's basically a stock room they converted into a separate dining area. Btw, if you bring kids this is where you're forced to eat. It sucks. But the beer list...damn. I have to give it up for this, because they have an incredibly impressive selection and the rotating taps always manage to have things I've never heard of before. Just come here for the beer and make sure to avoid the back, and you'll be fine. Otherwise you'll want to find someplace else.
(3)
Jessica S.

Ducked in here to get out of the rain on a humid, summer evening. Friendly service, wide open windows. They have a lot of seating, including in the back, even though it looks like tiny place at first. The best part is the long list of delicious beers. I love strong, high ABV beers, and this place did not disappoint. I had a delicious draft Grand Cru from New Belgium, and a big can of Uncommon Siamese Twin...both delicious. Pretty expensive, but if you're in the mood, it's definitely worth it. The pork frites are unstoppable.
(4)
Nikki M.

Fantastic selection of beer! They carry all the weird stouts, all the rare sours, and all the funky imports. The bartender is incredibly friendly and makes great recommendations in addition to letting you sample things on tap before making your choice. He even gave out shots of Chicago's own Koval whiskey (probably because we spent so much, to be fair)! This is the bar I've been looking for. I'd be in great trouble if I lived nearby ;-) If you like Kumas and the like, you'll love this place. They play metal!
(5)
Liz W.

LOVE this place! Great local bar that never gets too crowded or loud and has both amazing beer and really good, well priced food. Everyone who works there is super friendly, helpful and loves to chat about beer with you. I used to think Hopleaf had the best beer in Chicago, and although they have a much larger tap, Northdown has a lot of unique/ rarer beers that Hopleaf will run out of right away. The ambience is subtle but perfect. Very cool abstract paintings of the Chicago flag, tap handles on the walls, sometimes good music- but they will always ask if you have any preferences on what you want to listen to- and a TV that will play hilarious stoner movies. Easily a place you could come by yourself or with a group and feel super comfortable. Only problem is the name...Northbound...Eastdown...it's too close to Eastbound and Down that I'm always getting it mixed up lol!
(5)
Morgan G.

The reality of this place is that it's got a lot of potential. The intention of this critical review is to speak directly to the owner so he/she fixes things before it's too late. It was a lazy Sunday morning and my husband and I wanted something delicious to eat. We were drawn in by the pictures posted on Yelp. We read the menu, salivating, and landed on the mac and cheese and chill-I dog. Based on the very well-written menu, we were expecting a bubbling skillet of mac and cheese, and a deliciously messy and large chili dog with a pile of French fries. We were fully committed to having some unhealthy food, and fully looking forward to it. However, when the food came we were both thinking... huh? It was a cereal bowl of very underwhelming mac and cheese, and a 5 inch hot dog with approximately 2 teaspoons of chili on it, and roughly 1 small handful of fries. On top of that, the price we paid $12 for the mac and cheese and $13 for the chili dog, which to me is on the high side, also adding to our disappointment in the plates in front of us. On the positive side, the service was great, they could not have been nicer and more attentive. Unfortunately that alone does not generate repeat business. My advice: Change your dishes to match the great menu descriptions.
(2)
Hannah T.

Went here for beer and dinner. I had the chili dog and my boss had the pork frites. All in all, not bad for food, but I do wish the cheese on the frites had been beer cheese! For beer I tried the tart sour ale, it was pretty good, but I wish I had had the Nectar instead. My boss Mike loves this place so I know he'll be back. The atmosphere was a trendy, younger crowd.
(3)
Shqipe P.

Very good food, friendly staff. The wait was not to long and the food came fresh. Could not expect anything else.
(5)
Melissa N.

Had an okay time here. They have a vast beer list and also a decent amount of wines and cocktails to choose from. All I had to eat were the vegan sausage bites, which were just meh. Service was good at first and then went downhill slightly as the place got busier. The worst thing about the experience was that they had the windows open and fans on instead of the AC, and it was so hot and disgusting out. It had to be in the upper 80s once the place filled up and everyone was hot and sticky and complaining loudly, yet no one turned on the air. That's why we eventually left sooner than we had planned to.
(3)
Ashley K.

This is my favorite "go-to" taproom when I'm in the mood for an extensive beer list and killer food, mainly the grilled cheese. The bartenders are always friendly and willing to answer any questions or offer suggestions. They do have a TV and show such films as Beetlejuice, which is a nice touch. They seem to have various events throughout the week, so definitely check out their Facebook page and Instagram account for updated info. Their website has some info, but I'm told the dude in charge of the social media aspect is really big on using Instagram. Oh, and if anyone would like to buy me the Chicago flag artwork above the bar, that would be super!
(5)
Erica T.

This place was pretty average. I got the beer battered grilled cheese, my roommate got the vegan burger made from hazelnuts and then we split the pork fries. I was really craving a nice crunchy grilled cheese and heard really good things about this one. When I got it I was pretty disappointed to not have that crunch from a good grilled cheese.. The beer batter made the bread kind of like French toast so between the tomato soup and grilled cheese sandwich.. It was just mush. I like different textures. I would be curious to just try the regular grilled cheese but wouldn't pay $10 for that.. That's a little overpriced. My roommates burger was really interesting on the other hand. The hazelnut burger kind of tasted like falafel and had a great crunch to it.. It was really good! The pulled pork on the fries was just ok..kind of lacking that really good flavor that you usually get. Otherwise the fries were fine..nothing special. This place was ok.. Don't know if I would come again.
(3)
Tim K.

Didn't even want to give it 1 star... Went during taste of lake view. Was told you "had to have a seat". Saw them tell 2 people they couldn't sit at the end of a table as there was a party of 3. Every employee was angry to be there.
(1)
Brian K.

Great cozy place with interesting decor and atmosphere. The choice of beverages is excellent as well as the food served. Service was right on target and very knowledgeable of the menu and drinks. I would definitely go back, especially for the fried pickles and candied bacon, great starters before an awesome burger.
(5)
Adlig B.

Their food is fantastic and they have so many vegetarian options! A couple tips: - You can make the chili dog vegetarian and it is great! - Try the hot sauce they put on the table - so good! - Eat the pickle on your plate - they're homemade!
(5)
Nikul S.

Northdown is my reliable local neighborhood craft beer bar. In fact, it is so much more than that. Northdown curates a superb selection of rotating draft beer. You are almost guaranteed that they have a beer or two by Three Floyd's on tap. And, they are one of the only places that carries Mikkeller's brews on tap as well. The food reflects the above average esthetic this place maintains. It takes your typical slop that passes for bar food in this city and elevates it to something unique and tasty. The pork frites, mac n cheese dishes, and various sausages are amazing. Be sure to ask about their specials. In the past, I've enjoyed their fried chicken sandwich a lot. As one would expect, this place maintains an easy going, alternative vibe. Welcoming to all except those who don't tolerate others. Often, they play modern classic movies (Back to the Future, Idiocracy, Mallrats) and provide an excellent selection of music. Enjoy this place. Appreciate what an under the radar joint like this adds to Chicago's vibrancy.
(5)
Tommy D.

This place rips. Great beer selection. Half the menu is vegan, but the other half has lots of meaty shit so you can go with a group and everyone is satisfied. Plus they have some 80's arcade video games near the restrooms. My wife doesn't care about beer and thinks some of the vegan good is a little bland. But what does she know? She douses her ice cream in Sriracha hot sauce. Everything has to be spicy as fuck, burn your goddamn balls off. It aint good if she aint sweating. Then there was that one time in Miami when she wouldn't stop talking to that older guy with the gold chains and I had to say.. "hey, whats with the geriatric!?!" and she gets all pissy and weird. And I'm the asshole?!?! Whatever.
(5)
Christina M.

Really exceptional service from Bo, Great bartender, offers awesome beer knowledge and customer service. I felt like a REGULAR even though it was my first time there. The food was absolutely delicious. I kinda built my own grilled cheese, and it was fantastic, the 'tomato soup' is more of a thicker paste, when I tasted it with a spoon, I wasn't in to it. But when I dipped my grilled cheese in it, I was all in! The French fries are addicting. They are so good! I'm still thinking about them. My gf went with the macaroni and cheese with bacon and broccoli she really enjoyed it. It's a really cool looking bar, I love all the beer taps. They have a huge beer selection. Really clean washroom.
(5)
Yanyao N.

This is one of my favorites places in the city. Super chill. Lovely beer list. Even lovelier staff. Vegetarian/vegan friendly (not that it matters to me, but I lose my mind over their vegan stuff here). They always play really great movies from the 70s-80s on their TVs. My love affair with their 4-meat chili may make this a little cold weather haven for me.
(5)
Alexis R.

Went in to the place because it was the only place open at 12:00 and to my surprise found a gem. Fantastic beer list of stuff you don't find everywhere. Bartender gave me great suggestions on beer and explanations where they came from. Solid staff, food and beer. Will be back soon.
(5)
mark d.

Outstanding meal this evening. Started out with the cheese platter. Apples, blueberries, blue cheese, honey, etc. the best! Followed by vegan pork frites- a flavor bonanza. Whether a entree or selection of apps, the food is great. Beer selection even better. And service/ staff- best in the city.
(5)
Jul N.

Very good beer list, always with something for everybody. The drafts often include at least one of each major type of beer The bottled list is extensive - Belgians, Americans, and others. Drinks are overall not overpriced, but not inexpensive. I have been in the company of someone eating the Northdown Burger - it was super tasty with juicy meat and a buttery brioche bun. The regular mac and cheese (gouda base) is very good - the right amount of rich and creamy and there are a few meat and veggie ingredients to add in. Cashew (vegan) mac is also good, I find it's better on a reheat, or eaten chilled for leftovers. Not as buttery as I like my cashew sauces. Nice interior, nice people.
(4)
Kathleen C.

I visited here after a LONG day (and LONG because I had been traveling for about 14 hours, so I was extremely tired and extremely hungry). This was a good pick since it wasn't super crowded for a Friday night and also had really tasty food and an excellent drink list. We sat at the bar and took a while to review menu items. The bartender was really nice and didn't rush us even though we had prime bar seats. While we perused the menu, we appreciated the decor which was dark and pretty publike - with an area behind the bar full of beer taps (cool!). Once the food came, I admit, I devoured it. It was really tasty (I had a sandwich) and fresh and pretty impressive for bar food. It was a lovely evening at this spot. I admit, when this was suggested, I think I looked rather unimpressed, but this quickly changed into delight when I had such a good time with good food, friendly service and great company. Worth a visit for drinks or food - especially on a cold winter night as it's super cozy.
(5)
Marc R.

The Southern outpost of some Milwaukee classic restaurant entrepreneurs seems to not know what it is. Good beer. OK food. Mediocre service. I wanted to like this place but even with the solid beer list that reminded me of Small Bar and a menu that seems a half baked homage to Honey Pie in Milwaukee I can only suggest this place if you live in the immediate neighborhood.
(3)
Noomi J.

We were going to see Spring Standards perform at Schubas, so we wanted a place nearby to go for dinner. pork frites ($10) - 3 stars. Smoked bacon, pulled pork, and jalapenos topping a bed of fries, served w/gouda cheese sauce. Large portions, but the fries weren't good that night.They got hard really fast so that instead of a fluffy inside and crispy outside, it was like biting into biscotti. Northdown burger ($12) - 3 stars. Liked the brioche bun. Meat was infused with whiskey and strong ale, but needed more seasoning. The fontina cheese didn't add anything to the burger. chili - 3 stars I liked the ambiance, not too loud, quirky decor, friendly waitress. I'd return for drinks and the ambiance, but not the food.
(3)
Claudia S.

Northdown is the truth. Wait, did I really just say that? Yeah, it was called for. I first stopped into Northdown because they had KBS when no one else did. Walked by it many times, but considering it's Lakeview, I always just dismissed it as another bar similar to the ones a block away. WRONG. I definitely put the "ass" in "assume" for once. You know why this bar is so damn great? Map Room. That's all I'm saying. There are other reasons, but you can figure that one out. That aside, the food is great, they have beer to satisfy even the snobbiest of beer snobs, they hold fundraisers for some solid causes aaaaand the staff is pretty friendly, as are their regulars.
(5)
Digger O.

The menu is different, lots of variety, better than typical bar menu. The beer selection is good but the prices are insane 8 to 9 dollars for most beers, you'll think twice before ordering another! They also seem to run out of the most common things. For example, one day they didn't have any fries, another no pulled pork, and most recently burgers, I would think these are showstoppers and you would run out to get more, but most of management sits at the bar on their laptops using it as their office. Do a better job planning orders and have some cheaper tap options and this place would be good.
(3)
Frank Z.

I love this bar, its really cool. They have pinball machines and big screen tvs. They serve awesome food, perfect for vegetarians and vegans, meat eaters alike. I have the vegan frites with a cashew sauce, really awesome. Ive been there twice now on a saturday evening. Our server was great both times. I have to mention though that both times, when we walked into the back room to find a table, the hostess or server, not sure which, was really, really rude to us. I don't want to count that against my review because everything else was awesome. Go to this place and you will smile so hard that all of your teeth will fall out.
(5)
Ashley B.

One of mine and my husband's favorite neighborhood spots. Fantastic beer selection and I can't say enough about the food!! The tomato grinder is my favorite and I adore the chili Mac! I haven't had anything bad and they have options for everyone (vegan, vegetarian, burgers and more!). Trust me, you'll love it! The decor is a bit quirky and it can get a bit loud but it adds to the charm. The service is always great which is so important to me!
(5)
Jeff C.

I have had the pleasure of visiting this fine establishment on three occasions. The beer selection is FANTASTIC. Whisky is everything you need. The Brunch is also quite a treat. The Biscuits and Gravy taste like a 17th century blacksmith shoppe and I mean that in the best way possible. Biscuits have a delicious smokey, earthy, warm flavor and a perfect crunch to them. You can even get a 40oz Brass-monkey for brunch...when they have a cold one ready. ;)
(5)
Steve M.

What an awesome bar. I was in here a couple nights ago, and was thrilled to see punk rock stuff everywhere! I didn't think this kind of thing existed up in stroller-friendly North Center/Roscoe Village! Great tunes the whole time we were there. The bar has plenty of vegan options, but they also don't have a problem adding bacon to everything in sight. Something for everyone! My kind of place. I had a hummus plate as a snack to soak up some beers. They were also pouring Duvel and giving away special limited edition glassware that an artist had designed. My beer-freak buddy was thrilled when I told him to take my glass too. He seemed to enjoy his sandwich. The waitress was attentive and easy going. This is a great spot. I'd love to go back.
(5)
Heather C.

Vegan grub at a pub?! Yes. Northdown loves to serve lunch and dinner and those vegan options! Came here for a late lunch with friends and ordered some beer, vegan burger and vegan pork frites. Yummy! Our server was super nice too and kind of funny. I definitely make this a destination spot when I visit Chicago!
(4)
Justin F.

Yeahhh... This place rocks. Completely lives up to it's hype. Got their staple fries appitizer dish and it was freaking delish. Got a burger with mac and cheese. Also delish. Taking off 1 star for two reasons - 1) they can cool it on the metal music. I love me some good rock and alternative music but straight up metal is going to push a lot of customers out (in my opinion). 2) I loved the beer selection but I asked for three different ones on the menu and they just so happened to be out of ALL 3. Ended up getting a BrewDog instead of my go-to Three Floyds or Founders.
(4)
Chrysa L.

Service was fantastic. Beer selection was great. Scotch egg was incredibly good - wish I had ordered two. Why the three-star review? Well, it was a chilly night and I was not feeling my typical order of "burger." So, I opted for the Chicken Pot Pie. It just sounded like it would hit the spot. The pot pie itself was much more brothy than I had imagined. It was too spicy for my tastes (as I do not like spice at all). Even if I had really enjoyed it, I would have left still feeling hungry. The worst part was that this teeny serving cost $15. If I ever find myself here again, I will opt for a burger, or some other classic pub grub, and skip the attempt at comfort food.
(3)
Gina F.

This place keeps getting better! The beer selection continues to delight and there have been some great changes to the menu. Please, powers that be, do not take the vegan pork slaw off the menu! It was fantastic! I am coming back for it and if you take it away, I will embarrass all of us by bursting into tears in the middle of the bar. And no one wants that.
(4)
Heather C.

A hidden gem in the area. All the food I've had here has been very good including their vegan options. I noticed people are complaining about the wait time however, I'll wait 20 minutes if it means I'm getting a well crafted meal which is what churns out each time. The staff is friendly, there's a large and diverse beer list, they have a couple of pinball machines in the back and always have some pretty cool local artists work on the walls. Good job guys!
(4)
Janet S.

Next door to our Crib, we had two really good dark Norwegian ales whose names I forget, paired it with some donuts and dipping sauce and Ta Da! mid afternoon snack and pitstop. The beer list was extensive, the food adequate and the service just right.
(4)
Stephen S.

I stopped by here with a friend as his roommate said that Northdown always throws out a solid beer menu. I had never been before myself, but always take a "solid beer menu" as a challenge as I'm quite the beer snob and have different opinions than most people about what makes a beer menu solid. Northdown passed my test with flying colors, well selected options that run the gamut of domestic and international choices. I was really impressed by what they have on tap and their bottle list offers some depth as well. We tried the vegan pork frites because I think that cashew dips are far under appreciated and was super excited to see it on the menu. Loved the cashew butter "cheese" sauce, the fries were ok. The atmosphere is chill and laid back.
(4)
Tom M.

One of the best vegan menus of any beer bar I can think of. Get the Vegan Pork Slaw sandwich and pour some of that awesome BBQ sauce on it. Bonus points for almost always having Zombie Dust on tap. Only real downside is that all beer prices are about $1 more than similar places (except Local Option).
(4)
Angie M.

Clearly I'm missing something. I came to Northdown Cafe for brunch with two friends on Saturday at around noon. The crowd was fairly minimal so grabbing a table was super easy. Drink orders were taken quickly and then I got down to the business of reviewing the brunch menu. Um, it just doesn't look that appealing. First, the brunch menu is pretty sparse. I honestly had no idea they try to use seasonal ingredients on their menu until I looked at the website because nothing really looked particularly seasonal. Omelets? Biscuits and gravy? Bagel sandwich? Does anything seem particularly seasonal about these offerings? Uninspired, I went with the classic Build Your Own Omelet and ordered a tomato and mozzarella egg white omelet. The omelet was good (it's hard to fuck up an egg white omelet with two ingredients). It was served with one peice of sad, little dry brown toast and hasbrowns that were one big patty of potato that kind of looked like a turd on my plate. Presentation skills at Northdown are pretty lacking. Had my food come quickly, or even timely, I would have been satisfied, but it didn't. We waited at least 30 minutes for our eggs, which is just ridiculous, especially since the restaurant was pretty empty. I hate that. Service was just OK, too. Our gal was pretty sullen and unenthusiastic. I don't need a cheerleader to take my egg order, but my gosh, lady. Perk up a bit. When my party decided to stay for a beer after brunch we asked some questions on beers we weren't familiar with and again, our gal had no clue. It was frustrating. Speaking of frustrating, I really wish the beer lists were up to date. I had to order three beers before finally getting one that was actually available. I'm not a total Debbie Downer. I could see myself coming back for beers. The list is fairly extensive and interesting. I just don't think brunch is the thing at Northdown.
(3)
Emily C.

Stopped in for a bloody mary. We ended up ordering the vegan chili mac and cheese, which we LOVED. The crunchy bits on top really made it. The bloody was pretty good - the best part was the slice of bacon inside (I know, I ordered vegan chili mac and cheese - I just wanted to try it!). The bloody also included olives and cheese. It had a little too much dill for my liking, but if you love dill, this is the bloody mary for you. Service was good too! 76/365
(4)
Brock B.

This is my favorite place in Chicago. The food's great, they have good beer on tap that rotates regularly, the staff is friendly, and it's pretty mellow. There's only one TV in the bar, so you can catch the game if you want to, but it's not a highlight (and when there's no game on, they play old action movies).
(5)
Mary B.

Came here a second time with a group of 9. Um...NEVER coming back. The manager didn't even want to seat us because they only had one waitress on a Sunday afternoon. Took over 20 mins to get our drinks..then an hour to get our food. The food was awful. Stale bread on sandwiches and stale biscuits in the biscuits and gravy. The waitress never checked on us and when we paid it took her another 15 minutes to give us our cards back. People walked in to the restaurant next to our table and I literally told them to not come in because we had been waiting an hour for our food and they were appreciative. This place sucks and so does the management. Not coming back
(1)
Mary H.

I lurv Northdown. I have been several times for brunch/lunch and have always enjoyed the experience. The decor is really funky and cool. It makes me want to start a DIY art project. The food is super tasty, but there can be a bit of wait with the service here. Don't get me wrong, everyone is friendly, but be prepared for the service style to match the laid back vibe of this place. Excellent beer list as well. Definitely a fan.
(4)
Joey M.

If you're interested in trying eclectic foods and good beer this is a great place to go! Very casual and comfortable. I recommend the cheese grinder! Yum
(5)
Jessica V.

Great beer selection, and it changes frequently so you can always find something new on tap. The beers are a little bit pricey but pretty standard for the area. Their burger is one of the best we have had in the city. It's just a really good burger, no frills, just good meat, great bun, and their fries are awesome. I'm still bummed that the pies are gone, and my boyfriend is still mourning the loss of the short rib sandwich but we still love it here.
(4)
Jackie P.

It was a rainy Monday night and we were seeking refuge and something to drink, and found it at Northdown. Tom the bartender was outstanding, extremely knowledgeable and very friendly. He really seemed to enjoy his job. The beer selection was extensive and well rounded. We did not try the food but it looked great. I would go there again just to drink and hang out with Tom. He's a gem.
(5)
Melanie S.

Carnivore and vegetarian friendly + great beer list + pie = perfect for everybody. I never would have known about this place if it hadn't been for Helena B's review, written just the day before the BAS event at Beckett's, right down the street from Northdown. The food sounded great (hello, macaroni and cheese AND pie) so it was an ideal choice to go here with some folks before BAS and get some comfort food in our bellies before drinking many beers. The food, beer (Daisy Cutter was on special that night), service, and of course, the pie, were all great. Everyone left stuffed and happy. Two of us ordered macaroni and cheese (the smarter one added bacon to hers), and it was a hot, cheesy, crusty, bubbling plate of rich, delicious, al-dente macaroni and several kinds of oozy cheese. It was so decadent that I couldn't finish it, but the rest of our party had no problem helping me out. The others ordered the lamb stew (another special that night), which I tasted and was excellent, and a meatloaf sandwich. We all enjoyed our food (although it was said that the meatloaf sandwich could have been hotter), and naturally we saved room for pie. They have an impressive list of homemade pies so you're sure to find something to whet your whistle. Some of the choices were almond cream, key lime, apple pear streusel, chocolate cream, coconut cream, banana cream, bourbon pecan, and a few more I'm forgetting. I was hoping they'd offer a few more fruit options, but still, the list was extensive. We all ordered something different to share. I only tasted the key lime, which didn't have a ton of flavor (and definitely didn't make my mouth pucker), and the chocolate cream, which was a little too dense for me; I was expecting a more mousse-y texture and this was more like a candy bar. We also ordered the bourbon pecan and coconut cream, which were big hits, especially the bourbon pecan. I was pleasantly surprised by Northdown and since I love macaroni and cheese and pie like it's my birthright, I will most certainly be back. Repeat: they have macaroni and cheese AND pie AND beer. That's all you really need to know.
(4)
Liz L.

Solid service, gorgeous beer list, and generous portions from an ingredient-driven menu that boasts a lot of options for veg*n, gf, and paleo-ish folk. I can't wait to come back.
(4)
Laura M.

I love this place. I live in the neighborhood, so Northdown is quickly becoming a go-to both day and night. Huge beer list with decent specials and really great food that served late. The bartenders are very friendly and attentive. The decor is great and kind of divey. This is not a cheap spot, but ultimately worth it because the food is super high-quality with lots of vegetarian options. The atmosphere and menu remind me of the Beat Kitchen, another favorite.
(5)
Lucas W.

This place is fantastic. It's turned into our local. The pork frites, the burgers, the mac and cheese, the beer list -- all amazing and worth the visit. We go here probably once or twice a week, and the service is fantastic too.
(5)
Lover of Dogs H.

Great beer and quality bar food selection. The decor is super cool too. When we went there was a fair amount of groups and dates as well. The fancy and high quality food will keep me coming back.
(5)
Andy M.

The Northdown cafe is a wonderful place to enjoy some great food, a top notch beer selection and great people. My wife and I started out with a delicious white bean dip appetizer. It was small in size, but packed a nice punch. My choice for a entree was a tricky one. There were four things on the menu that had me drooling. I decided to go for broke and order the meatloaf. This was a gusty choice. When you have a wife that makes the best meatloaf in the world, there's a good chance of walking away disappointed. The meatloaf sandwich at Northdown was fabulous. It's not your mothers meatloaf. The dish is served on bread and topped with a delicious helping of garlic mashed potato's. It's not better than my wife's (she would kill me if I suggested that), but it was an original take on this traditional American dish that I really enjoyed. Northdown is a cozy little eatery that offers great food and fantastic service. Our server was friendly and attentive and the decor was casual and relaxing. If I still lived in the area, I would be spending a lot of time at this place. Bars and restaurants seem to open and close every year on this little strip of Lincoln Ave. I really think Northdown is onto something. If what we experienced is typical of what this restaurant has to offer, it will be around for a long time.
(5)
jess e.

Eehhhhhhhh. They have a great beer list, they've got pinball, and it sounded as if the people who got food liked it. But service was painfully slow. There was a big table when we got there so we thought this was the reason for it. But after the big table left and the place cleared out service remained slow. It's too bad, spending half the time looking for the waitress kind of ruined any of the positives for us. Maybe she was helping out doing other things, I don't know. She wasn't awful in any other way..just slow. We would've walked up to the bar, but we didn't know if that was a rude thing to do. I do wish that bars with only one waitress would give it up and go the way of a lot of European bars, the patron orders everything at the bar, if you order food someone will bring it out. It just makes it easier. So if you go, sit at the bar you'll enjoy it a lot more. Oh and for those on a tight budget, watch out. I had enough cash for a certain number of beers and dollar tip for each. But when my bill (with no food charges on it) came I was charged tax on the beers, there was nothing I could do but leave a low tip because the tax took half of my tip money.
(3)
Molly R.

Yummy!! Great food, great bartenders! Try the mac n cheese with smoked pork!
(5)
Dhruv P.

Usually bars like these aren't too friendly to my dietary needs but Northdown is awesome because quite a few items can me made vegetarian/vegan. I had their pulled pork sandwich - veganatized - and the first time - it was heaven. The second time it was good, but no match to the first. I was surprised it wasn't consistent, but it was good and would definitely try it again. Their fries were amazing and felt just a tad guilty eating them. They give a locally sourced BBQ sauce that has a very good spice kick. Now their pies which I've heard lots of good things, was a disappointment. There was an inordinate amount of whipped cream, so much that the pie itself was lost in it. The crust was a bit soggy and really, the only thing I could taste was the whipped cream. Its nowhere close to reaching the heights of Chef Mary's pies at First Slice.
(4)
Jason N.

I just moved to Chicago, so the roommate and I decided to explore some of the city. We happen to walk by this place, so we decided to check it out. Overall, I really liked this place. The staff was very friendly, relatively quick and they had a great craft beer selection to choose from. I didn't get a chance to try the food, but I will be back for sure. Great spot.
(4)
Sumeet A.

This is a go-to bar for me, the bartenders are friendly & the food is awesome, oh and no one is pretentious. While the prices are slightly higher than most places, you get what you pay for.. Quality beer that you cant find elsewhere in the city& quality food in mass quantities. They also have some of the best hot sauces in town if you like to add a little spice to your meal! Awesome place to go & relax :)
(5)
jesy b.

After a move to Roscoe Village that was not entirely on purpose, I was worried. Not about finding good beer, as that's easily accessible around here, but I was worried about finding a good place to drink said good beer, especially so close to Wrigley and the terrible, horrible, no good, very bad things that go along with it. And then I found Northdown. Excellent beer selection. Super nice staff. Extremely vegetarian friendly. Favorable ratio of tattooed to non-tattooed, both staff and patrons. Northdown is a gem among douche.
(5)
Nik A.

Loved this place before but prices have risen while portions and variety have shrunk dramatically. 2 stars for the continually awesome beer selection and great service.
(3)
Amanda S.

Great atmosphere, awesome staff, amazing selection of beer, and very tasty food. Great spot for veggies and vegans! Northdown also does monthly art shows and its always super rad stuff! The area doesn't have anything like it. Def. a must go!
(5)
Brian F.

I had the special "Monte Christo" and it was one of the best sandwiches I've ever had. Yummy turkey, ham, an bacon with melted Gruiyere cheeses on a cinnamon french toast. I had every intention of finishing half and bringing it home but I just couldn't stop eating. Oh and the fries were out of this world. On top of the awesome food, they have an outstanding beer list of brands you probably will never see elsewhere. What a great place!
(5)
Natalie T.

I love some Ronnie James with a vegan chili!!! The vegans are feeling the love! thanks Northdown.
(5)
Elyse P.

If you're looking for a brunch place that has an abundance of screaming babies and food takes at least 45 minutes to come then you've found the perfect place! I had the Benedict and was extremely excited that it was served on one of the biscuits that other reviewers raved about and it was absolutely awful. The biscuit was dry and very peppery and it was slathered in cold sauce. Will never be returning for brunch. They were clearly unprepared for a full restaurant and it was not a pleasant experience.
(1)
Keith A.

This has been on my hit list since they opened. I've been eyeing that beer list and really just looking for an excuse to come here. Well, with my friend's GF being out of town for a while, we used that as an excuse for doing a bar hop. We got here around 8ish and most of the tables were filled in the front area, but there was plenty of room at the bar. No biggie for me, it just means that I get beer faster. So, we ponied up to the bar and found out that it was $1 off can beers. I was more in a sour mood, but my friend took them up on the deal. Since I was hungry I needed some food. The chicken sandwich looked to cure that problem, and it definitely did. In fact, there was so much of it that I had a hard time finishing it and I left a ton of fries on the plate as well. The fries weren't left because they weren't good, they were really good. There was just a ton of them and you need 2 or 3 devoted people to finish them off IMO. Onto the beer, like I said, I was in a sours mood to kick off the night, so some rodenbach it was. You really can't go wrong with rodenbach when sours are your thing. What was cool though is that the bartender hooked me up with a different sour when I was ready to grab another beer. I'm never one to turn down a rec from one of the staff and what a shock, she was on point with it. Sadly after that it was onto the next place, but Northdown requires spending some time and digging into a quality beer list that scratches a lot of my beer itches
(4)
Lauren F.

Can you say delicious pie?!? We stopped in for a beer and ended up ordering the most delicious slice of chocolate pie I've ever laid my taste buds on. They do not mess around. A buttery graham cracker crust and a silky chocolate filling topped with a whipped topping that wasn't really sweet but was a perfect compliment to the rest of the pie. Loved it, can't wait to come back to try the rest of their menu!
(5)
Eileen Z.

Cool neighborhood addition! Spacious, with a few big booths, large bar area with plenty natural lighting during the day. We ordered the chicken and biscuit pie (chicken stew with potatoes, broccoli, onions, carrots and peas in a rich broth baked with a buttermilk biscuit topper) and the vegan cassoulet (roasted wile mushroom ragout, stewed navy beans, baked polenta and braised kale). Our server, Sterling (cool name!), really got us excited about the pie! Not to be missed, these babies are MASSIVE, with a sweet that doesn't overpower. The almond pie was by far my favorite.
(4)
Matthew S.

This is my definitive local place - my fallback/default for dinner, lunch, and drinks. Fantastic food, a great rotating tap list, and they can still throw down a great Manhattan. Two words: Turkey Balls That is all.
(5)
Lynnea K.

Northdown is the BEST. The staff is nice and friendly, but not too friendly in a fake way. Great food, amazing beer, they always have three floyd's on draft and bottles, PINBALL and not too long of a wait for a table. I'm not usually one that chats with other bar patrons, but Northdown is just a happy place to be, sometimes here I find that I have a conversation with a stranger. Nice vibe, down to earth, good food and drink!
(5)
Johnny T.

Pie & beer? Genius. What a perfect combo for a city that takes suds, sweets and all things comfort seriously. If people wonder how and I why I gained weight after living here for the past 8 years, this is why. Well, not Northdown in particular, but in general. And, although, I have much time at the gym in the future to regain my sexy, the effort underwent to lose it was worth it when it comes to the kind of treasure you find here. Beyond the high ceilings, floor-to-ceiling windows, neon signs, and pinball machines (keep walking back back back to the backroom to see all the delights), NC&T is serious about its beer and food. I went on a nice, crisp, overcast, gloomy day and I needed an amber ale to pick my spirits up and dull my sense a bit. A couple of Fat Tires later and I was feeling no pain and in great spirits. Because man cannot live off beer alone (although I have tried), I knew that I needed some food in my gullet to soak up all the alky-hall. I was in the right place. Lemme break it down for you: 1.) pork frites: poutine as imagined in the USA!USA! Fries with saucy pulled pork, cheese, jalapenos, bacon, and onions (the green, chivey kind). You'll need to split these. If you can manage to finish off a plate of these bad boys by yourself, I shudder for your insides. Truth: just writing about it again is making me feel guilty and nervous that my cholesterol is way too high. My wicked ways are in need of changing just from the mere recollection of this dish. Run to/from as you see fit; 2.) Roasted veggie sandwich: shamed by how how fatty fat fat food I was shoveling down (and a'feared from that whole cholesterol thing), I decided on a vegan sandwich of crunchy bread, white beans, eggplant, cabbage, and mushroom. Vegan food may not appeal to me at all times but if it was served like this, I would be a better convert. This was flavorful, substantial and creative. I was engaged throughout the sandwich and excited about every bite. If you stay away from veggies, change your course and head toward this. It will make you question the way you think; and 3.) pie. You knew it was coming. I felt it was deserved (veggies for the main course) and expected (duh). On any given day, there are no fewer than a billion pie selections, so take your time and carefully consider your choice. Since I never met chocolate I didn't like, the chocolate peanut butter solidified my fate to wear Z Cavaricci's for the near future. I don't regret it. I can make them werk. Don't hate.
(4)
Mark B.

Great food and amazing selection of beer. Interesting and very nice vibe for the restaurant. Recommend the burgers and the fries are incredible.
(5)
Caroline P.

Excellent place for brunch on a Saturday morning, especially if you arrive when they open at 11. No problem getting a table for 4. You definitely feel like you're sitting in a bar (which you are unless you go to the dining room in the back) but service was quick and attentive and they let us sit and chat for a leisurely 2 hour brunch! Absolutely order the pork frites. The plate is enormous and comes with this delicious melted cheese on the side. Yum. Bloody mary was good, but could have been spicier, did come with those cute little High Lift beerback bottles. I will definitely go back.
(4)
Ryan S.

So far so good. Small food list but it works. Also pretty good beer selection and great atmosphere, service, and music
(4)
Amy D.

I was excited to go here. A friend of mine gushed over a pot roast sandwich he had from here (no longer on the menu) and its reviews were pretty positive. We started with a group of 5 but had 2 join us right as we were ordering our food. We ordered our food and it was an hour before it was served. The server didn't know much about their beer selection. I ordered a bottled beer and it was not very cold when I got it, very disappointing. Now for the food. I ordered The Burger medium rare with blue cheese. My burger came out so well done it was burnt and dry. It also had small bits of bone in the ground beef. (every burger at the table was over cooked) I applaud them for the hand form patty, but why ask what temperature we want when you will turn it into a hockey puck anyway? My boyfriend ordered the Northdown burger, his was very dry and over cooked. the menu stated it came with grilled onions and fontina cheese, and steak sauce, it came with a oily piece of white cheese and nothing else. After we ordered we were told the fryer was down, no problem, it happens. I opted for the red potatoes, they came out as nearly raw soaked in oil. Our bills were split by the server which was very much appreciated but she ran the same card for 3 different checks. The speakers in the back were definitely blown out and rattled the entire time. I'm not opposed to hard rock and metal, but when the speaker is humming and crackling over the music, the ambiance goes from rock, to making me want to roll on out. I hope it was a one off experience for me, but only 2 of the 7 in our party enjoyed the food. Unfortunately i won't be back to let them try again.
(2)
Julie A.

And my 300th review goes to.....Northdown Cafe! I met a friend here for dinner, and I ordered a Bloody Mary which was delicious, nice and pickley. We split a burger with Gruyere, ordered the friend red tomatoes (so delicious) and we split pickled veggies and more pickles. I say pass on the pickled veggies and pickles - its really on the sweet side, and I prefer more of a strong garlic/vinegar combo for the veggies. Did I also mention they have pinball? Oh, and the service was great and friendly, which is always appreciated!
(4)
Emily R.

Welcome to the neighborhood, Northdown. I have been anxiously awaiting your open so I can spend all my hard-earned money on your craft beers and comfort food. So far, you have come correct. Your Chicken in a Biscuit entree was extremely satisfying and the apple pie was stellar as well. I look forward to our evenings together. All the best, Emily
(5)
John W.

Don't listen to me, I was drunk both times I have been here. The food wasn't bad from what I remember but I wasn't a big fan of the pork fries...Not that I didn't eat the shit out of them or anything...The beer list was pretty decent as well. I think this place is trying really hard NOT to be as douchey as everything else in this area so, when in the area, I will try to end up here as opposed to some lame sports bar.
(3)
Nichole M.

Go here for brunch, and don't you dare fight me on this, just listen. My mom and I went today for Father's Day brunch (she does the work of both parents, yay mommy). Anywho, she knows the owners and wanted to try it out. I was expecting your normal Sunday brunch available at most bars in the Chicago. I was wrong, the breakfast here is outstanding. Above and beyond what I expected. Here's the breakdown. My mom ordered the quiche, it had ham and asparagus and some other stuff. She said it was really good. I got the omelet, SO GOOD. It had ham, broccoli and fresh mozzarella. It didn't just taste like your average omelet. I don't know how to explain it, but it was one of the most amazing omelets I've ever had. I was in heaven. The dishes come with thick toast and a neat little hash brown patty sort of thing, which is also tasty. My mom and I both had mimosas. They are $7, but they come in a pint glass, not a puny champagne glass. Definitely worth the money. I can't wait to go back and try their pie that's supposed to be really good as well. If you're a vegetarian, they have plenty of options. I'm in love.
(5)
Natasia O.

LOVE this place. Fantastic vegan and vegetarian options as well as a tasty burger, and bacon mac n' cheese for the hubby. I particularly love the cashew cheese sauce with fries. In fact, if I could get a side of that sauce with everything I would be a happy gal. I'm not a beer fan but the bartenders are always willing to persuade me--successfully--into trying a tasty beer and loving it! They also have Hendricks gin which lets you know they take their bar selection seriously. PROS: Fantastic non-pretentious service, good food, great drinks, and easy neighborhood parking = Neighborhood gem for sure! CONS: NONE
(5)
Will B.

The after work drink is very over rated at most bars, but here, it's perfect. This bar has one of the best beer lists in Chicago, and it is updated to my belief weekly (if not daily.) I always like the fact that the staff pretty much knows everything there is to know about all the beers, and you can practically say three buzz words about your "typical" beer and they can dish one out it no time. The bartenders are really friendly, and you should take care of these folks when you can. They are always reliable as a an establishment of the neighborhood, and help those who need a perfect after work beer find one. The food is meant to compliment the beer, and they make everything from scratch. Love Some names to try when you are in next: Firestone Walker Pumking (when avaliable) Schneider Aventinus Oh and they have Schlitz Tall Boys so thats always a bonus!
(5)
Richa A.

I randomly popped in here in need of wi-fi and nourishment before meeting a friend for some improv in the neighborhood. There were probably other more standard places (like, actual cafes) I could've gone to, but the Yelper in me wanted to try something new. The servers/bartenders were extremely friendly, and despite my reservations about going into a bar with my laptop... they did not make me feel uncomfortable for doing so. That said, this place is more of a bar and less of a restaurant (in terms of lighting and overall set up). Anyway, the portobello salad I ordered was *awesome*. I would definitely eat here again. For the price point, it would've been nice if it was more of an entree salad by either being much larger or by offering a side with it, but it was definitely very yummy.
(4)
Andrew M.

We love this place - friendly, great food, great liquor selection. We have come here regularly - but lately, there have been problems. First, they got rid of my favorite dish - the short rib sandwich. Plus, when they first opened, a focus was the pie - and it was great. However, lately, the pie has been an afterthought. Tonight, they just had two selections - and they were out of one (and the one they had is, frankly, one of their lesser selections). A while ago, the first thing you would see when walking in was a list of the pies for the day. That is no longer there. It's a popular place, and they probably aren't going to hurt if I don't love them as much as I did (if this was six months ago, the review would have been five stars) - and they are probably moving more toward the place they want to be. I just wanted to say I liked the way they were.
(3)
Laura P.

Where the cool kids hang in Lakeview pretty much sums up this place. Not fratty or recently post-fratty crowd. Although there are some that filter in but look and seem to feel a little out of place. It's cool, we know you guys live in the area and like good beer so come on in. Just don't judge. Feels like Simone's was moved to Lakeview. Cool by me, gives me a reason to be on Lincoln again. Fizz is dead and I am definitely not going to the 24 hour stinky gym across the street. Or Wishbone for that matter. Monday night is bingo in the backroom with some pretty awesome prizes like a velvet panther picture. Or other awesome random prizes. Which by the way has one of the most beautiful bar mirrors I have ever seen. It has got to be about 20 feet long. Lead glass with wood molding at the top. Gorgeous.
(5)
N B.

Great Food, Beer and Service. Northdown Cafe has to be, without-a-doubt, one of the best, "non-white linen tablecloth restaurant" comfort foods in the city! It starts and ends with the Pork Frites: Field Roast Smoked tomato with house made cashew 'cheese' sauce Hand cut fries topped with BBQ pulled pork, pickled jalapenos, applewood smoked bacon, green onions, and smoked Gouda & white cheddar sauce
(4)
Risa P.

So I have kind of a weird experience here. I went to dinner with a girlfriend at 6pm on a weekday. By 6:30pm, we were done with dinner, and we were wondering what to do next. The wait staff was a little stand offish and really pushing us to almost...leave? I mean it was a Tuesday, early on in the dinner hour and the place was certainly not packed. The whole thing was strange...why not just let us eat and enjoy our company and hang out? Why did the table have to be turned over so quickly? I mean it felt like they did not want us there at all...like come in, eat and leave. I think that we were both expecting a usual dinner night out, to relax and hang out..not be in and out in 30 minutes...I mean this isn't a fast food place.... The food was good, lots of good vegetarian options. I got the quinoa bowl with kale. It was good, but it was SO not worth $12!!! The portion was teeny tiny and hardly enough food for dinner. I mean I ate it and then I was like, so where is the rest of dinner? It was a snack. I definitely went to bed with my tummy rumbling that night. The food was flavored well but you really have to eat it slowly to get any sort of enjoyment out of it. Maybe that was an appetizer and I ordered wrong? I will have to look at the menu again. Because if I ordered an appetizer as my dinner, then yes, I would expect that. Nope-just checked--it was a "house staple" so that should be like enough for a dinner right? Am I missing something? The food was good and the atmosphere was nice but the service was way too pushy. I also felt like our waitress hated us and I have no idea why. The whole experience (it was super duper quick) was weird. We left hungry and so we had to go get yogurt after...
(2)
Steve G.

Food here went downhill somewhere down the line. The last three meals I've had here have been mediocre at best. Still a good bar scene with friendly bartenders and terrific beer list, so I'll continue going back for that.
(3)
Sarah N.

Northdown is tasty, but it feels like they are still working out some kinks. Our meals came out really quickly, but our vegan "pork" fries, came out in the middle of our meal. 3 out of the 4 things my group ordered were really good (fries, mac n' cheeze, pie), but the tofu noodle dish was laaaaaame. It had nothing going for it whatsoever, and felt like it was cooked by someone who had no idea how to cook tofu. We also ended up waiting over 15-20 minutes for our one slice of pie to come out, which is a long time when you're basically ready to leave. Its awesome to find a place with a crazy long beer list, and an abundance of vegan food, so I'm more than willing to give Northdown another shot!
(3)
Eric B.

This place was so good that I didn't mind I was sitting at the bar by myself at 1 pm on a Saturday drinking an old Rasputin while eating biscuits and gravy. The food was just as awesome as my life apparently. Cool looking interior. Extensive beer list. The house biscuits in the biscuit and gravy were amazing.
(5)
David M.

Dinner there recently. Good, diverse beer menu...have a gravity feed (firkin) keg as well as the usual drafts..interesting. Menu is also diverse; I wasn't too hungry so I just went with a bowl of their three meat chili....which was excellent. Will be back with the better half sometime soon...
(4)
J. Chuck K.

Great beer menu and good food. The place has great decor and the pinball machines are a nice touch. My only complaint is the price of their food. While I thought it was good, I didn't think it was great. The price implies the food is great when it is only good. I highly recommend the pork frites though; they are a dish you can't find in every bar. I'd go back in a heartbeat and plan on doing so.
(4)
Jen B.

Hi: Vegan Pork Frites. VEGAN PORK FRITES. Just do it. The quinoa and veggies are nothing special but perfect for balancing out the damage done by the VEGAN PORK FRITES. Just do it.
(5)
Katherine D.

Had a great meal here and the beer selection was fantastic. This place is definitely VEGETARIAN-FRIENDLY. You should totally come here if you have a lot of different food needs in your group and if you have some people who want light healthy food while other want heavy pub food. Several vegan options are clearly labelled and explained on the menu. I got the kale quinoa bowl. At first glance it was disappointing but it tasted so good and it was zingy. It was certainly not a big meal nor the cheapest on the menu. Other members of my party ordered the burgers which were good and cheaper. Another companion ordered the vegan mac 'n cheese and it was delicious and even a bit spicy. All the beers were had were fantastic and the waitstaff was knowledgeable. There were several families with kids seated in the back room (we didn't want to wait for a table in the more hip front room) and that was totally fine. There were three cool pinball machines between the bathrooms. Everyone was friendly.
(4)
Melissa L.

Tried the 3 Floyds' Zombie Dust here since an old friend works at the brewery there. It was awesome; crisp and refreshing to the last drop. The selection of beers is pretty great as well as their cake selections. This is an ideal place to grab a beer and chat because the beer is good and the ambiance and service are on par.
(4)
Nicholas P.

This is by far one of the best craft beer bars in the world. If you enjoy rare brew, go there now!
(5)
Shira W.

I really love this place! I'm so glad I live nearby, it's a really great neighborhood establishment. Their drink selection is huge and they have a lot of interesting beers to try, though I rarely indulge (as a new resident of Chicago I am still in sticker shock over the cost of alcohol at restaurants and bars here) The food is fantastic, it's so nice to have "pub fare" that actually has flavor and tastes like it was made from scratch and isn't just a plate of deep fried tan. I love their sandwiches and they have a ton of vegetarian and vegan options which I really appreciate. GET THE PIE! Oh the pie, just love it. It's a gorgeous bar, casual but with a nice sense of decor and a really friendly atmosphere.
(5)
mark d.

I'll keep it short. Northdown is great. Beer list: lots of good micro's, some macro's for you un-adventurous types Solid food options: Great burger, killer brunch, serious Bloody Mary (comes with bacon). Try the hashbrowns. I think they might have been deepfried mashed potatoes. Out of this world. Staff: super friendly, but not in that fake "we love your business" way. Laid back, but if you get something that you don't dig on, they want to make sure you are happy. Decor/ambiance: Relaxed, not too noisy, nice artwork. I felt like I'd love to stay there all afternoon, people watching and drinking. Price: Pretty decent. But, if you like microbrews like me, you know that most aren't that cheap to begin with. On a Sunday, we were meeting friends at Wishbone for brunch. I dropped off the wife and kid at Wishbone and ended up parking right in front of Northdown. Wishbone was a total zoo, over an hour wait. Our friends ended up having to cancel, so we trucked down to Northdown, and were eating and drinking well before we would've been even seated at Wishbone. I was shocked at how available it was on a Sunday at 11:00. I'm sure that will change soon enough. All in all, Northdown is great. Casual, friendly, hip (not hipster), with some homestyle classics on the menu, plenty of vegetarian options, and a great beer list. Nothing bad to say, except that it'll probably catch on soon, and I'll have to find another place to haunt.
(5)
Godsballs T.

What the hell happened? This went from a great place to eat and good beer. Now it feels like another Lincoln Park dude bar. Lame. Pies got worse and the quality of food got bad. What happened?
(1)
Jennifer I.

What a sweet little find....a great mix of comfort food choices and vegan/vegetarian options, for those who are so inclined to eat this way (read: NOT ME...seitan is not my bag. I tried. It failed.). I am not mac-and-cheese obsessed, but the mac-and-cheese with bacon at Northdown was outstanding....totally worth the chest pains in the present and the Lipitor in the future. My favorite thing about Northdown is the PIE. I love pie. Lots and lots. Northdown had a lot of varieties to choose from...I ordered the almond cream and it was yummy. I've never seen that flavor offered elsewhere. I would love to return and try one of their fruit pies...they only offered one fruit pie the night I was there (an apple-pear streusel), which was a smidge disappointing. I was pretty set on the almond cream once I saw it, but I do prefer fruit pies to cream pies. Hopefully, when I go back, they'll have more fruit offerings. For the brew lovers, they have an extensive beer list. It's not a big place so getting a table might be a bit of a challenge at times, but Northdown is a definite asset to the neighborhood.
(4)
k e.

I love having this place down the street from me! The beer selection is always rotating through some really delicious beers and the food is outstanding. We always get the avocado hummus and it always delivers. The Northdown burger is my favorite entree. But, on a cold day, the grilled cheese and tomato soup hits the spot. The staff is really friendly and the atmosphere is really cool.
(4)
Kristin R.

Super friendly bartenders and an amazing, frequently-updated draft list. I daydream about their grilled cheese and tomato soup combo, and wish I could have their pretzels and beer cheese delivered to my desk right now. The Three Floyds artwork is pretty neat, too!
(5)
Helena B.

Now that my sister is a vegetarian, my Veggie-Friendly Radar is always on high alert. I could very comfortably take her to Northdown as there were several straight-up veggie items and many more that could be modified to all-out Vegan. Despite being a meat-eater myself, my favorite meal here is vegetarian - the home-made mac and cheese. Holy hell. Delicious. It's baked at the end of it's preparation, so the cheese on top is all melty and stringy. I die. The beer list is also quite respectable. I approve. OK, and there are like 10 kinds of pie from which to choose to wrap up your evening. Seriously. So much pie. We had the almond cream once and it was delicious. On our second visit I was all like, "no pie! I'm on a diet!" and the joke was on me, because pie beats diets.
(4)
Christie Katelyn S.

Grilled cheese, tomato soup & fries ... so good!!!!! Great location & the staff is awesome!
(5)
Kammie G.

It was my second time there for brunch yesterday. The first time I only had a Bloody Mary (my first one!) and I was smitten. My bf says this place has the best Mary's in Chicago so I trusted his opinion. I haven't had any anywhere else but these were so delicious I believe it when he says it. If I find a better Mary I will update. This time we actually sat down to eat for brunch. This is where the star gets reduced from the original 5 I would give it. It's good food.. but that's about it. Good. Mediocre. The omlette I got was mediocre and while I ordered it with mushrooms tomatoes and onions.. it came with a LOT of mushrooms, a few tomatoes, and no onions. Dissapointing. My bf also said his omlette came with some things missing (he loaded a lot of stuff onto his). The hash brown patties were good. The wheat toast did not come to my liking either as it was too hard. The atmosphere is cool. The waitress was friendly and easy-going. Will come again for the Marys!
(4)
Kyle P.

great layout and great people working at all spots through out the bar. Menu was cool and the food was good.......I had the meatloaf and probably wanted the pork fries......check it out
(4)
Britney W.

Attention VEGANS!!!! It's here It's here It's here!!!! A bar that serves MANY vegan options and not just a burger....now that I think of it I don't even think a vegan burger is on the menu! Hooray! My husband and I have been here twice and LOVE it! We even took our meat eating friends with us last night and they were blown away! The servers are knowledgeable and quick. They don't leave your water, tea or beer empty. Wonderful atmosphere! I am now addicted which will be bad for my waistline! But if you are in the area or want to meet up with friends later give this place a go. You will not be disappointed! Happy Vegan! :)
(5)
Linda D.

Just what the doctor ordered! Northdown is a shining star of awesome amidst rows of sports bars and Bud Light in West Lakeview. First off, the decor - just all around cool. I love the retro-vibe it gets from the blue walls and the huge "If attack comes" slogan sprawled across the area over the bar. It makes me feel like I'm in a piece of 60's propaganda. The restaurant looks like it has a small seating area with a bar at first glance, but walk to the back and you'll find another room with seating and...pinball machines! Party time. Onto the beer! Well, I should say, the beer and wine, since Northdown offers both, but we only enjoyed beer this night. They have a good selection of beer on draft, and Mondays through Thursdays, they offer drink specials. Lucky for us, Tuesday is $1 off Belgians, my fave! And finally, the food - just beautiful. After looking through the menu, the boyfriend and I weren't sure what entrees to order because everything looked delicious. But both of us knew exactly what appetizer we wanted: Pig. Potatoes. PORK FRIES. Done and done. These aren't your typical greasy, soggy fries slapped with some warmed up cheese under a ladle-full of meat (and no, I'm not hatin', I enjoy me summa those too). But Northdown's pork fries are a mountain of perfectly cooked fries with plenty of BBQ pork, crispy bacon, cheese, jalapenos, and green onions. Usually when I eat meat and cheese-topped fries, I can actually taste my life getting shorter. But these babies were bright and fresh, and I could actually continue on with the rest of our meal afterward (even though I really just wanted 3 more plates of fries). I ordered the special for the day, the sloppy joe (with house-made chips), and the boyfriend got the short rib sandwich and fries. Both the short rib sammie and sloppy joe were good, but we agreed that the sloppy joe was more flavorful, believe it or not. I haven't had a sloppy joe since elementary school, but this definitely did not taste like the ones I used to eat back then. I wanted to dance with it a la Chris Farley in Lunch Lady Land..."Well me and sloppy joe got married. We got six kids and we're doin' just fine...Down in Lunch Lady Land!"... ...I still enjoyed the boyfriend's leftovers the next day. Um...I don't like to waste food? Duh.
(4)
Sophie F.

Love that this place is so vegan friendly! I found this place on accident and ended up going two days in a row. Foods I tried on Day One (after 3pm weekends): Vegan Bean Dip Appetizer (a little bland but friends liked it because it was garlicky, I'm not a garlic fan) Seitan Philly Cheeze Sandwich is DELISH Bloody Marys - their worchester sauce is VEGAN and they do not use clamato...the menu however does say bacon so I specified a vegan bloody mary. Comes with a mini high life. Foods I tried on Day Two (brunch) Vegan Biscuits and Seitan sausage gravy with tofu scramble was OK, the biscuit was not really a biscuit and the tofu scram was REALLY salty, maybe it was accident Tofu Scram with lots of veggies was GOOD but also too salty Then they ran out of tofu so we got the 3 tacos with seitan - their seitan texture is definitely different from what I am used to but I do not like the seitan that I usually get so this was a welcomed change, LOVED THIS. More Bloody Marys. Mimosa (GOOD, fresh OJ). Summer Shandy (not so good, the lemonade was not that great...ok, it was pretty gross actually.) Sadly, they told me they just cut out their vegan desserts a few days ago. Hopefully they bring it back. But this is definitely an awesome spot. Finding real vegan friendly food at a bar in Chicago is rare.
(4)
Elizabeth N.

Well - this would have been 4 or 5 stars if I had reviewed it before Friday night. I love the vibe and the food was fantastic every time I went it. I have been in and out in 30 minutes for a quick dinner...but not last Friday.... We arrive at 7 - and are super excited there is a table in the front window (the windows are floor to ceiling and they open up so you feel like you are outside). We ask the host to sit there...he says no because that server is really busy. We get escorted to the "dining room" which is a back room. Normally this would be fine - except we had the longest dining experience of our life! We start out with their "bread and butter" appetizer for $6- this comes, no joke, 30 MINUTES later. The server plops it down and walks away - no mention of the wait or that the kitchen is backed up. We are splitting the appetizer between 3 of us - none of us huge eaters...there are 8 slices of bread, but only enough butter for each to have one slice of bread with a small amount of butter. Really?!?!? Stingy serving on a $6 bread and butter appetizer. Our food (Chicken Sandwich, Pork Nachos and Mozzarella grinder) comes out at 8:45 - 1 hour and 45 minutes after we arrived. Ugh by then we were visibly annoyed. And after a 1 hour and 45 minutes the food really didn't taste that good. We leave at 9:15 - annoyed. I gave it three stars because I had so many great dinners there. But no place deserves a 4 star - if the server or manager can't even apologize for the delay. If we are going to wait an hour and half for our food, can't we at least sit by the window?
(3)
John S.

Cmon guys. So much potential. Please get rid of the hipster bucktown bearded bullshit. Serve a great product and do it well. Over tattotoed, entitled staff will ruin you in the long run. 35 minute carry out sloppy joe will ruin you. You have a great theme. You have great beer selection. Don't let Libertards from Wicker Park ruin your business. Wishing all the best.
(3)
P. T.

I used to really like this place. The food was excellent and the beer list was always awesome. Lately, I'd say over the past year, everything has gone downhill. The beer pours have gotten way more expensive, especially for the small glasses of the higher abv stuff. The food is just ok now (super salty) and we were probably just still going because the place is convenient. We were going for lunch pretty regularly (again, it's really close by) with my 2 year old son at noon when the place is pretty dead and today we were told for the first time in almost two years that we would have to be seated in the back room to "keep the bar vibe" upfront. If it had been 7 or later and/or the place had been packed I could totally understand, but when there are 4 people in your place and we have been coming regularly for a long time with our son, I don't expect to get sent to the dark back overflow room just because I have a kid with me. They have lost me as a lunchtime customer and I won't be bringing anymore friends with kids to a place that treats us as people to be hidden in the back room.
(2)
Gary R.

This place was actually pretty good. I had to remove two stars due to a few issues: 1. Service was kinda slow, but they were packed. I didn't make a stink about it, because I know that usually results in your soup being stirred by somebody's dong. Issue 2: post meal gastrointestinal distress. Who likes that? Issue 3: One of the flippers on the pinball machine was stuck. It made my small child depressed. 4. They brought some pre-meal pickles. They were not good. They were sweet pickles. This type of pickle I cannot condone. They must be dill, or i will lash out both verbally and emotionally. The food was actually very good. The Mac as well as cheese was really good. It contained mac, cheese, and bacon! I bet that was good for me. The salad was small. It contained lettuce. That is about it. It was served in a coffee glass. The chocolate cream pie was kinda awesome (the crust), and kinda not (the chocolate flavor). They did play some black sabbath on the jukebox system. This was a refreshing change from the horror filled music that they play at Roots Pizza place on Chicago ave.
(3)
Linda L.

Went there for the home made pie which they no longer have. Had the pot roast sandwich which was very bland. Ordered some coleslaw to add to the sandwich which was literally vinegar soaked cabbage. After saying something to the server, she still charged us $2 for the cole slaw that we didn't touch. Very bad way to do business.
(2)
Adam K.

De-lish. Great food, good service, nice ambiance. We got: Wisconsin Grass Fed Burger - cooked perfect at Medium rare, my daugheter technically got this so she got w American cheese and no fried egg, which I grounded her for. The fires were so good. But not as good as the Pork Fries - holy lord, this was by far the most non kosher thing I have ever eaten and I know if there was Jewish hell this is what you eat to get in, but dude, this is dish is AMAZASAZAING. Believe it, get it, you will not be upset. This could have been my meal. Chicken & Biscuit pot pie - Meh, kinda lacking something, the portion was great however, any more and I would have burst. Seitan Rueben - specially made for my high maintenance date, this is not on the menu, but the Pastrami Rueben is and so is the Seitan Philly, so she decided to combine the two. She complained there was not enough 1000 island dressing and the bread was dry. Key Lime Pie - Skeet Chocolate Cream Pie - Skeet Skeet I will be back for sure, this place rocks, it def is a spot for bike enthusiasts. Pinball machines, more seating in the back, the window in the front is wide open so you can people watch all the Lakeview types shuffling to Food Hole.
(4)
Andy M.

The art in this place is great and worth the five star rating. A great craft beer selection too.
(5)
Natasha B.

I just love everything about this place. The variety of beers is awesome. The food is just great no matter what u pick.... but burgers wow. They are just the best ever! Service is super friendly, they will explain you everything with so much enthusiasm. Northdown u rock!!!
(5)
Dan S.

If they gave half stars, I'd give this place 3-1/2. I'm just not sure how I feel about it. On one hand, they have a great beer selection. I've been wanting to try KBS for quite some time and wasn't fortunate enough to get any when it came out. I was very excited when they had it at Northdown. It was $20 a bottle, but supply and demand, right? Anyways, I was glad to try it, regardless of the price. I've also had a number of other great beers there that I would be hard pressed to get anywhere else in the city. They seem to get 3 Floyd's seasonals and one-offs that only a couple of other bars get. That's great. I'd describe the service as so-so. I've only sat at the bar so I'm speaking about the bartenders and not servers. It's not that they were rude or that it took long to get my food/drinks, it's just that they seemed disinterested. When I go to a bar serving craft beer, I like to talk with the bartender about the beers and maybe get some info about the breweries or just chat. The staff at Northdown doesn't really do this. They kind of just set your food/drink in front of you and walk away. I get that I'm at the bar for the food and drink and not to make friends with the bartenders, but I guess I was just a little disappointed in the service. I'm not sure how I feel about the food. I had the pork slaw once and it was pretty good. Nothing to write home about, but a decent pork sandwich. The fries seemed fresh and were pretty good. I guess I was just disappointed with the options on the menu. There's not much I would have went with other than the pork slaw and that's probably why I won't be back for a meal anytime soon. I believe their menu may change frequently, as I hear they're into using local, seasonal ingredients. Maybe next time I go in for a drink, there will be other appealing options. Overall, it's a nice place with great beers. Nothing bad really jumps out, but it just doesn't feel like a place I want to hang out at. I'll come back for rare beer tappings and events, but it's not a place I'll frequent.
(3)
Melissa H.

They don't do pies anymore. What's the point?
(2)
Regina C.

Surprising amount of began options and a really great beer list. Fun place!
(4)
Jessie N.

Went here recently for brunch on a lovely Sunday afternoon. The bf and I have been trying different places in the area and yelpers directed me here! Overall the food was delicious. I got the eggs benedict minus the hollandaise. Instead of the usual english muffins, they used a freshly baked biscuit. Yummmmm. Also, the hasbrowns that came with the eggs were so good! I got a mimosa to help wash down all the deliciousness. Little pricey at $8 but was served in a pint glass so was definitely more mimosa then you normally get. I will definitely be trying this place again for lunch/dinner.
(4)
Paul K.

Great selection of brews! I did not try the food but the menu looked to have some really nice selections!
(4)
Lisa C.

Another great find from my friends at Yelp! It takes someone with an incredibly strong will to resist a bar that serves homemade pie. I went on a Wednesday night a few weeks back at around 6pm. It was starting to fill up a bit, but still easy to snag a table. Northdown has an extensive beer selection that allows you to try something new at a reasonable price. I got the Ayinger Brau Weiss, which was a solid alternative to the Blue Moon/Hoegaarden I usually drink. Some of the Yelpers had recommended the Pork Fries appetizer, but I was a little hesitant to order more fries in addition to the ones coming with our meals. This is a time when I like to play Let's Make a Deal. Because it was only myself and my boyfriend dining, I asked if we could replace our two orders of fries with one order of the Pork Fries appetizer. Our waiter asked the cook, who said that we would be charged $6 instead of the usual $10, which I thought was completely reasonable and decided to accept the challenge. The Pork Fries themselves were reminiscent of the Old Oak Tap's Fat Boy Pie, and I mean that in the best possible way. The combination of pulled pork, cheese, bacon, and a touch of heat is a winner. Rounding out my personal Tour de Fat, I went with the Short Stout Sandwich. It was the epitome of comfort food. Warm, braised beef short ribs on crunchy Ciabatta bread with red onion jam totally made me forget that I had barely made it through hump day and I still had two days of work before the weekend. The same could be said for my boyfriend's burger, but I would recommend to go with the Short Stout if you want something a little different than typical bar fare. So, I couldn't even finish my Short Stout Sandwich and I was too full to order a piece of their signature pie. Blasphemy, I know. I had the intention of running errands in the area and coming back for pie, but we were still stuffed to the gills hours later and decided to take a rain check on it. And you better believe I will be going back soon to cash it, preferably paid out in Banana and Almond Cream slices.
(5)
Carri C.

Staff was attentive and the food was tasty. I had the chicken sandwich. The beer list was pretty good although I wish they would have had at least one selection from Half Acre (just down the street on Lincoln), New Holland or some choices from craft brews in WI. It is my understanding that the owners also own a cafe in Milwaukee so they should be familar with all of the outstanding Wisconsin beers. We were sat in the back room. In short, that sucked big time. There was no music in there and it just felt weird. It felt like there was a party going on (in the front room) and you were not invited. Also, the mix of customers was strange. A little kid was having her birthday party there at the best seat in the house. There were a number of other little kids there too-I felt like I had to watch my language. The place does not seem to have a identity. I suggest that management steer away from the family vibe unless they want to have this be essentially a Chucky Cheese with good food and beer.
(3)
B C.

I've noticed a good trend in Chicago's north side taverns. NCT embodies the style. There are some common signs: pinball machines, Phineas Jones-style artwork, notable music playlists, creative food choices, and extensive beer menus. I like how they're trying a little harder to get customers through the door. I'm glad things are evolving beyond the old formula of televised sports and cheap Old Style.
(5)
Lois A.

PIE! I've only been a pig for pie when I've been here so I can't say anything about the rest of the food. I am dying to try the grilled cheese as it looked amazing - so did all the food I saw here. But back to the pie. The banana cream was just out of this world. It had this wonderful crust that you could tell me is made in heaven and I wouldn't disagree. The apple pie is also fantastic. These slices are filling, believe me. The staff is great and so is the beer list. I will probably be back here many more times as there are a ton of things on the menu I want. Fun space too, I liked that it wasn't killing my eyes with televisions the way so many bars like to do.
(4)
Aminda S.

Oh me, oh my. I love this place! My one complaint about Roscoe Village is there just aren't enough bars nearby that have good beer lists, good food and a great atmosphere. Yes, technically this isn't considered Roscoe Village but hey, I can walk to it, and stumble back home. It counts. My boyfriend and I have walked past Northdown Cafe numerous times always with the intention of eventually stopping in and I am so glad we finally did. We were looking for a place to have a night cap and ended up staying for two beverages of the alcoholic variety plus a heaping plate of french fries (typical sushi dinner night out- one hour later we're starving!). At first glance I would have thought this place was just another sports bar from outside, but once inside it has an entirely different vibe. The atmosphere is warm and cozy - lots of candles and a few cool vintage lamps illuminating corners of the bar (check out the back room when you hit the bathroom - very cute and a nice area if you're coming in more for dinner than drinking). Lots of beards, Surfer Blood playing in the background. And only one flat screen at the bar, playing The Simpsons I might add. You get the idea. The bartenders were friendly and even took the time to explain the story behind the Lagunitas Sucks Holiday Ale (look it up - kind of awesome if you're a fan of the brewery which I am). Their beer selection (both draft and bottle) is pretty top notch and their food menu looks just as impressive. Their special of the evening included duck fat yukon gold potatoes. Do I hear harps? Speaking of food, our fries were actually pretty amazing. We meant to ask what kind of oil they were cooked in, because there was definitely something special going on there (perhaps truffle oil? Or duck fat?). And the alioli/mayo dipping sauce accompanying the fries? Forget about it. Delicious! We will definitely be back.
(5)
Danger R.

I am obsessed with this place. I usually frequent it at least once a week. Not only is the atmosphere perfectly casual but still cool (i.e. I can rock sweatpants and glasses on a Tuesday night and not feel disheveled but can come in on a Saturday night in something more put-together and feel comfortable). Also, they play these crazy-ass movies in the background and always are entertaining. Even the music kicks ass. Always great food (try their ever-changing butter!). GREAT beer selection. Waitstaff are amazing. In fact, I went last night and the man taking our order was not only knowledgeable about their beer, but even suggested a delicious (and reasonably-priced) Malbec, which was cheaper to split a bottle than order individually. My only beef is that they no longer serve that delicious pie. Mmmboy. Bravo! Keep up the good work.
(5)
Erika R.

My friends who live in Chicago have taken myself and my husband here a couple times and we are never disappointed. Good service, food and great beer. Had the mac and cheese last time and it was delicious!
(5)
Katie R.

My mom, sister and I stumbled across this place after walking around the neighborhood when we realized Wishbone was closed until 5pm. First walking in, the staff was super friendly, there were only a few people in there but that's because it was 4pm. The interior is really neat, cool photos on the wall and this unusually wood paneling, which seemed like it was from old barns. Our server, who was very attractive, recommended great beer options. One cool thing he did, which I completely respect him for, was my sister was about to order this certain beer and he informed her that it costs $18 (since the prices were not on the specials board). Not many servers would warn customers about the price, which was really nice of him. The food was good, I was impressed by the subtle vegan options. I'd definitely like to come back to this place, either for brunch or just for drinks. Super happy we found this place!
(5)
Paul C.

Northdown Cafe is a good neighborhood joint, nothing crazy, but worth a visit if you're in the hood. The beer list is great, but a little pricey. I paid $9 for a half pint of some super hop brew. Sure it was 9% alcohol, but it seemed expensive for such a small pour. The food is hit or miss. The pork frites were the clear highlight. I loved the combo of the bbq pork and bacon, with jalapeno, though they could have used some more liquid cheese. A little stingy on that front. My boo's burger looked pretty good, but my chicken sandwich was more bread than anything else. Not a winner. I'd say hit up Northdown if you're in the area, it's certainly better than most of its neighbors, but I wouldn't go out of my way to visit.
(3)
Matt M.

Typing this live on my phone as the night/experience goes on. GF and I walked in and grabbed a booth (open seating). I like open seating. Service was very attentive from the first moment. Staff is super friendly! . . . The service continues to be great. Mac & Cheese = super huge serving! Very tasty! Add bacon for a buck = a must! ''Lamb on stick'' is perfectly seasoned. Sauce is tasty and on the sweet side, which I like. There's also a bit of a kick to it. Radish sprouts are delish as a garnish. GF ordered the short stout. Awesome! Would definitely get it again. I ordered the roast beef and red pepper. My sandwich was good, but not as good as the GF's short stout. I also had a cup of the mushroom and ram soup. A-M-A-Z-I-N-G! Gf had the side salad with her short stout. Great selection of veggies and greens in the salad. Pie ended the night perfectly. GF had the apple streusel pie, and I had the chocolate cream pie. Excellent pie... Crust was delicious! Apple wins over the chocolate cream. We're definitely leaving stuffed with plenty left over for lunch tomorrow. It was a bit pricey, but we ordered quite a bit. The portions we're very, very generous. Needless to say, we'll be back many times for sure!
(5)
Rachel G.

Fantastic pie. Great beer selection. What a little gem of a place.
(4)
Patrick G.

The owners of this place also have like 4 places in Milwaukee, WI, So on a trip to Chicago we figured why not try it out! Great experience! Bartender Andrew was really friendly and helpful with the menu and beer selection! Tuesday happens to be $1 off Belgian beers! The food was Excellent with a great Beer selection! It was exactly what we expected! I highly recomend!
(5)
Allie W.

I'm so disappointed. Recently they apparently changed pie chefs and the pie has never been the same. Additionally, the food has also taken a turn for the worse. I was there for brunch and got the day's special - nutella french toast with bananas and cream cheese. Sounds amazing, right? It wasn't. It was bland and visually gross - it literally looked like a shit sandwich. They do still have an amazing chicken pot pie, so 2 stars for that and the extensive beer list.
(2)
Evangeline B.

I went here excited to try their vegan options. I'm not vegan but enjoy vegan food so I thought this was a no brainer since they had so many options. Has to be decent, right? NO. I tried the Devil's pie with some miso soup and they were both terrible. Even the mashed potatoes were disgusting and partially cold. I could have made myself better food at home, which I did when I left. However my friends got salads which were good, so maybe their non vegan food is worth it. They also have a big beer list which is a plus, but there were no descriptions beyond price and alcohol content and my server, while nice, didn't even know what beers were on the menu let alone what they tasted like.
(2)
Rita W.

Disclaimer: I only got the pie so this is review is for their pie only. My girlfriend had been telling us the pie at Northdown was awesome so being the dessert lover that I am I needed to have me some pie! I ordered the almond cream pie. These pieces of pie are not for the faint of heart. They are pretty huge slices and the whipped cream topping is twice as high as the filling. Not that I am complaining what can be better than large servings of dessert! My two girl friends ordered the key lime pie and the coconut banana pie. All pies were delicious! My almond cream had a thicker consistency - our waitress compared to a cheesecake type texture. It's a little smoother but it does taste as rich as cheesecake does. There are thinly sliced almond on top and sprinkling of almonds throughout the pie. The whipped cream topping tasted like it was home made and was not super sweet. My friend's pie were also just as good. The keylime was not too tart or overly sweet and was actually quite refreshing. The coconut banana cream pie didn't overpower you with either coconut or banana so it just right of a combination. The food looked great here, I am hoping to come back next time to order some food as well!
(4)
Paul S.

All bars should have a local old man enjoying a Schlitz and sipping a shot of jaggermister. That's all I'm saying. ...it should be made into it's own scoring system like zaggot, Michelin, etc...
(5)
Hanna A.

Absolutely fantastic. Pies, food, drink. Flavored special butter & bread. Special butters? What more can you even want? Or me, at least. I am NOT a pie eater- I have not ever eaten a whole slice of pie, but seeing a family member dig into the coconut cream pie? Homemade deliciousness- have 10 pies at a time. Seriously- the crust and whip cream are worth getting it. Tried many different dinners here, salad was fresh, burger and fries were amazing, tried a bite of BBQ pork- tasty. Tomato soup and grilled cheese- yummy. Okay this is embarrassing. go here!!
(5)
Richard O.

Soo... they got rid of the pie. And when we went in there a while back we asked what happened to the pies they used to have and the waitress was trying to pull some kind of jedi mindgame with us like we were too dumb to be able to determine they stopped selling the world's best pies. The food's too greasy for me to keep going there. We only went for the pies. I haven't been back for a while, but I noticed I still had a good review up for this place and I wanted to set the record straight.
(2)
Virginia T.

I stopped in after work for dinner. I ordered the Three Floyd's Zombie Dust (Citra hops yum!) and J got the Boulevard Zon Wit. Both were great as expected. I had the chicken and biscuit pie. It was delicious (and had broccoli in it!) but needed seasoning. At least there was salt & pepper on the table so I could fix that problem myself. J had the "breakfast in your face" which wasn't on their online menu....it was sort of like a breakfast poutine. Fries with sausage gravy, 2 eggs (he got them scrambled), cheese and scallions. They played great music while we were there. I noticed the Smiths and the Shins that I remember. It was a bit pricey ($50 for two entrees, two beers, one piece of pie) but I will be back for sure.
(4)
Allison J.

I am obsessed with this place. The food is fantastic, their beer selection makes me squeal with joy, and their staff are all awesomely nice and cool. I discovered Northdown, sadly, right before I moved out of Chicago. I inquired with Tom, their owner (?) about having a farewell party there and he was super chill and accommodating, even when I couldn't give him an exact head count or exact date. Definitely my favorite laid-back boozy joint in all of Chicago. You can bet your bottom freakin' dollar that I'll be paying them a visit the next time I'm back in town. P.S. Three words: key lime pie.
(5)
Ben K.

Good food and good drinks. There's a huge beer list here (although there's only one IPA currently on tap), and a medium sized menu with a bunch of good looking stuff. I had a grilled chicken sandwich on ciabatta, with gruyere, some kind of caramelized onion, and an herb aioli. All quality components, and a really fantastic sandwich. I'd like to say I'll be adventurous next time and get something new, but in my heart I know that when I come back, I will be having this exact same item again. The rest of my table seemed to enjoy the grilled cheese w/tomato soup, meatloaf, and chicken pot pie pretty well. But the fries came out en masse and were already luke warm and not particularly tasty. Go with the side salad instead.
(4)
Sid V.

Went here the other night and had the misfortune of sitting in the back room, which is peculiar, odd and depressing, like an out of the way and private space an AA meeting might take place or the coming revolution might foment one of these days. Had we been up front, no doubt another star would have been on this review, but the back was just odd to the point of being very slightly uncomfortable. Good service, good food (not sure what the concept of putting the sprouts on the short rib sandwich was exactly but damn tasty anyway), fair portions and a decent beer list, but the ambiance is so-so they should really play some music in the back room, it feels like there is a party in the apartment next door and you aren't invited. Also, the identity crisis comments (does this place know what it is?) are definitely on point-cafe, bar, kids party central?
(3)
Boon K.

Good beer selection but I must say they took comfort food to another level. My first favor is the lamb on the stick, fresh tasting lamb with a great tomatoes sauce. The Pork fries is a large portion and great to share. Hands down, the compact turkey dinner was the bomb!! I love the fried stuffing balls, the gravy, and of course the turkey. Submariner was a paid so homage to NO muffelletta. I am also happy with the seitan philly when I don't feel like meat.
(5)
Eric M.

If you're going just for beer, this is an excellent place. Not only are there a ton to pick from, but you get great descriptions on the menu and a knowledgeable staff to help you out. As for food, you're not going to find anything amazing here. I've had a few dishes and each time I've thought this is ok but I'll try something different next time. Nothing yet has won me over. So come for the beers.
(3)
Laura M.

Great neighborhood spot. I have been very impressed by the food every time I am here. The homemade bread and butter (different type daily) is fantastic, especially the bacon/Jalapeno butter. Sandwiches are definitely a step up from bar food, great quality ingredients and good homemade food. The service sort of sucks though, very slow; forgot some of what we ordered, etc. Not so bad that we wont be back. You MUST save room for the homemade pies.
(4)
Dawn G.

Impressed...first time in a while the red eye has provided me with useful info. My veggie loving SO was so thrilled about this place we just had to go. So we did. It was yum, adorable and yum. The place is sort of cute and sort of weird , but not homey cute and weird, funky is maybe a better word. I do have to say the goat cheese is delish as is, the cheesy tomato sandwich. Passing on the pie is haunting me and I just dined there 3 hrs ago. We will be back, soon I think then I'll see if they get the 5th star, I'm just trying not to drool over the beer list and wide array of options. You can take anyone here- vegan, veg, meat eater etc. Not to mention they're big on sustainability, which I appreciate with the products a place serves.
(4)
Mrs. T.

Meat lovers, this is the perfect place to go with your vegan and vegetarian friends! Northdown makes their own seitan and offers some nice choices for vegans. I've enjoyed both dinner and brunch at Northdown and I can't wait to go back to try their beer selection. The waitstaff is very knowledeable and aims to bring in local vendors whenever possible. Fun atmosphere.
(4)
Danielle G.

Awesome owners, awesome staff. They always have great benefits and fund raisers. There are usually great prizes to win at these, including rare and awesome beers and even tattoo gift certificates (to top shops). They're also always open early which is a big plus if, like me, you like to enjoy a beer with lunch.
(5)
Karen G.

So I came to this place twice in a week and ordered the mac and cheese both times. It's that good. Great place to eat if you have any vegetarians/vegans in your group- something for everyone. Good service, nice beer selection, great food. Will return for some more mac and cheese!
(5)
Kenny T.

This place is awesome. The vegan food is so good, and there's a big menu of beer, wine and drinks. Chicago's bar scene is not very vegan friendly, so Northdown was nice to find. I'll be telling all my friends about this place. Plus, the fries are awesome and there's pinball!
(5)
Brian P.

I'm a fan. Very good beer selection, food menu above average for this sort of venue. Also just a comfortable place to be. Bartenders/waiters always helpful in a no-BS kind of way.
(4)
D R.

Good stuff. Revolving beers are on tap, the almost up-to-date website can't keep up. Friendly staff, small but interesting menu, and great atmosphere. Ran into a bartender from another bar sitting at this bar. Good sign? Found parking right out front and there is a public lot around the corner on School Street. A really unique vibe. I think this is the new model for Chicago bars. Limited high quality choices brought to you by enlightened ownership.
(4)
Emily P.

New favorite place to grab a beer. This place has a unique vibe. Plenty of room for groups in the back. The beer list is extensive and unique. I came here one night with a few girlfriends. We each drank 2 beers that ranged between 9-11% alcohol and shared a piece of chocolate pie. Ho-mazing. I will be coming back to try out their brunch menu with suggested beer pairings.
(5)
Sarah L.

Food was pretty good, but our service was awful. Didn't have water for almost the whole meal, didnt get our plates cleared, etc. Also, the beers dont have ounce info, so when you order $12 dollar beer and its barely 8 oz, it's frustrating because maybe you would have chose different if you'd known.
(3)
Charlie z.

Now let me preface this review by saying that I was mostly disappointed with the food. The wait staff is attentive and the vibe is relaxed. It's a great place to grab a drink with friends, however, DO NOT get the pulled pork sandwich. The plate was wrong on several levels. First the sandwich had no texture at all. The bun was not toasted and there wasn't anything to add crunch. At least throw a house made slaw onto the damn thing. It felt like I was mushing wet bread around in my mouth....yuck! Second, there was no bbq sauce to tie everything together. The flavor of the pork was ok, but a nice sauce would have really made a difference. Lastly, the side salad was served in a cup like dish with carrots quartered long ways and laid on top! How was I supposed to eat the damn thing! I got the lettuce out but most of it landed on the table not in my tummy :). Put the salad in a little bowl...not a cup. All in all. I would go back for a drink and maybe try another item on the menu, but definitely not the pulled pork. And after you get something that is less than mediocre you start to lose faith in the food :/
(2)
Lauren B.

The best description I can give you right now after eating at Northdown is a Homer Simpson-esque drool. SO GOOD Husband and I stumbled in here (we were planning on going to Becketts but this place caught our eye before we reached our destination). It's only 3 months old so not too shocking we've missed it before. We'll never miss it AGAIN! Food was delicious - affordable gourmet comfort food. I had one of the best grilled cheese/tomato soup combos ever and he had a riDICULOUS short rib sandwich. Everything was perfectly cooked and seasoned - just mouth watering. One of the best pieces of coconut cream pie at the end of the meal to top it off. Beer list was long and awesome. Service was stellar - props to Andrew and Jamie for keeping us entertained and always making sure our beers were full. We'll be back very soon.
(5)
Kaitlyn P.

Part of me really wants to keep this place a secret because it's such a great find, but I enjoyed it so much that I can't help but share. (Also, Urban Daddy already spilled the beans, so I guess the cat's out of the bag.) We almost passed this place twice looking for it because it still has no sign. Once we found it, though, the "If Attack Comes" scrawled in huge letters across the wall made it clear we were in the right place. The place has a great beer selection, which our enthusiastic and heavily tattooed server told us is constantly changing (giving me a reason right there to keep coming back). Opted for a challenging sour beer and a safe Allagash White, both of which went down well with the food we ordered. I had the grilled cheese and tomato soup (my ultimate comfort food!). The bread was crisp but not hard and the cheese gooey without being runny - perfect for dipping in their thick tomato soup. I'm going to feel ridiculous for saying this, but their in-house-made pickles, which come as a garnish with every sandwich, were incredible! (Our server shyly told us he had made them himself earlier that week.) A great addition to the neighborhood!
(5)
Alex N.

TRY ANYTHING. BEST PIE i've ever had. Almond Butter pie - it was absolutely amazing. The meals were all amazing. Mac and Cheese was great, turkey ball dinner was pretty good but could use cranberry sauce, meatloaf was INTENSE AND ENORMOUS! but so good. YOU MUST, I MEAN MUST, TRY THE BBQ PORK FRIES AS AN APPETIZER. The beer that I had tasted like juice. If you don't like beer then you must try that beer because it was amazing - not syrupy but still sweet and delicious. Lots of beer options to go on too. Try something new. It's worth it.
(5)
Emily O.

I heard this place was open until 2 am on weeknights, so when my friend called me at 11 pm complaining of hunger, I thought of Northdown. Unfortunately, it turns out that after 11 they only serve soup and pie. Which is great and all, but not really when you'd be planning on trying their homemade seitan. We ordered pie, and it was awesome. My friend had cherry and I had a peach raspberry pie. Both were delicious, but the cherry was probably the better of the two. Also, both were vegan (which I didn't mention to my carnivore companion). The waitress told us that they're planning on serving food until midnight in the future, which sounds awesome. In the meantime, they ought to update their website and mention somewhere that although they are open until the wee hours of the morning, they stop serving food before the night is over. I'm still hungry and disappointed.
(4)
Steve T.

Excellent beer selection. Really enjoyed the 3 Floyds Ham on Rye and Allagash White. The Fiance enjoyed the fruity Monks Cafe. Fries were excellent and Leslie's Cheesy Tomato sandwich with Roast Beef was an amazing cheeseteak sandwich with the works. Fiances Pork Sandwich was good. Could of used a little more BBQ sauce but the smoked coleslaw on it more than made up for it. Can't wait to go back. The space is new and could use a little more ambiance but it just opened so give it some more time.
(5)
Hans K.

Delicious food - especially the gruyere burger. Their fries are amazing too. Wonderful beer selection.
(5)
Mike B.

Beer and Pie .. OHHHH MYYYYY
(5)
Billy W.

Northdown is my choice for best kept secret in the city of Chicago and I've only been twice. This place boasts it all - especially food. It's got the manufactured divey feel but it ends there. Feng shui coming out of its ears. Creme beer selection - Half Acre is flowing like beer/water/wine and Northdown also owns the distinction of *best* bloody mary I've ever had. The bloody was rich and stuffed with all kinds of enjoyables, I think I even found a silver dollar in it. My buddy had their ribeye last night and it was legendary. They have three pinball machines and soon I will play them. If you're not into hanging out and eating in the bustling taproom, you can sit in the back around the corner. This is the place I will bring out of towners to show them a fantastic Chicago experience. A+++
(5)
Carolynne M.

So, in case you didn't want to read the TOME of some of the reviews that have recently been posted here about Northdown, let me sum it up for you in a way that is easy to read and gets to the point. - funky, interesting decor (with great music and pinball machines in the back! yay!) - fantastic, enthusiastic, personable waitstaff with lightning fast service - Beer list is intriguing & well priced - they have a habanero hot sauce by a local supplier, FieryAlyce.com , that is intensely flavourful and adds a whole new dimension of awesome to whatever it is you are ordering. - as for the food: Roasted Garlic and White Bean dip with hand made Ciabatta toast? Served warm and full of beany perfection. Mac & Cheese? Rich and dense, tons of cheese flavour. My number 2 pick for best M&C in the city. Don't forget to add some of that hot sauce to really perk things up. Pies? Now I am normally not a dessert person, but I had to know what the deal was with these pies. For around $4 you get a giant slice of obviously homemade (or small batch or whatever you want to call it) decadence. I chose banana cream which is hard to get right and I can always tell if someone decided to sneak in some fakey banana flavour. Not here! Super fresh banana filling with doubly fresh real whipped cream on top. Seriously. Get a piece of whatever flavour you want. You won't be disappointed. A great new addition to this strip of Lincoln Ave. Glad I found you Northdown, and am intrigued to go back. There. Just saved you 10 minutes of reading!
(5)
Patrick n.

Good selection of beers and nice atmosphere, but the food was just okay for us. We got the mac and cheese and the turkey and stuffing balls, both were pretty bland and the turkey balls were really greasy. It may have just been an off night, based on the other people's reviews I'd like to give the place another chance.
(3)
Moe f.

We have a new winner for my fav Mac n Cheese in town. Throw in some Pork Fries and you have a fantastic post Hideout Block Party meal. But it doesn't stop there cause I got to drink more Zombie Dust and some Southern Tier PunKing.
(5)
Chris V.

Great beer. Food is even better. Best place within at least a few miles.
(5)
Steve T.

The best eggs benedict for brunch in town. Hands down. I haven't been here for anything other than brunch yet (mostly because every time I've tried to go around dinner it's completely packed), but have enjoyed it every time. The biscuits are amazing...great flavor, and the holondaise sauce makes my mouth water. You can screw up benedict very easily, but they have made it amazing. Get the mimosa, go ahead, treat yourself.
(4)
Lindsay B.

The pies are no longer from Val. They are now actually my local Hoosier Mama's - still good, but not made in house.
(4)
Laura S.

Northdown: A Vegan Review I think that vegans should support businesses that make an effort to cater to the non-meat-eating, so a friend (also vegan) and I went to Northdown for dinner last night to check it out. It's definitely a place that has something for everyone. They have a pretty good assortment of vegan options--including 2 vegan pies the night we went. My roasted veggie sandwich with white bean spread was well-crafted and tasty. Actually, the bread was nearly perfect. My friend's seitan philly sandwich could have been more flavorful and was kind of dry, but she did take home the leftovers. Can't complain about hand-cut fries with the skin on. The beer list seemed well thought-out. The staff was knowledgeable and accommodating with their menu items. Downer: it was loud and we had to ask 3 times for water. (Maybe because it was so loud.) Did I mention the (2) vegan pies?!! I will definitely keep this place on my (short) list of places I can eat with my family and everyone is happy.
(4)
Erica W.

Food was good, service was just okay but the fact that we had to wait over an hour for our food when the place was not even busy was a big deterrent. No explanation of what the problem was or why we had to wait either. Kinda sad because as a vegetarian there are a lot of things I would like to try here- I might give it another chance for redemption though.
(3)
B.D. K.

You guys are great. We tortured ourselves by trying to have a pretentious meal downtown, and left that place starving. After a few hours, we needed to eat again, tried to go to Beckett's Public House (which just closed their kitchen), walked up to you guys, and you saved the day with awesome draft selections and late night grub. I wasn't expecting the food to be as good as it was, and I dig the atmosphere. Probably my new favorite spot in the village.
(4)
Maggie R.

meh. was only here once, and it was the kind of day where they were out of most of the things i wanted: didn't have my first choice beer, first choice appetizer, and first choice pie. weird. that's cool, i didn't really want any of my first choices anyway. on the plus side, the pie i did end up having (it was caramel and chocolate) was still pretty g-d good. redemption!
(3)
Kerry M.

Yum. Brunch here was fantastic from start to finish. Service was good, ambience was pretty cool, parking was easy. We stopped in on Sunday around noon, expecting it to be packed, and it most definitely was not. We were seated right away. I'm surprised though, because the food was fantastic. They have a pretty extensive brunch menu, from which I ordered their version of eggs benedict. They make everything in house, so the biscuit that sat underneath the eggs, along with the hashbrowns on the side, were warm and crispy. My friend ordered the quiche, and loved hers as well. We also split a piece of banana cream pie. Wow. I'm not a sweets/dessert person in the least, but I'd come back for this. Our server told us that they generally have more flavors to choose from, but the pies sell out quickly. I can see why. It was delish. Very light, as pies should be, but very, very filling at the same time. So good. Go, before the word gets out. And try the pie. No matter what.
(5)
Courtney K.

Northdown is a pretty hipster spot with incredible pie and a huge variety of craft beers on tap. Great bloody marys and breakfast specials on the weekends too. Loved having this place in my neighborhood. Its always affordable, never too crowded, and the bartenders and servers are very friendly. I would recommend this to anyone looking for a chill meal out that they wont soon forget.
(4)
Carrie L.

YES, YES, YES!! I love everything about this place down to the last beard on the majority of bartenders. Great food, pie and beer. The guys and gals behind the bar are laid back and enjoyable. THANK YOU for opening in my neighborhood.
(5)
Jenna M.

Northdown has a great vibe that feels unique to the area, more like something you'd find in Logan Square or Ukrainian Village than Lakeview. Great music (Misfits, Pixies, Motorhead) at a good volume. Lots of places boast extensive beer menus and give you the same old Two Brothers and Great Lakes that you see at the average joint, but this menu has a number of choices I hadn't seen before. The food has that little extra something to make it stand out. Over a few visits I've had: - pork fries (a commitment, but worth it!) - ciabatta with orange olive butter, goat cheese and caramelized onions (awesome all around, had to stop myself from eating the butter straight once the bread was gone) - house salad with grapefruit tarragon dressing (standard, but great dressing) - Reuben (reasonable size, good flavor on the meat and dig the smoky slaw that came with it) - banana cream pie (yes yes more please. Gives Feed's banana pudding a run for its money. And what the heck is in that crust? Amazing.) I only give it 4 stars because there have been service snafus each time I've gone. First time I went with a friend, the server kept switching our beers, so unless I knew what mine tasted like (my friend had Gumballhead, so I could tell I'd gotten hers), we'd have missed it. Also went recently and received a side salad when I ordered a main. I was ok with it and they were very gracious, giving us a free slice of pie for the mix up. All in all, I dig the place.
(4)
Dustin W.

Do you have a 3-floyds neon sign? Have you ever seen one in Chicago? Only if you've had the pleasure of dining or drinking at Northdown Cafe & Taproom. If you have ever spent time looking for the striped shirt wonder known as Waldo, then you know that sometimes it takes a little luck to nail the exact location down, which may be the case for a few more weeks at Northdown as they don't even have their name on the place. Never fear, 3Floyds-neon sign to the rescue. Just look for the glow coming from the custom neon and use your nose and you will be pleasantly rewarded. I walked in thinking it was going to be a second rate experience considering no sign and more importantly that I was originally heading into Fizz bar for Chicago Craft Beer Week. Unfortunately, Fizz was not open for regular seating, and I wasnt ready for a 4 hour session of yummy heavy hitter ales at their Craft Brew day (which for the record looked awesome through the fence, but made me sad I could not participate). Back to Northdown now, as I said, I walked in rather discouraged, but wow was that about to change quickly. NCT is an 85-seat comfort food restaurant in the space that formerly housed Bourbon. I was cordially greeted by several staff members. Lots of tats must be hiring criteria or maybe the abundance of tats are actually a sign of good times in this case, either way I like color and these folks certainly had it. They didnt need to pin their 32 pieces of flare on, they wore it in their expressions that they really like their new jobs and the potential that NCT has to offer the neighborhood. A few short conversations later, I learned they (3 partners, 2 of which own successful outfits in other cities, Milwaukee if I remember correctly) decided to start slowly and build up until they have the kinks worked out (aspiring restauranteurs pay attention now). This might be called a soft open when performed in the standard half-arse kinda way, however when you do it like NCT (COME CORRECT), your restaurants reputation will remain strong while allowing you to may make a few mistakes. Next lesson I learned, the sign isnt hung yet for a reason, nor do they really care to have too much buzz or out the door line action at this point. Like I mentioned, they are opening slowly so as to improve before advertising to Chicago that they make one of the best beef sandwiches you have ever sunk your jaws into. I certainly have never had better, and I just ate at Jerry's a few days ago. I can happily report they are now open for full hours (still slowly developing of course), and yes, the sign is coming soon :) I will warn you though that it wont be long before you cant get near the door at Northdown, its just that darn good. This review is painful to write as I dont want to lose my new favorite gastropub, but alas it is inevitable that NCT will be a huge hit. So what about the food, all this banter, yet you just want to know about the eats and drinks right? The concept at NCT is clear from the menu, traditional comfort food with a VERY heavy focus on ingredient quality and local farmer support, sourcing from over 40 different farms in Wisconsin and bringing in quality baked breads, etc. Being that it was lunch, I opted for the sandwich list and immediately spotted my prey, the Short Stout, which is, drum roll please: Old Rasputin beer braised beef short ribs on thick ciabatta (not that flaky chain-restaurant over-herbed crap). The beef was moist, but not soggy or so thick it overpowered the sandy withmeat flavor. It was piled deep, but like I said, didnt have that sticky pasty brickhouse feeling of an Al's beef. The ciabatta was hearty and crisp, but not too dry, so it didnt scrape my mouth to shreds, flake apart, AND just as importantly, it was able to maintain its texture without becoming soggy or falling apart (even my leftovers were perfect after 12 hours in the fridge). Somewhere buried in this meaty delight was fresh fontina cheese and it was dressed with beautiful vibrant farmer's market quality micro greens tossed in a mild red-wine vinagrette as well as a tasty red onion slaw. As if it couldnt get any better, they added a few sliced legit fresh pickles (sweet dill maybe but not sure about my pickle knowledge). From bottom to top bun, this sandwich delivered on every level, and has set a new bar for me when it comes to beef sandys. To make things even better, it came with natural cut (skin on) shoestringesque fries, my fave of the fried potato family. This meal made me so happy, and is currently as I finish my leftovers and write this ode to NCT. Other outrageously mean looking items I saw delivered to happy faces included the open faced meatloaf and AJ's compact turkey dinner (already selected as my next food item to try at Northdown). As for the pie, help me please get to dessert nest time or I may just have to call mom ahead of time and ask if I may eat my pudding before I eat my meat! To drink: Flanders Cuvee de Jacobins sour red
(5)
Andrew C.

Let's keep it simple: Great food, amazing pies, cool atmosphere, fantastic beer list.
(5)
Darrin D.

They stopped making their pies in-house. Sorry guys, the food is still amazing and the service is great, but I'm disappointed in the pies compared to what they where.
(4)
Ciel D.

Food was great, good selection of beers. Had to take off a few stars for the overpriced food... $2 to add broccoli (4 small florets) is just way too much. The waitress seemed upset that we didn't order drinks, and was kinda pushy clearing our table and handing out checks.
(3)
Karen C.

Northdown is like a little piece of heaven on Earth. Ridiculously amazing beer list. Ridiculously nice owner & bartenders that will help you navigate said beer list. Casual, friendly, excellent. I love this place.
(5)
Shalem A.

I'm downgrading to 3 stars because the last several times I have been here, I noticed the menu was always the same (it used to rotate depending on what was in season and available). Upon asking my server during my most recent visit, I was told they lost their head chef, and that going forward this would be the menu. It's not bad, but nothing special either. The beer selection is still tops in the neighborhood.
(3)
Peter O.

Met up here with friends before a show at Schuba's. It was around 8:30p on Friday and maybe about 70% of the seats were full. The four of us grabbed a table in the corner. Our server was quick to bring us menus and waters. We asked for a minute to study the beer offerings. Fifteen minutes go by and our server still hasn't returned. Went up to the bar to order drinks from the bartender and bring back to the table. I balked when he said I needed to bring everyone up to the counter to check ID. Then he told me to sit back down and he'd get the server over to get our orders. He seemed pretty peeved by the whole thing and acted kind of dickish. Five more minutes went by, still no server. We left unserved and went to Fizz down the street. Had great service there. This wasn't my first visit to Northdown. I'm generally happy to go there because they've got a nice beer selection. In past experiences, I've sat at the bar and I've never ordered food. I like the beer list and my service was decent in the past, but I won't be going out of my way to go back here.
(2)
Steven R.

No idea what the hell the name means but it's a welcome addition to the neighborhood. I feel like I should start this with some detail laden gushing about "when you first walk in" but let's face it, I came for beer and this place has... BEER. We're not talking cheap Miller Light, we're talking delicious beer like Three Floyd's or Perennial's Abraxas. While you're enjoying the list of libations, the food is worth the shot. The chicken pot pie was served in a little pot and though a tad on the small side, it was satisfying and delicious. Overall this is a good chill bar that says more "relax" than "party". That said, it is still a great place to have more than a few and enjoy your company. Oh and if you need more room, check the back!
(4)
Jelena Z.

"Any time of the day is a good time for pie." - Fabienne, Pulp Fiction; Alabama, True Romance; and Jelena Z, @Northdown CafÃ© at 1am on 8/2 Be still my Tarantino-lovin' heart - I uttered those words seconds after walking into my dream of a craft beer haven (in Lakeview no less), a bar built on a slow food premise featuring small-batch, made-from-scratch PIE. Not pizza pie, not savory meat pies, but sweet desert pie. Served until 2am six days/week and 3am on Saturday. See, ma? Good things do happen after 1am. And boy, did we have some pie - apple berry, banana cream and coconut cream. What complements a big slice of pie better than, let's say, a cold glass of milk? The citrusy, slightly dry De Proefbrouwerij's Broederlijke Liefde (Brotherly Love) Saison. A delicious mouthful, indeed. When you're not loving on that pie, enjoy one of a dozen draught beers, mull over another 70 bottled craft brews, check out the pinball machines in back or sing along to that Penny Lane-approved playlist. Shazam! I didn't check out the cocktail menu, but seems they're spotlighting spirits from small batch, craft distilleries. Let's talk savory stuff: Northdown offers a couple highly-touted vegetarian and vegan options, but they're focusing on traditional yet locally-sourced elements whipped into non-traditional masterpieces. Take, for instance, the Compact Turkey Dinner: roasted turkey, mashers and stuffing rolled into a ball, deep-fried and served w/country gravy. Dinner with the in-laws may just kill you, so why not go out early courtesy of a culinary-driven coronary? The also offer the classic comfort food benchmark, a grilled cheese/tomato soup combo. Yep, I'm such a sucker for this. It's clever through and through. You can drink and eat like a grown-up, with grown-ups. You know where to find me.
(5)
Jasmine C.

The Notthdown burger with apple smoked house bacon is amazingly great!! They have a great selection of craft beer as well.
(4)
Samantha K.

Northdown has a large and great selection of beers to accommodate every type of beer drinker. The rustic atmosphere and good up scale bar cuisine will leave you satisfied both in and out.
(4)
eglys h.

iCool place with an even cooler atmosphere. Food was delicious. We decided to go off the tourist path and went to Lakeview to their "Taste of Lakeview Event". After tasting a few of the festival eateries, we found ourselves here. We were quickly attended to and sat down at the bar. Bartender was super cool and quick to take our order. We went with burgers. Nothing wrong with that at this place!!! Hubby with the Drunken burger - delicious mouth watering. Huge! served with thin sliced crispy fries.. I went with a regular burger -huge as well topped with blue cheese. You know a burger is good when one bite causes a drip down your hand that you know you really want to lick but now that that is just wrong and nasty so you reach for that napkin against your will........ Great food, friendly staff, seems they all get along super well with each other and that is reflected on the service they provide. We really enjoyed lunch at this place. If ever in the area, would go back.
(4)
Megan G.

Want a burger that you'll remember forever? Go here. You won't just get your run of the mill plain burger and fries, you'll get gourmet amazingness without pretention. The specials are so creative, and in a good way. I had a burger topped with bourbon cooked apples and melted brie. I was a bit nervous about brie on a burger but it was creamy and delicious, a perfect compliament to the perfectly cooked burger. The fries are thin and crispy and flavored with herbs and salt. Really good. This place has a great atmosphere without being a dive or full of itself. The waitstaff is friendly, the msic is good, and bathrooms are clean. A definite recommend.
(4)
Eric S.

This place is a hidden gem. I'm not sure how long it's been there but I can tell you it's not gonna be long before they blow up. They have a wonderful selection of gourmet beers and ciders. The food was really fantastic and we also had a piece of pie for desert that didn't disappoint. I had the Reuben which is pretty much my favorite food and It was very good. The Service and ambiance are great. You should check this joint out. I can easily put this in the top Gastropub list from around the city.....P.S. It was my gf's birthday when we were in there and they comped the pie. Thank You!
(5)
dove r.

What's sad about this review is that had I wrote it after my first visit a few months ago, it would have been a five star-er. Oh what a difference three months can make. Everything that I loved about this place has changed. The amazing menu, including tasty homemade pies and interesting pub fare? Gone. Replaced with a tiny, boring, dessert-less imposter. Friendly atmosphere? Nope. Douchebag central. Great beer selection? Well, that's still around except now it's 9 bucks for an 8 oz. glass of my choice brew. They don't even print the serving size on the menu because they know how ridiculous it is to serve a 5 % beer in an 8 oz. glass. The last time I was here, it was a pint for the same price. The service was horrible. They were busy, but waiting wasn't the issue. The girl who served us said that they'd ran out of the beer we ordered. So she says they have a similar replacement. Ok great, what is it. "Uh, really hoppy, something with an 'm'. We still don't know what the hell we drank. Incidentally, she didn't look old enough to be serving beer in the first place. The Zombie Cheese appetizer was equally disappointing. It's made with Zombie Dust, one of my current favorite beers. Honestly, they could have put PBR in that cheese and I wouldn't know the difference cause it tasted like cheese. Plain ol cheese. With four dinky little crostinis. The only positive thing I have to say about this visit is that my Sirracha Chicken Sandwich was really good. Too bad I had to eat it at such a crappy place. You blew it, Northdown.
(1)
Richard M.

We just had dinner here again and our second meal was even better than the first. Our waiter was very knowledgeable about all the great beers and delicious food. Thumbs up for the dairy-free options. We will be back.
(5)
S.A.M. R.

great sandwiches!!! love the submariner.. highly recommend it! service is alittle slow and unmotivated. However not bad enough to keep me away from the submariner!
(4)
M P.

So glad we finally tried this place. Great vibe - very laid back but friendly. Everything we got was delish - especially the pie! The server was great and suggested lots of veggie options for me - I was suprised that they make their own seitan and can sub it in lots of their dishes. Can't wait to go back in the winter for the cassoulett. Throw in a great (and affordable) beer selection - and what more do you need!
(4)
kevin c.

Pork fries are crazy good!! Was here with friends last weekend. Beer selection is pretty good. Pork slaw sandwich is very good. Chicken sand was good too(not as good as the pork slaw). Great spot overall!
(4)
Dan K.

What can I say, this place made me a believer that beer and pie can go together. An amazing menu coupled together with an ever changing craft beer menu, every time I go there I leave happy. The meatloaf is a must have! This is exactly the place I need as it's stumbling distance from my apartment.
(5)
Adam F.

Was there last night for the 3 Floyd's Glass night and had a great time! Had the Tomato Grinder, and it was an amazing sammie. All the food here is great and the atmosphere is relaxed. Love their beer selection.
(5)
S D.

So delicious! And not at all yuppie! I love that there's a low-key place that emphasizes local foods without the price tag that often comes with them. Plus, they had a ton of vegetarian/vegan options that I felt were equal to the other items on the menu. I had the vegan cassoulet, which was delicious, healthy and different. My boyfriend had the seitan philly, which was AMAZING. The seitan was well-cooked and -seasoned. And the fries were equally good--crispy and thin, with lots of flavor. The 4 of us shared a slice of the key lime pie. At first we were thrown by the amount of unsweetened whipped cream on top, but when eaten with the pie, it was delicious. Though I wouldn't have minded a bit less whipped cream ... Our table also had a variety of wines/beers, which I felt were reasonably priced and well-picked. We'll definitely be back!
(5)
Betsy H.

We were here for brunch and loved it. We are picky bloody Mary drinkers and these were excellent. Complete w a mini highlife chaser. The breakfast sandwich was awesome and the potatos were way above average. As always, service was great. Well be back
(5)
Simon Y.

I honestly cannot get enough of this place! I agree with one review below . . . I almost want this place to be a secret ;-) The combination of unreal food, tremendously thoughtful rotating beer selection, and pie that yes, beats Hoosier Mama Pie! Been there 4 times in 7 days!!!
(5)
Meg G.

The service here was exceptional! I went on Saturday night with some friends and our server was amazing. She was attentive, friendly, and ready with the water pitcher at all times. The food was incredible, of course. I built a burger with a fried egg and cheese and the beef was flavorful and tender. Without me giving cooking instructions, it was perfectly done. The fries were crispy and fresh. My friend got the pork fries (appetizer) as her meal, and it was a huge plateful! She wasn't able to finish it all, but she did get a lot of help. I highly recommend getting this to share. Most of the people at our table got the Founders Carise beer, which has been brewed with tart cherries. They had an excellent and varied beer selection, which was greatly appreciated by everyone in our party. I will definitely be going back here again to try some of their pies (I was too full the first time around!).
(5)
jay d.

We went to Northdown on Friday 7/8/2011. The vibe is chill, the music isn't too loud and the TVs were not on. We went because they have an amazing beer list. The server mentioned that he has a good relationship with the guys at 3 Floyds and gets limited release stuff. Great vegetarian options. The pie was stellar. We will be back often!
(5)
jimmy l.

Seconds coming in, i was greeted and seated right away and our server "Paul" was super nice, knowledgeable, and constantly checking in on us, which is the perfect example of a server. i started off with a couple really good drafts, which were a dollar off since that's the Monday special. i wish i could have tried all of the drafts. everything on tap were amazing. the atmosphere is pretty perfect. everything spaced apart really well, the decor is pretty wicked, and the music was rock n roll and loud. the kind of place i like. i had the seitan Philly and fries and it was delicious. the vegan cheese is house made too which is really good. i love when a restaurant has good vegan cheese, not your typical soy cheese bought from the store. i like the fact that most of the food on the menu can be made vegan too. it's rare to come across that at a bar and grill. I'm looking forward to coming back soon!
(5)
Sunny R.

This place makes me so happy. The servers are very cool and knowledgeable, the beer list is impressive enough to change a wine-drinking girl's heart, and the food is comforting in the best way. The braised short rib sandwich is amazing and the vegan mac-n-cheese has convinced me that my dairy allergy is not the end of the world.
(5)
Sharon S.

Finally.....a place that has great drinks, food, and atmosphere!!! Our neighborhood tends to be filled with sports bars and the typical tv laced bar. So this is a great addition!! The food and drinks are fabulous! They have tons of craft beers on tap and bottles and no bottle of wine is over $35!!! And the atmosphere is really cool...you can tell someone really thought out the space, It's hipster, rock and roll and laid back...all at the same time. Great attention to detail. We ordered the white bean dip which was good but the entrees were amazing. My fiance said his meatloaf was one of the best meals he has had in a long time and my grilled cheese and homemade tomato soup was great. What I really liked was the my portion wasn't huge and greasy with tons of bread and cheese. It was the perfect size. So much so that we had room for the famous pie. We got the key lime and it was light and the crust melted in our mouths. We can't wait to go back and try other dishes and the chocolate cream pie!!!!! The only reason I didn't give it 5 stars was the server we had was a definite newbie and didn't really know the basics of serving. A really sweet gal but needs more practice.
(4)
Dan O.

My wife and I went to this place this past Friday and had a great time. The food we ordered was great: the "short stout" sandwich, the burger, the white bean dip and the cherry pie were all solid. The portions were just right (I tend to over eat), the atmosphere was nice and casual and there was a good mix of people from the neighborhoon and around town. Service was friendly with just the right level of attention. The beer list was also solid. Overall a great place neighborhood or destination place. Worth the trip. Would recommend a visit to anyone looking for a brew and some comfort food; I need to get back there to try the meat loaf sandwich...
(5)
Gifford K.

An awesome new bar/restaurant in lakeview. Good beer selection and higher end bar food. Try the lamb pops!
(5)
Mary B.

Visited on a Sunday late afternoon. We went based on Yelp reviews and an understanding they have an extensive craft beer list. They do have a neon FFF sign for God's sake. The atmosphere is pleasant, but comes off as a bit cold and austere. We approached the bar and took our seats. The bartender barely acknowledged us. We didn't see any taps for beer. I asked and she POINTED at them without answering. She handed us the list. It's okay. Far from "extensive" but they do have Dreadnaught! It soon became immediately apparent that the 9 or so ceiling fans they have going were creating a pretty stiff breeze. Beyond annoying on a cool day. Not to mention that the menus were LITERALLY blowing off the bar. We mentioned this to the bartender. No response. My husband asked if it was necessary to have the fans going at such a velocity. Again, NO RESPONSE. Whenever I get a rude and indifferent server one has to wonder about the attitude of the place in general. Do they, or do they not, give a shit? We ordered beers and discussed whether or not to stay. I wanted to leave. We spied an end of the bar away from the fans and moved there to finish beer and discuss stay or leave. Luckily, we were SAVED by another bartender who totally made up for the rudeness of our original server. He was charming, friendly, and knowledgeable. (Another couple sat at the bar, asked him about the fans and he IMMEDIATELY turned them off). Based on our new and wonderful bartender, we decided to stay and dine. I had a short rib braised in stout sandwich, and my husband had pulled pork. The fries were good; thin cut like a bistro-style frite. Unfortunately, the short ribs were lacking. There was none of the rich, unctuous flavor a short rib usually has. What I was served was dry and somewhat stringy. I have a tiny suspicion they may have used some brisket or chuck in addition to short ribs. My husband's pulled pork was "unremarkable". Neither good nor bad. A couple other things-please don't spray Windex on the bar while I am sitting there eating/drinking. Also, in somewhat disconcerting fashion, the original rude bartender took up a spot one seat away from us at the bar and just stood there gazing blankly into space. And I know you can't control the actions of children, but listening to a kid bang a pinball machine REPEATEDLY can sort of alter your mood. This has the potential to be a very cool place. But right now it seems to have no clearly defined identity. Awesome craft beer bar with good food? Excellent American bistro fare with a small but interesting beer list? Or Chuck E. Cheese for hipsters and their kids? If there were a truly extensive beer list OR if the food was very good, we would DEFINITELY put this into the rotation. We may give it another go...simply because of our great bartender. He essentially redeemed a so-so experience.
(2)
M P.

I really like the atmosphere - I missed out on the pie but I will return! The dinner options are nice and affordable - good for late night as the kitchen closes late - I don't remember when. Food portions were pretty huge, which is much appreciated! They also have a great beer list :)
(4)
Scarter C.

My new favorite spot! The awesome rotating tap of 12 different Belgiums makes it AMAZING! They do have a handful of veggie options too what makes it awesome, just wish they'd change them up or add a few more veggie app options. Other than that awesome!
(5)
Dan L.

Great spot. The neighborhood desperately needed a place like Northdown. Great beer selection, fantastic food, pie and pinball. Need I say more?
(5)
Meag H.

Vegan frites ($5!!!) and danish lambic (Mikkler Spontanmandrin)...delicious! This was a perfect snack/late lunch on a beautiful fall day! :-)
(5)
Rosa B.

My friends and i went in on a saturday for a late brunch and ended up staying until 9pm We had a great time and the food and drinks were awesome. Our server was superb and treated us great. Wonderful selection of beers and ciders. Cant go wrong and dying to go back
(5)
Leila T.

Idk.. Nothing special. Typical fried food that makes you walk out of there feeling awful. I tried to get the lighter dish (chickens sandwich) but it just was not good. Fries were cold. Beers were good though.
(1)
Steph P.

One of my new favorite spots. It's as divey as it can get while still having respectable food. Great craft beers on tap. The pork frites were AWESOME. The best bang for my buck that I've had in a long time.
(5)
Soyoung S.

First time here tonight, and it was great! Our server was super sweet and friendly, and had great recommendations. I don't take liquor very well so I asked her for a light, sweet beer and she gave me a Stiegl that was grapefruit flavor, and I absolutely LOVED it!! (thank you!!) We also got the pork frites (amazing), and I got the turkey dinner, and my friend got 2 draft beers and a burger, and he loved everything too The bartender was also really awesome and welcoming, greeting us right when we walked in and sat us at a table. Really friendly neighborhood bar with an awesome selection of beer, I would recommend this place! :)
(4)
Yan P.

Top notch upscale bar food. A little on the pricy side and the service can be slow but that's because they cook everything to perfection. I hesitate to write this review because I don't want people to discover this place but I want them to stay in business :)
(4)
Jenny L.

Great beer selection!!! Pork frites was awesome. Burger and mac and cheese are legit. Very solid.
(3)
Jaime G.

Dude this place is the bomb. One of the best sanchiches in town and another great beer joint. Went there for brunch and had the "short stout" sandwich. It's beer braised short ribs with fontina cheese, arugula, red onion jam, on a ciabatta bun. Delis', holy crap. One of the best sanwhiches ive ever had. Paired it with their bluddy mary which was also delish and hearty. Also had a great variety of homemade pies. Had some wired combo of like apples and rutabaga. Whatever...good too. Can't wait to go back and try more of their menu and for a good beer.
(4)
Maria F.

Northdown is my favorite neighborhood bar/restaurant! Their vegan options are plentiful (vegan burger is so good..crispy crunchy, never soggy or falling apart). There's always an open table even on a weekend and the beer list is huge. I take all my out of town guests here!
(5)
Frank C.

I had an amazing experience at this restaurant that I'd call a gastropub. With an excellent selection of food, it superbly complemented their outstanding beers. Half of my experience at this restaurant was reviewing their extensive selection of beers. With some 15 beers on tap and some 150 bottles, they're certain to have a beer to please everyone's tastes. What surprised me the most was the varied selection of draft beers, and the fact that most of them carried extremely high ratings on the beer review sites. This is definitely a beer drinker's paradise! If you're in Chicago and looking for a great location to hang with friends and enjoy a great dining experience, check out the Northdown Cafe and Taproom.
(5)
Michael A.

If I was *just* reviewing the quality of the food, Id give 3, maybe 4 stars. But its more than just the food. We ate there on a Sunday morning for brunch, around 1130am. Only about 3 tables were filled, and that includes my party of 4. The Good: All of us had good food. Tasty, hot, and well prepared. The french fries were top notch. And good flavor in my burger. The Bad: The service was very, very slow. Both the server service, and the LONG wait for the food. As I said, it wasn't very crowded, so why did our food take so long? My burger was good, however, the patty size compared to the larger bun reminded me of the old "Wheres The Beef?" commercials. Felt like I had to eat through a lot of bun to get to the meat. Continuing on....and perhaps Im being picky. But I don't want to see restaurant staff exit the front, and stand in front of the window to smoke a cig. Thats gross. And even worse is that when they (two of them) were done, the threw their butts on the sidewalk. Thats disrespectful to your customers who have to walk over them to get inside YOUR restaurant, and rude to the neighbors in the area. Be respectful of the neighborhood. Would I go back? Maybe. If I was in the area, and looking for a decent meal. But I would not go out of my way. Good food. But poor service, and inconsiderate staff who litter the front sidewalk with cigarette butts.
(2)
Stephani M.

I love this place. I have been here many times, and am always satisfied. First, they have excellent customer service regardless of who I have had, guy or gal. They are all fantastic. Second, the sour beer is delicious and they usually have at least one on tap. Third, the food is scrumptious:(grilled cheese and soup) + fries is my fav. I think I liked their old food menu better, but it's good to mix it up and try new things. Casual place. I wish the music wasn't so loud, but other than that, the best.
(5)
Joshua N.

Not sure why this establishment has "cafe" in the name. It's a bar, for chrissakes. Nice setup, decent beer selection, friendly staff, good location. The large bar size to room size ratio is a big plus in my book. Plenty of room for everyone to sit near the beer taps. Very nice bottle list for a bar of this size. I'll definitely be back.
(4)
Artie W.

I have been to Northdown often over the last year or so, each time with groups of 2 - 5 people. For the most part the experience has been anywhere from just "OK" to "excellent." The location is conveniently located near my neighborhood and the food & drink menu is above par. However, I want to document a really bad experience I had here on Saturday night, Jan. 4th. My fiance and I came in around 10:30PM and we were both really excited about coming in from the snow and enjoying some whiskey along with a late dinner. It was not crowded at all - there were empty tables and seats at the bar. As has been the case the last few times I have been here, we stood around awkwardly inside the front door for a few minutes (it's never really clear if you should seat yourself or wait for a server to put you at a table.) Eventually a woman with short blond hair and a Municipal Waste shirt appeared from the back somewhere and sat us at an open table near the front. She seemed annoyed and not really happy to see us but I just figured she was having a bad day or something. I asked if the kitchen was still open and she said "yeah" without looking at me. She brought us water and menus. We said thanks. And we sat there for about 20 minutes, and never saw her again. Well, that's not true. After about 10 minutes I started looking around, like, "I really would like to get a drink!" And from our table I could see her all the way in the back, near the kitchen entrance, talking to someone just out of view. I tried to make eye contact but could not. I thought about getting up and walking to the back to get her but that seemed silly. At one point the bartender caught my eye, and I tried to give him a look that said "hey, where'd she go?" but he just looked away. Eventually she made her way back to the front. So I thought "ok, now we're going to order something." But no - she walked past me, avoided eye contact, and sat down at the table next to us to talk to a different group of people who I assume were her friends. My fiance and I looked at each other confusedly - it could not have been more clear that we were ready to order. It seemed like we were being deliberately ignored. At that point we got up to leave. We slowly went about putting on our jackets in full view of this poor excuse for an employee. Still, she didn't even look at us. She was still sitting there chatting with her friends while we walked out the front door five feet away. We then drove through the snow all the way to Handlebar and had a great meal and a great time. My purpose in posting this review is not to say Northdown is bad - it's usually great! But I would like the management to know about this unfortunate experience so that it hopefully won't repeat. I'll visit Northdown again and hopefully have some material for a GOOD review. But if I see that server again, I will leave immediately and write this place off for good. Sorry Northdown!
(2)
Omar K.

very chill place to hangout at. I had their chicken sandwich with a salad which was super tasty. also the staff was very friendly.
(5)
Dan C.

I want to say first that I love this place. It has an unparalleled tap list for the neighborhood and the staff is awesome. That being said, I'm always left wanting by the food. Every time I eat here I forget that as much as I love the bar, the food doesn't work for me. Today I went in and had a pulled pork sandwich and it was dryyyyyy. But as always, the service was awesome...which is why I hate to rag on the food, but it can be better.
(3)
Matt G.

Northdown is sort of a hybrid place, neither simply a bar or restaurant, more a fusion of various elements. Yes theres a bar that seats about 15, plus a few booths and tables in the front room, with a few more intimate tables in the back past the pair of pinball machines. The space itself is fairly open and airy once you walk in (if its not crowded). The ceiling is high, with modern ceiling fans, and front windows that open onto the street. Grey and steel blue walls, with a row of rust-belt americana photos along the side wall, framed in barnwood that matches the lower paneling along the booths (and the front door). Moose antlers are mounted on either side of a back pillar near the bar. FFF neon in the center window, and a new sign painted on the front facade. Draft list rotates frequently, and taking a cue from the Map Room (Owner Tom Lee used to manage the bar there), includes a healthy mix of styles both import and US craft. Kolsch, Rauchbier, Helles, DIPA, Saison, Wit, Quad, Porter, and those are just a few from the current lineup. Highlights from FFF, Jolly Pumpkin, Founders, Girardin, Boulevard, Flossmoor, Bellegems, Mikkeller, Hitachino, Lambrucha, and many more. Again, emphasis is on a broad variety of styles from quality brewers, and not necessarily just rare/exclusive bullshit. Prices are very affordable on the beer, food prices are reasonable too, considering the high quality, locally sourced ingredients. Semi-upscale American comfort food seems to be the menu theme, with plenty of vegetarian/vegan options. The stout-braised short rib sandwich was excellent, also the meatloaf "tower", mac & cheese, and roast beef were all tasty too. Check out the locally-made Fiery Alyce hot sauce if you enjoy smoky sweet heat. Great casual spot for lunch, brunch, or dinner... or just for a couple of beers. Conveniently located near the Paulina brown line stop and 77 Belmont bus. 9/11: A new contender appears... Green Lady is a block or two up the street, 30 taps. Good 1-2 stop with Northdown, different taps and crowd.
(5)
Xants M.

Insane food here!! Not a beer drinker but my husband is pretty impressed with their selection and quality. Fries are a must with the cheese sauce on the side.. Burgers are super juicy and quality meat!!
(5)
David R.

Awesome atmosphere, large selection of craft beer, and great food.. Not to mention friendly bartenders and eclectic artwork..
(5)
Elizabeth F.

Went to eat there with my girls! It was so fun, had an artsy vibe. LOVED the food, but the music was a little too loud for my taste. I picked the place because I always wanted to try it since I saw it opened and suggested meeting the girls out. We had to talk really loudly to catch up. But for a bar atmosphere, I think it would've worked, had I gone with husband and his friends. Us ladies, just want to catch up, but the food was really good. I had the burger, which was enormous, but that didn't stop me from finishing every last bite!
(4)
Emily M.

I have such a mixed review of Northdown. I've been there 3 times. 1st: Boyfriend and me, looking for a drink and dessert I ordered a fried donut to split, and we also shared this bomber that came in a feather-covered bottle. It was pretty delightful. 2nd: Got a drink here with boyfriend, friends joined later for beer and games. It was pretty good, and we ended up staying a while, playing Pandemic, and the waitress was nice. At the end, she commiserated about how the next table was the worst, and we felt good about ourselves for being okay patrons. Dreadnaught beer was available, which was a dream come true for my one friend. 3rd: This was a doozy. Boyfriend and I met up with 2 friends on a weeknight. I was STARVING...low blood sugar/workout made me glad to just make it to the table. I asked the waitress (short angled blonde hair, feather earrings) if any of the entrees took less time, or if I should avoid any that took longer. She said they were all about the same. I order the veggie quinoa. 10 minutes later, my boyfriend orders. 15 minutes later, he gets his burger. 10 minutes later, I feel like death and wonder why the waitress didn't recommend the obviously-quickly-served burger. I finally get my meal, which is tasty. A few friends join us; Northdown still isn't close to crowded. Our waitress show up only every 20+ minutes, and we are sad because we want to try the many different beers this place offers. Many empty glasses on the table. I go home earlier than others because I have work in the morning. I hear later that the waitress double charged a credit card instead of splitting amongst 2 (honest mistake, but unpleasant), and then got into an altercation with one of my crasser friends (again, hard to avoid, but don't engage the patrons in a verbal war). All in all, this 3rd time left a bad taste in my mouth. I wrote this review because I thought to myself today: "I haven't been to Northdown in a while. I should go th...ooooooh wait, that last time kind of sucked." So I'm hoping Northdown sees this and understands that I think they're pretty cool, but this one waitress really sucked.
(3)
Leah C.

where have you been all my life... well the 10+ some years of my life that i've been legally able to drink/have been a vegi. as others noted: vegan bar food! no more costco hummus and cucumbers! no more greasy fry dinners! the pork slaw sandwich (vegan) is absolutely delicious and very filling. made of seitan and topped with slaw with just the right kick. the bun just got in the way - i didn't waste my energy on that. the fries are not greasy and are plentiful. we witnessed the vegan "poutine" fries being eaten next to us and the portion looked big enough to feed everyone sitting at the bar! i felt comfortably classy in my spit on lulu mom outfit, dripping snowboots and messy mama ponytail and makeup free face while i sipped my wine and devoured my dinner. will be back to work my way through the menu: vegan chili, mac and cheese, quinoa vegetable plate...
(5)
Kyle B.

I really like Northdown, easily one of my favorites in the area. Nice beer list, cool stuff on the walls, pinball, metal on the speakers, and delicious food. What more could a guy ask for? Be warned the pork frites are good but freaking HUGE. Staff is friendly and were than accommodating both times I've gone. Be sure to wash your meal down with some tasty Underberg!
(4)
Dan S.

A Local Bar with Amazing Food, Hip Dark Decor, and Amazing Draft Beer Selection. This place is awesome. I sampled several beers which apparently rotate all the time so you will never be short on variety. Charlie, the Bartender, was awesome and had a great knowledge of the food and the booze. I also ate and the food was phenominal. Several items that I had never seen before as well as some classed up classics. Highly recommend checking this place out if you are in the area. My Meal (With Plenty of Leftovers): Pork frites (A Must Have) Grilled cheese and tomato soup Ten Ninety Imperial Porter 3 Floyd's Drunk Monk Fiery Alice Chicago hot sauce (Put it on everything!)
(5)
B W.

Great beer selection. Bartenders courteous and knowledgeable. Very deep selection of bottles and cans to try out. Tap list contains about 10 limited edition pours. Would definitely come back for beer. Food wise? Ehh... Had some weird looking Mac and Cheese that is only memorable because it made me feel terrible later. As usual with pub food, I worry about the cleanliness of the kitchen. Maybe go with something fried next time? Or not. I will be back for more beer though.
(4)
Kailey M.

I. Love. Northdown. One thing that I have found with Chicago beer bars, is that while the bartenders may have knowledge of what is on their tap, if there is an extensive bottle list their knowledge leaves much to be desired. Not at Northdown!! I absolutely adore this place!!! Awesome bartenders with extensive knowledge of their products, VEGAN bar food!! Thats right, VEGAN bar food. And some very non vegan bar food as well :) This place seriously has something for everyone!! Their bottle selection is beautiful, their taps never let me down, and they're open pretty much all the time. If you're thinking of coming here, ABSOLUTELY DO IT.
(5)
Tim S.

Pork fries were delicious, burger was way too salty and the service was spotty. Neat place and will give it another go, maybe it was an off night.
(3)
Mark B.

Northdown is one of my favorite neighborhood bars. They have scrumptious bar food to go with their great libations. I am not one to start out a review raving about vegan food, as I am your quintessential carnivore bro, who will chow down on copious amounts of meat. The vegan food is will make you get a chubbie is so good, you do not ever realize it is Vegan. I like the fact they have savory vegan delights as ladies are on health kicks these days. Now if you are want go balls to the wall on some dish, fatty treats, you need to indulge in the Pork Frittes. They are hand cut fries topped with BBQ Pulled Pork, Jalapenos, Applewood Bacon, and Green Onions. Yea they are pretty much the Gospel. Beer? Yea they got them, over 160 different brews, and they are always changing! If you love craft brew, like this guy does, this will be your new sanctuary. Overall this place is 10. youtube.com/watch?v=fipQâ€¦
(5)
Lauren T.

Perfect. Bloody Mary was awesome. Vegan pork frites so amazing we ordered 2 half orders... and a great beer selection. What more could you ask for? - Oh, not-vegan pork frites, well that have that too!
(5)
Jennifer I.

What a sweet little find....a great mix of comfort food choices and vegan/vegetarian options, for those who are so inclined to eat this way (read: NOT ME...seitan is not my bag. I tried. It failed.). I am not mac-and-cheese obsessed, but the mac-and-cheese with bacon at Northdown was outstanding....totally worth the chest pains in the present and the Lipitor in the future. My favorite thing about Northdown is the PIE. I love pie. Lots and lots. Northdown had a lot of varieties to choose from...I ordered the almond cream and it was yummy. I've never seen that flavor offered elsewhere. I would love to return and try one of their fruit pies...they only offered one fruit pie the night I was there (an apple-pear streusel), which was a smidge disappointing. I was pretty set on the almond cream once I saw it, but I do prefer fruit pies to cream pies. Hopefully, when I go back, they'll have more fruit offerings. For the brew lovers, they have an extensive beer list. It's not a big place so getting a table might be a bit of a challenge at times, but Northdown is a definite asset to the neighborhood.
(4)
k e.

I love having this place down the street from me! The beer selection is always rotating through some really delicious beers and the food is outstanding. We always get the avocado hummus and it always delivers. The Northdown burger is my favorite entree. But, on a cold day, the grilled cheese and tomato soup hits the spot. The staff is really friendly and the atmosphere is really cool.
(4)
Kristin R.

Super friendly bartenders and an amazing, frequently-updated draft list. I daydream about their grilled cheese and tomato soup combo, and wish I could have their pretzels and beer cheese delivered to my desk right now. The Three Floyds artwork is pretty neat, too!
(5)
Helena B.

Now that my sister is a vegetarian, my Veggie-Friendly Radar is always on high alert. I could very comfortably take her to Northdown as there were several straight-up veggie items and many more that could be modified to all-out Vegan. Despite being a meat-eater myself, my favorite meal here is vegetarian - the home-made mac and cheese. Holy hell. Delicious. It's baked at the end of it's preparation, so the cheese on top is all melty and stringy. I die. The beer list is also quite respectable. I approve. OK, and there are like 10 kinds of pie from which to choose to wrap up your evening. Seriously. So much pie. We had the almond cream once and it was delicious. On our second visit I was all like, "no pie! I'm on a diet!" and the joke was on me, because pie beats diets.
(4)
Christie Katelyn S.

Grilled cheese, tomato soup & fries ... so good!!!!! Great location & the staff is awesome!
(5)
Kammie G.

It was my second time there for brunch yesterday. The first time I only had a Bloody Mary (my first one!) and I was smitten. My bf says this place has the best Mary's in Chicago so I trusted his opinion. I haven't had any anywhere else but these were so delicious I believe it when he says it. If I find a better Mary I will update. This time we actually sat down to eat for brunch. This is where the star gets reduced from the original 5 I would give it. It's good food.. but that's about it. Good. Mediocre. The omlette I got was mediocre and while I ordered it with mushrooms tomatoes and onions.. it came with a LOT of mushrooms, a few tomatoes, and no onions. Dissapointing. My bf also said his omlette came with some things missing (he loaded a lot of stuff onto his). The hash brown patties were good. The wheat toast did not come to my liking either as it was too hard. The atmosphere is cool. The waitress was friendly and easy-going. Will come again for the Marys!
(4)
Kyle P.

great layout and great people working at all spots through out the bar. Menu was cool and the food was good.......I had the meatloaf and probably wanted the pork fries......check it out
(4)
Britney W.

Attention VEGANS!!!! It's here It's here It's here!!!! A bar that serves MANY vegan options and not just a burger....now that I think of it I don't even think a vegan burger is on the menu! Hooray! My husband and I have been here twice and LOVE it! We even took our meat eating friends with us last night and they were blown away! The servers are knowledgeable and quick. They don't leave your water, tea or beer empty. Wonderful atmosphere! I am now addicted which will be bad for my waistline! But if you are in the area or want to meet up with friends later give this place a go. You will not be disappointed! Happy Vegan! :)
(5)
Linda D.

Just what the doctor ordered! Northdown is a shining star of awesome amidst rows of sports bars and Bud Light in West Lakeview. First off, the decor - just all around cool. I love the retro-vibe it gets from the blue walls and the huge "If attack comes" slogan sprawled across the area over the bar. It makes me feel like I'm in a piece of 60's propaganda. The restaurant looks like it has a small seating area with a bar at first glance, but walk to the back and you'll find another room with seating and...pinball machines! Party time. Onto the beer! Well, I should say, the beer and wine, since Northdown offers both, but we only enjoyed beer this night. They have a good selection of beer on draft, and Mondays through Thursdays, they offer drink specials. Lucky for us, Tuesday is $1 off Belgians, my fave! And finally, the food - just beautiful. After looking through the menu, the boyfriend and I weren't sure what entrees to order because everything looked delicious. But both of us knew exactly what appetizer we wanted: Pig. Potatoes. PORK FRIES. Done and done. These aren't your typical greasy, soggy fries slapped with some warmed up cheese under a ladle-full of meat (and no, I'm not hatin', I enjoy me summa those too). But Northdown's pork fries are a mountain of perfectly cooked fries with plenty of BBQ pork, crispy bacon, cheese, jalapenos, and green onions. Usually when I eat meat and cheese-topped fries, I can actually taste my life getting shorter. But these babies were bright and fresh, and I could actually continue on with the rest of our meal afterward (even though I really just wanted 3 more plates of fries). I ordered the special for the day, the sloppy joe (with house-made chips), and the boyfriend got the short rib sandwich and fries. Both the short rib sammie and sloppy joe were good, but we agreed that the sloppy joe was more flavorful, believe it or not. I haven't had a sloppy joe since elementary school, but this definitely did not taste like the ones I used to eat back then. I wanted to dance with it a la Chris Farley in Lunch Lady Land..."Well me and sloppy joe got married. We got six kids and we're doin' just fine...Down in Lunch Lady Land!"... ...I still enjoyed the boyfriend's leftovers the next day. Um...I don't like to waste food? Duh.
(4)
Sophie F.

Love that this place is so vegan friendly! I found this place on accident and ended up going two days in a row. Foods I tried on Day One (after 3pm weekends): Vegan Bean Dip Appetizer (a little bland but friends liked it because it was garlicky, I'm not a garlic fan) Seitan Philly Cheeze Sandwich is DELISH Bloody Marys - their worchester sauce is VEGAN and they do not use clamato...the menu however does say bacon so I specified a vegan bloody mary. Comes with a mini high life. Foods I tried on Day Two (brunch) Vegan Biscuits and Seitan sausage gravy with tofu scramble was OK, the biscuit was not really a biscuit and the tofu scram was REALLY salty, maybe it was accident Tofu Scram with lots of veggies was GOOD but also too salty Then they ran out of tofu so we got the 3 tacos with seitan - their seitan texture is definitely different from what I am used to but I do not like the seitan that I usually get so this was a welcomed change, LOVED THIS. More Bloody Marys. Mimosa (GOOD, fresh OJ). Summer Shandy (not so good, the lemonade was not that great...ok, it was pretty gross actually.) Sadly, they told me they just cut out their vegan desserts a few days ago. Hopefully they bring it back. But this is definitely an awesome spot. Finding real vegan friendly food at a bar in Chicago is rare.
(4)
Elizabeth N.

Well - this would have been 4 or 5 stars if I had reviewed it before Friday night. I love the vibe and the food was fantastic every time I went it. I have been in and out in 30 minutes for a quick dinner...but not last Friday.... We arrive at 7 - and are super excited there is a table in the front window (the windows are floor to ceiling and they open up so you feel like you are outside). We ask the host to sit there...he says no because that server is really busy. We get escorted to the "dining room" which is a back room. Normally this would be fine - except we had the longest dining experience of our life! We start out with their "bread and butter" appetizer for $6- this comes, no joke, 30 MINUTES later. The server plops it down and walks away - no mention of the wait or that the kitchen is backed up. We are splitting the appetizer between 3 of us - none of us huge eaters...there are 8 slices of bread, but only enough butter for each to have one slice of bread with a small amount of butter. Really?!?!? Stingy serving on a $6 bread and butter appetizer. Our food (Chicken Sandwich, Pork Nachos and Mozzarella grinder) comes out at 8:45 - 1 hour and 45 minutes after we arrived. Ugh by then we were visibly annoyed. And after a 1 hour and 45 minutes the food really didn't taste that good. We leave at 9:15 - annoyed. I gave it three stars because I had so many great dinners there. But no place deserves a 4 star - if the server or manager can't even apologize for the delay. If we are going to wait an hour and half for our food, can't we at least sit by the window?
(3)
John S.

Cmon guys. So much potential. Please get rid of the hipster bucktown bearded bullshit. Serve a great product and do it well. Over tattotoed, entitled staff will ruin you in the long run. 35 minute carry out sloppy joe will ruin you. You have a great theme. You have great beer selection. Don't let Libertards from Wicker Park ruin your business. Wishing all the best.
(3)
P. T.

I used to really like this place. The food was excellent and the beer list was always awesome. Lately, I'd say over the past year, everything has gone downhill. The beer pours have gotten way more expensive, especially for the small glasses of the higher abv stuff. The food is just ok now (super salty) and we were probably just still going because the place is convenient. We were going for lunch pretty regularly (again, it's really close by) with my 2 year old son at noon when the place is pretty dead and today we were told for the first time in almost two years that we would have to be seated in the back room to "keep the bar vibe" upfront. If it had been 7 or later and/or the place had been packed I could totally understand, but when there are 4 people in your place and we have been coming regularly for a long time with our son, I don't expect to get sent to the dark back overflow room just because I have a kid with me. They have lost me as a lunchtime customer and I won't be bringing anymore friends with kids to a place that treats us as people to be hidden in the back room.
(2)
Gary R.

This place was actually pretty good. I had to remove two stars due to a few issues: 1. Service was kinda slow, but they were packed. I didn't make a stink about it, because I know that usually results in your soup being stirred by somebody's dong. Issue 2: post meal gastrointestinal distress. Who likes that? Issue 3: One of the flippers on the pinball machine was stuck. It made my small child depressed. 4. They brought some pre-meal pickles. They were not good. They were sweet pickles. This type of pickle I cannot condone. They must be dill, or i will lash out both verbally and emotionally. The food was actually very good. The Mac as well as cheese was really good. It contained mac, cheese, and bacon! I bet that was good for me. The salad was small. It contained lettuce. That is about it. It was served in a coffee glass. The chocolate cream pie was kinda awesome (the crust), and kinda not (the chocolate flavor). They did play some black sabbath on the jukebox system. This was a refreshing change from the horror filled music that they play at Roots Pizza place on Chicago ave.
(3)
Linda L.

Went there for the home made pie which they no longer have. Had the pot roast sandwich which was very bland. Ordered some coleslaw to add to the sandwich which was literally vinegar soaked cabbage. After saying something to the server, she still charged us $2 for the cole slaw that we didn't touch. Very bad way to do business.
(2)
Adam K.

De-lish. Great food, good service, nice ambiance. We got: Wisconsin Grass Fed Burger - cooked perfect at Medium rare, my daugheter technically got this so she got w American cheese and no fried egg, which I grounded her for. The fires were so good. But not as good as the Pork Fries - holy lord, this was by far the most non kosher thing I have ever eaten and I know if there was Jewish hell this is what you eat to get in, but dude, this is dish is AMAZASAZAING. Believe it, get it, you will not be upset. This could have been my meal. Chicken & Biscuit pot pie - Meh, kinda lacking something, the portion was great however, any more and I would have burst. Seitan Rueben - specially made for my high maintenance date, this is not on the menu, but the Pastrami Rueben is and so is the Seitan Philly, so she decided to combine the two. She complained there was not enough 1000 island dressing and the bread was dry. Key Lime Pie - Skeet Chocolate Cream Pie - Skeet Skeet I will be back for sure, this place rocks, it def is a spot for bike enthusiasts. Pinball machines, more seating in the back, the window in the front is wide open so you can people watch all the Lakeview types shuffling to Food Hole.
(4)
Andy M.

The art in this place is great and worth the five star rating. A great craft beer selection too.
(5)
Natasha B.

I just love everything about this place. The variety of beers is awesome. The food is just great no matter what u pick.... but burgers wow. They are just the best ever! Service is super friendly, they will explain you everything with so much enthusiasm. Northdown u rock!!!
(5)
Dan S.

If they gave half stars, I'd give this place 3-1/2. I'm just not sure how I feel about it. On one hand, they have a great beer selection. I've been wanting to try KBS for quite some time and wasn't fortunate enough to get any when it came out. I was very excited when they had it at Northdown. It was $20 a bottle, but supply and demand, right? Anyways, I was glad to try it, regardless of the price. I've also had a number of other great beers there that I would be hard pressed to get anywhere else in the city. They seem to get 3 Floyd's seasonals and one-offs that only a couple of other bars get. That's great. I'd describe the service as so-so. I've only sat at the bar so I'm speaking about the bartenders and not servers. It's not that they were rude or that it took long to get my food/drinks, it's just that they seemed disinterested. When I go to a bar serving craft beer, I like to talk with the bartender about the beers and maybe get some info about the breweries or just chat. The staff at Northdown doesn't really do this. They kind of just set your food/drink in front of you and walk away. I get that I'm at the bar for the food and drink and not to make friends with the bartenders, but I guess I was just a little disappointed in the service. I'm not sure how I feel about the food. I had the pork slaw once and it was pretty good. Nothing to write home about, but a decent pork sandwich. The fries seemed fresh and were pretty good. I guess I was just disappointed with the options on the menu. There's not much I would have went with other than the pork slaw and that's probably why I won't be back for a meal anytime soon. I believe their menu may change frequently, as I hear they're into using local, seasonal ingredients. Maybe next time I go in for a drink, there will be other appealing options. Overall, it's a nice place with great beers. Nothing bad really jumps out, but it just doesn't feel like a place I want to hang out at. I'll come back for rare beer tappings and events, but it's not a place I'll frequent.
(3)
Melissa H.

They don't do pies anymore. What's the point?
(2)
Regina C.

Surprising amount of began options and a really great beer list. Fun place!
(4)
Jessie N.

Went here recently for brunch on a lovely Sunday afternoon. The bf and I have been trying different places in the area and yelpers directed me here! Overall the food was delicious. I got the eggs benedict minus the hollandaise. Instead of the usual english muffins, they used a freshly baked biscuit. Yummmmm. Also, the hasbrowns that came with the eggs were so good! I got a mimosa to help wash down all the deliciousness. Little pricey at $8 but was served in a pint glass so was definitely more mimosa then you normally get. I will definitely be trying this place again for lunch/dinner.
(4)
Paul K.

Great selection of brews! I did not try the food but the menu looked to have some really nice selections!
(4)
Lisa C.

Another great find from my friends at Yelp! It takes someone with an incredibly strong will to resist a bar that serves homemade pie. I went on a Wednesday night a few weeks back at around 6pm. It was starting to fill up a bit, but still easy to snag a table. Northdown has an extensive beer selection that allows you to try something new at a reasonable price. I got the Ayinger Brau Weiss, which was a solid alternative to the Blue Moon/Hoegaarden I usually drink. Some of the Yelpers had recommended the Pork Fries appetizer, but I was a little hesitant to order more fries in addition to the ones coming with our meals. This is a time when I like to play Let's Make a Deal. Because it was only myself and my boyfriend dining, I asked if we could replace our two orders of fries with one order of the Pork Fries appetizer. Our waiter asked the cook, who said that we would be charged $6 instead of the usual $10, which I thought was completely reasonable and decided to accept the challenge. The Pork Fries themselves were reminiscent of the Old Oak Tap's Fat Boy Pie, and I mean that in the best possible way. The combination of pulled pork, cheese, bacon, and a touch of heat is a winner. Rounding out my personal Tour de Fat, I went with the Short Stout Sandwich. It was the epitome of comfort food. Warm, braised beef short ribs on crunchy Ciabatta bread with red onion jam totally made me forget that I had barely made it through hump day and I still had two days of work before the weekend. The same could be said for my boyfriend's burger, but I would recommend to go with the Short Stout if you want something a little different than typical bar fare. So, I couldn't even finish my Short Stout Sandwich and I was too full to order a piece of their signature pie. Blasphemy, I know. I had the intention of running errands in the area and coming back for pie, but we were still stuffed to the gills hours later and decided to take a rain check on it. And you better believe I will be going back soon to cash it, preferably paid out in Banana and Almond Cream slices.
(5)
Carri C.

Staff was attentive and the food was tasty. I had the chicken sandwich. The beer list was pretty good although I wish they would have had at least one selection from Half Acre (just down the street on Lincoln), New Holland or some choices from craft brews in WI. It is my understanding that the owners also own a cafe in Milwaukee so they should be familar with all of the outstanding Wisconsin beers. We were sat in the back room. In short, that sucked big time. There was no music in there and it just felt weird. It felt like there was a party going on (in the front room) and you were not invited. Also, the mix of customers was strange. A little kid was having her birthday party there at the best seat in the house. There were a number of other little kids there too-I felt like I had to watch my language. The place does not seem to have a identity. I suggest that management steer away from the family vibe unless they want to have this be essentially a Chucky Cheese with good food and beer.
(3)
B C.

I've noticed a good trend in Chicago's north side taverns. NCT embodies the style. There are some common signs: pinball machines, Phineas Jones-style artwork, notable music playlists, creative food choices, and extensive beer menus. I like how they're trying a little harder to get customers through the door. I'm glad things are evolving beyond the old formula of televised sports and cheap Old Style.
(5)
Lois A.

PIE! I've only been a pig for pie when I've been here so I can't say anything about the rest of the food. I am dying to try the grilled cheese as it looked amazing - so did all the food I saw here. But back to the pie. The banana cream was just out of this world. It had this wonderful crust that you could tell me is made in heaven and I wouldn't disagree. The apple pie is also fantastic. These slices are filling, believe me. The staff is great and so is the beer list. I will probably be back here many more times as there are a ton of things on the menu I want. Fun space too, I liked that it wasn't killing my eyes with televisions the way so many bars like to do.
(4)
Aminda S.

Oh me, oh my. I love this place! My one complaint about Roscoe Village is there just aren't enough bars nearby that have good beer lists, good food and a great atmosphere. Yes, technically this isn't considered Roscoe Village but hey, I can walk to it, and stumble back home. It counts. My boyfriend and I have walked past Northdown Cafe numerous times always with the intention of eventually stopping in and I am so glad we finally did. We were looking for a place to have a night cap and ended up staying for two beverages of the alcoholic variety plus a heaping plate of french fries (typical sushi dinner night out- one hour later we're starving!). At first glance I would have thought this place was just another sports bar from outside, but once inside it has an entirely different vibe. The atmosphere is warm and cozy - lots of candles and a few cool vintage lamps illuminating corners of the bar (check out the back room when you hit the bathroom - very cute and a nice area if you're coming in more for dinner than drinking). Lots of beards, Surfer Blood playing in the background. And only one flat screen at the bar, playing The Simpsons I might add. You get the idea. The bartenders were friendly and even took the time to explain the story behind the Lagunitas Sucks Holiday Ale (look it up - kind of awesome if you're a fan of the brewery which I am). Their beer selection (both draft and bottle) is pretty top notch and their food menu looks just as impressive. Their special of the evening included duck fat yukon gold potatoes. Do I hear harps? Speaking of food, our fries were actually pretty amazing. We meant to ask what kind of oil they were cooked in, because there was definitely something special going on there (perhaps truffle oil? Or duck fat?). And the alioli/mayo dipping sauce accompanying the fries? Forget about it. Delicious! We will definitely be back.
(5)
Danger R.

I am obsessed with this place. I usually frequent it at least once a week. Not only is the atmosphere perfectly casual but still cool (i.e. I can rock sweatpants and glasses on a Tuesday night and not feel disheveled but can come in on a Saturday night in something more put-together and feel comfortable). Also, they play these crazy-ass movies in the background and always are entertaining. Even the music kicks ass. Always great food (try their ever-changing butter!). GREAT beer selection. Waitstaff are amazing. In fact, I went last night and the man taking our order was not only knowledgeable about their beer, but even suggested a delicious (and reasonably-priced) Malbec, which was cheaper to split a bottle than order individually. My only beef is that they no longer serve that delicious pie. Mmmboy. Bravo! Keep up the good work.
(5)
Erika R.

My friends who live in Chicago have taken myself and my husband here a couple times and we are never disappointed. Good service, food and great beer. Had the mac and cheese last time and it was delicious!
(5)
Katie R.

My mom, sister and I stumbled across this place after walking around the neighborhood when we realized Wishbone was closed until 5pm. First walking in, the staff was super friendly, there were only a few people in there but that's because it was 4pm. The interior is really neat, cool photos on the wall and this unusually wood paneling, which seemed like it was from old barns. Our server, who was very attractive, recommended great beer options. One cool thing he did, which I completely respect him for, was my sister was about to order this certain beer and he informed her that it costs $18 (since the prices were not on the specials board). Not many servers would warn customers about the price, which was really nice of him. The food was good, I was impressed by the subtle vegan options. I'd definitely like to come back to this place, either for brunch or just for drinks. Super happy we found this place!
(5)
Paul C.

Northdown Cafe is a good neighborhood joint, nothing crazy, but worth a visit if you're in the hood. The beer list is great, but a little pricey. I paid $9 for a half pint of some super hop brew. Sure it was 9% alcohol, but it seemed expensive for such a small pour. The food is hit or miss. The pork frites were the clear highlight. I loved the combo of the bbq pork and bacon, with jalapeno, though they could have used some more liquid cheese. A little stingy on that front. My boo's burger looked pretty good, but my chicken sandwich was more bread than anything else. Not a winner. I'd say hit up Northdown if you're in the area, it's certainly better than most of its neighbors, but I wouldn't go out of my way to visit.
(3)
Matt M.

Typing this live on my phone as the night/experience goes on. GF and I walked in and grabbed a booth (open seating). I like open seating. Service was very attentive from the first moment. Staff is super friendly! . . . The service continues to be great. Mac & Cheese = super huge serving! Very tasty! Add bacon for a buck = a must! ''Lamb on stick'' is perfectly seasoned. Sauce is tasty and on the sweet side, which I like. There's also a bit of a kick to it. Radish sprouts are delish as a garnish. GF ordered the short stout. Awesome! Would definitely get it again. I ordered the roast beef and red pepper. My sandwich was good, but not as good as the GF's short stout. I also had a cup of the mushroom and ram soup. A-M-A-Z-I-N-G! Gf had the side salad with her short stout. Great selection of veggies and greens in the salad. Pie ended the night perfectly. GF had the apple streusel pie, and I had the chocolate cream pie. Excellent pie... Crust was delicious! Apple wins over the chocolate cream. We're definitely leaving stuffed with plenty left over for lunch tomorrow. It was a bit pricey, but we ordered quite a bit. The portions we're very, very generous. Needless to say, we'll be back many times for sure!
(5)
Rachel G.

Fantastic pie. Great beer selection. What a little gem of a place.
(4)
Patrick G.

The owners of this place also have like 4 places in Milwaukee, WI, So on a trip to Chicago we figured why not try it out! Great experience! Bartender Andrew was really friendly and helpful with the menu and beer selection! Tuesday happens to be $1 off Belgian beers! The food was Excellent with a great Beer selection! It was exactly what we expected! I highly recomend!
(5)
Allie W.

I'm so disappointed. Recently they apparently changed pie chefs and the pie has never been the same. Additionally, the food has also taken a turn for the worse. I was there for brunch and got the day's special - nutella french toast with bananas and cream cheese. Sounds amazing, right? It wasn't. It was bland and visually gross - it literally looked like a shit sandwich. They do still have an amazing chicken pot pie, so 2 stars for that and the extensive beer list.
(2)
Evangeline B.

I went here excited to try their vegan options. I'm not vegan but enjoy vegan food so I thought this was a no brainer since they had so many options. Has to be decent, right? NO. I tried the Devil's pie with some miso soup and they were both terrible. Even the mashed potatoes were disgusting and partially cold. I could have made myself better food at home, which I did when I left. However my friends got salads which were good, so maybe their non vegan food is worth it. They also have a big beer list which is a plus, but there were no descriptions beyond price and alcohol content and my server, while nice, didn't even know what beers were on the menu let alone what they tasted like.
(2)
Rita W.

Disclaimer: I only got the pie so this is review is for their pie only. My girlfriend had been telling us the pie at Northdown was awesome so being the dessert lover that I am I needed to have me some pie! I ordered the almond cream pie. These pieces of pie are not for the faint of heart. They are pretty huge slices and the whipped cream topping is twice as high as the filling. Not that I am complaining what can be better than large servings of dessert! My two girl friends ordered the key lime pie and the coconut banana pie. All pies were delicious! My almond cream had a thicker consistency - our waitress compared to a cheesecake type texture. It's a little smoother but it does taste as rich as cheesecake does. There are thinly sliced almond on top and sprinkling of almonds throughout the pie. The whipped cream topping tasted like it was home made and was not super sweet. My friend's pie were also just as good. The keylime was not too tart or overly sweet and was actually quite refreshing. The coconut banana cream pie didn't overpower you with either coconut or banana so it just right of a combination. The food looked great here, I am hoping to come back next time to order some food as well!
(4)
Paul S.

All bars should have a local old man enjoying a Schlitz and sipping a shot of jaggermister. That's all I'm saying. ...it should be made into it's own scoring system like zaggot, Michelin, etc...
(5)
Hanna A.

Absolutely fantastic. Pies, food, drink. Flavored special butter & bread. Special butters? What more can you even want? Or me, at least. I am NOT a pie eater- I have not ever eaten a whole slice of pie, but seeing a family member dig into the coconut cream pie? Homemade deliciousness- have 10 pies at a time. Seriously- the crust and whip cream are worth getting it. Tried many different dinners here, salad was fresh, burger and fries were amazing, tried a bite of BBQ pork- tasty. Tomato soup and grilled cheese- yummy. Okay this is embarrassing. go here!!
(5)
Richard O.

Soo... they got rid of the pie. And when we went in there a while back we asked what happened to the pies they used to have and the waitress was trying to pull some kind of jedi mindgame with us like we were too dumb to be able to determine they stopped selling the world's best pies. The food's too greasy for me to keep going there. We only went for the pies. I haven't been back for a while, but I noticed I still had a good review up for this place and I wanted to set the record straight.
(2)
Virginia T.

I stopped in after work for dinner. I ordered the Three Floyd's Zombie Dust (Citra hops yum!) and J got the Boulevard Zon Wit. Both were great as expected. I had the chicken and biscuit pie. It was delicious (and had broccoli in it!) but needed seasoning. At least there was salt & pepper on the table so I could fix that problem myself. J had the "breakfast in your face" which wasn't on their online menu....it was sort of like a breakfast poutine. Fries with sausage gravy, 2 eggs (he got them scrambled), cheese and scallions. They played great music while we were there. I noticed the Smiths and the Shins that I remember. It was a bit pricey ($50 for two entrees, two beers, one piece of pie) but I will be back for sure.
(4)
Allison J.

I am obsessed with this place. The food is fantastic, their beer selection makes me squeal with joy, and their staff are all awesomely nice and cool. I discovered Northdown, sadly, right before I moved out of Chicago. I inquired with Tom, their owner (?) about having a farewell party there and he was super chill and accommodating, even when I couldn't give him an exact head count or exact date. Definitely my favorite laid-back boozy joint in all of Chicago. You can bet your bottom freakin' dollar that I'll be paying them a visit the next time I'm back in town. P.S. Three words: key lime pie.
(5)
Ben K.

Good food and good drinks. There's a huge beer list here (although there's only one IPA currently on tap), and a medium sized menu with a bunch of good looking stuff. I had a grilled chicken sandwich on ciabatta, with gruyere, some kind of caramelized onion, and an herb aioli. All quality components, and a really fantastic sandwich. I'd like to say I'll be adventurous next time and get something new, but in my heart I know that when I come back, I will be having this exact same item again. The rest of my table seemed to enjoy the grilled cheese w/tomato soup, meatloaf, and chicken pot pie pretty well. But the fries came out en masse and were already luke warm and not particularly tasty. Go with the side salad instead.
(4)
Sid V.

Went here the other night and had the misfortune of sitting in the back room, which is peculiar, odd and depressing, like an out of the way and private space an AA meeting might take place or the coming revolution might foment one of these days. Had we been up front, no doubt another star would have been on this review, but the back was just odd to the point of being very slightly uncomfortable. Good service, good food (not sure what the concept of putting the sprouts on the short rib sandwich was exactly but damn tasty anyway), fair portions and a decent beer list, but the ambiance is so-so they should really play some music in the back room, it feels like there is a party in the apartment next door and you aren't invited. Also, the identity crisis comments (does this place know what it is?) are definitely on point-cafe, bar, kids party central?
(3)
Boon K.

Good beer selection but I must say they took comfort food to another level. My first favor is the lamb on the stick, fresh tasting lamb with a great tomatoes sauce. The Pork fries is a large portion and great to share. Hands down, the compact turkey dinner was the bomb!! I love the fried stuffing balls, the gravy, and of course the turkey. Submariner was a paid so homage to NO muffelletta. I am also happy with the seitan philly when I don't feel like meat.
(5)
Eric M.

If you're going just for beer, this is an excellent place. Not only are there a ton to pick from, but you get great descriptions on the menu and a knowledgeable staff to help you out. As for food, you're not going to find anything amazing here. I've had a few dishes and each time I've thought this is ok but I'll try something different next time. Nothing yet has won me over. So come for the beers.
(3)
Laura M.

Great neighborhood spot. I have been very impressed by the food every time I am here. The homemade bread and butter (different type daily) is fantastic, especially the bacon/Jalapeno butter. Sandwiches are definitely a step up from bar food, great quality ingredients and good homemade food. The service sort of sucks though, very slow; forgot some of what we ordered, etc. Not so bad that we wont be back. You MUST save room for the homemade pies.
(4)
Dawn G.

Impressed...first time in a while the red eye has provided me with useful info. My veggie loving SO was so thrilled about this place we just had to go. So we did. It was yum, adorable and yum. The place is sort of cute and sort of weird , but not homey cute and weird, funky is maybe a better word. I do have to say the goat cheese is delish as is, the cheesy tomato sandwich. Passing on the pie is haunting me and I just dined there 3 hrs ago. We will be back, soon I think then I'll see if they get the 5th star, I'm just trying not to drool over the beer list and wide array of options. You can take anyone here- vegan, veg, meat eater etc. Not to mention they're big on sustainability, which I appreciate with the products a place serves.
(4)
Mrs. T.

Meat lovers, this is the perfect place to go with your vegan and vegetarian friends! Northdown makes their own seitan and offers some nice choices for vegans. I've enjoyed both dinner and brunch at Northdown and I can't wait to go back to try their beer selection. The waitstaff is very knowledeable and aims to bring in local vendors whenever possible. Fun atmosphere.
(4)
Danielle G.

Awesome owners, awesome staff. They always have great benefits and fund raisers. There are usually great prizes to win at these, including rare and awesome beers and even tattoo gift certificates (to top shops). They're also always open early which is a big plus if, like me, you like to enjoy a beer with lunch.
(5)
Karen G.

So I came to this place twice in a week and ordered the mac and cheese both times. It's that good. Great place to eat if you have any vegetarians/vegans in your group- something for everyone. Good service, nice beer selection, great food. Will return for some more mac and cheese!
(5)
Kenny T.

This place is awesome. The vegan food is so good, and there's a big menu of beer, wine and drinks. Chicago's bar scene is not very vegan friendly, so Northdown was nice to find. I'll be telling all my friends about this place. Plus, the fries are awesome and there's pinball!
(5)
Brian P.

I'm a fan. Very good beer selection, food menu above average for this sort of venue. Also just a comfortable place to be. Bartenders/waiters always helpful in a no-BS kind of way.
(4)
D R.

Good stuff. Revolving beers are on tap, the almost up-to-date website can't keep up. Friendly staff, small but interesting menu, and great atmosphere. Ran into a bartender from another bar sitting at this bar. Good sign? Found parking right out front and there is a public lot around the corner on School Street. A really unique vibe. I think this is the new model for Chicago bars. Limited high quality choices brought to you by enlightened ownership.
(4)
Emily P.

New favorite place to grab a beer. This place has a unique vibe. Plenty of room for groups in the back. The beer list is extensive and unique. I came here one night with a few girlfriends. We each drank 2 beers that ranged between 9-11% alcohol and shared a piece of chocolate pie. Ho-mazing. I will be coming back to try out their brunch menu with suggested beer pairings.
(5)
Sarah L.

Food was pretty good, but our service was awful. Didn't have water for almost the whole meal, didnt get our plates cleared, etc. Also, the beers dont have ounce info, so when you order $12 dollar beer and its barely 8 oz, it's frustrating because maybe you would have chose different if you'd known.
(3)
Charlie z.

Now let me preface this review by saying that I was mostly disappointed with the food. The wait staff is attentive and the vibe is relaxed. It's a great place to grab a drink with friends, however, DO NOT get the pulled pork sandwich. The plate was wrong on several levels. First the sandwich had no texture at all. The bun was not toasted and there wasn't anything to add crunch. At least throw a house made slaw onto the damn thing. It felt like I was mushing wet bread around in my mouth....yuck! Second, there was no bbq sauce to tie everything together. The flavor of the pork was ok, but a nice sauce would have really made a difference. Lastly, the side salad was served in a cup like dish with carrots quartered long ways and laid on top! How was I supposed to eat the damn thing! I got the lettuce out but most of it landed on the table not in my tummy :). Put the salad in a little bowl...not a cup. All in all. I would go back for a drink and maybe try another item on the menu, but definitely not the pulled pork. And after you get something that is less than mediocre you start to lose faith in the food :/
(2)
Lauren B.

The best description I can give you right now after eating at Northdown is a Homer Simpson-esque drool. SO GOOD Husband and I stumbled in here (we were planning on going to Becketts but this place caught our eye before we reached our destination). It's only 3 months old so not too shocking we've missed it before. We'll never miss it AGAIN! Food was delicious - affordable gourmet comfort food. I had one of the best grilled cheese/tomato soup combos ever and he had a riDICULOUS short rib sandwich. Everything was perfectly cooked and seasoned - just mouth watering. One of the best pieces of coconut cream pie at the end of the meal to top it off. Beer list was long and awesome. Service was stellar - props to Andrew and Jamie for keeping us entertained and always making sure our beers were full. We'll be back very soon.
(5)
Kaitlyn P.

Part of me really wants to keep this place a secret because it's such a great find, but I enjoyed it so much that I can't help but share. (Also, Urban Daddy already spilled the beans, so I guess the cat's out of the bag.) We almost passed this place twice looking for it because it still has no sign. Once we found it, though, the "If Attack Comes" scrawled in huge letters across the wall made it clear we were in the right place. The place has a great beer selection, which our enthusiastic and heavily tattooed server told us is constantly changing (giving me a reason right there to keep coming back). Opted for a challenging sour beer and a safe Allagash White, both of which went down well with the food we ordered. I had the grilled cheese and tomato soup (my ultimate comfort food!). The bread was crisp but not hard and the cheese gooey without being runny - perfect for dipping in their thick tomato soup. I'm going to feel ridiculous for saying this, but their in-house-made pickles, which come as a garnish with every sandwich, were incredible! (Our server shyly told us he had made them himself earlier that week.) A great addition to the neighborhood!
(5)
Alex N.

TRY ANYTHING. BEST PIE i've ever had. Almond Butter pie - it was absolutely amazing. The meals were all amazing. Mac and Cheese was great, turkey ball dinner was pretty good but could use cranberry sauce, meatloaf was INTENSE AND ENORMOUS! but so good. YOU MUST, I MEAN MUST, TRY THE BBQ PORK FRIES AS AN APPETIZER. The beer that I had tasted like juice. If you don't like beer then you must try that beer because it was amazing - not syrupy but still sweet and delicious. Lots of beer options to go on too. Try something new. It's worth it.
(5)
Emily O.

I heard this place was open until 2 am on weeknights, so when my friend called me at 11 pm complaining of hunger, I thought of Northdown. Unfortunately, it turns out that after 11 they only serve soup and pie. Which is great and all, but not really when you'd be planning on trying their homemade seitan. We ordered pie, and it was awesome. My friend had cherry and I had a peach raspberry pie. Both were delicious, but the cherry was probably the better of the two. Also, both were vegan (which I didn't mention to my carnivore companion). The waitress told us that they're planning on serving food until midnight in the future, which sounds awesome. In the meantime, they ought to update their website and mention somewhere that although they are open until the wee hours of the morning, they stop serving food before the night is over. I'm still hungry and disappointed.
(4)
Steve T.

Excellent beer selection. Really enjoyed the 3 Floyds Ham on Rye and Allagash White. The Fiance enjoyed the fruity Monks Cafe. Fries were excellent and Leslie's Cheesy Tomato sandwich with Roast Beef was an amazing cheeseteak sandwich with the works. Fiances Pork Sandwich was good. Could of used a little more BBQ sauce but the smoked coleslaw on it more than made up for it. Can't wait to go back. The space is new and could use a little more ambiance but it just opened so give it some more time.
(5)
Hans K.

Delicious food - especially the gruyere burger. Their fries are amazing too. Wonderful beer selection.
(5)
Mike B.

Beer and Pie .. OHHHH MYYYYY
(5)
Billy W.

Northdown is my choice for best kept secret in the city of Chicago and I've only been twice. This place boasts it all - especially food. It's got the manufactured divey feel but it ends there. Feng shui coming out of its ears. Creme beer selection - Half Acre is flowing like beer/water/wine and Northdown also owns the distinction of *best* bloody mary I've ever had. The bloody was rich and stuffed with all kinds of enjoyables, I think I even found a silver dollar in it. My buddy had their ribeye last night and it was legendary. They have three pinball machines and soon I will play them. If you're not into hanging out and eating in the bustling taproom, you can sit in the back around the corner. This is the place I will bring out of towners to show them a fantastic Chicago experience. A+++
(5)
Carolynne M.

So, in case you didn't want to read the TOME of some of the reviews that have recently been posted here about Northdown, let me sum it up for you in a way that is easy to read and gets to the point. - funky, interesting decor (with great music and pinball machines in the back! yay!) - fantastic, enthusiastic, personable waitstaff with lightning fast service - Beer list is intriguing & well priced - they have a habanero hot sauce by a local supplier, FieryAlyce.com , that is intensely flavourful and adds a whole new dimension of awesome to whatever it is you are ordering. - as for the food: Roasted Garlic and White Bean dip with hand made Ciabatta toast? Served warm and full of beany perfection. Mac & Cheese? Rich and dense, tons of cheese flavour. My number 2 pick for best M&C in the city. Don't forget to add some of that hot sauce to really perk things up. Pies? Now I am normally not a dessert person, but I had to know what the deal was with these pies. For around $4 you get a giant slice of obviously homemade (or small batch or whatever you want to call it) decadence. I chose banana cream which is hard to get right and I can always tell if someone decided to sneak in some fakey banana flavour. Not here! Super fresh banana filling with doubly fresh real whipped cream on top. Seriously. Get a piece of whatever flavour you want. You won't be disappointed. A great new addition to this strip of Lincoln Ave. Glad I found you Northdown, and am intrigued to go back. There. Just saved you 10 minutes of reading!
(5)
Patrick n.

Good selection of beers and nice atmosphere, but the food was just okay for us. We got the mac and cheese and the turkey and stuffing balls, both were pretty bland and the turkey balls were really greasy. It may have just been an off night, based on the other people's reviews I'd like to give the place another chance.
(3)
Moe f.

We have a new winner for my fav Mac n Cheese in town. Throw in some Pork Fries and you have a fantastic post Hideout Block Party meal. But it doesn't stop there cause I got to drink more Zombie Dust and some Southern Tier PunKing.
(5)
Chris V.

Great beer. Food is even better. Best place within at least a few miles.
(5)
Steve T.

The best eggs benedict for brunch in town. Hands down. I haven't been here for anything other than brunch yet (mostly because every time I've tried to go around dinner it's completely packed), but have enjoyed it every time. The biscuits are amazing...great flavor, and the holondaise sauce makes my mouth water. You can screw up benedict very easily, but they have made it amazing. Get the mimosa, go ahead, treat yourself.
(4)
Lindsay B.

The pies are no longer from Val. They are now actually my local Hoosier Mama's - still good, but not made in house.
(4)
Laura S.

Northdown: A Vegan Review I think that vegans should support businesses that make an effort to cater to the non-meat-eating, so a friend (also vegan) and I went to Northdown for dinner last night to check it out. It's definitely a place that has something for everyone. They have a pretty good assortment of vegan options--including 2 vegan pies the night we went. My roasted veggie sandwich with white bean spread was well-crafted and tasty. Actually, the bread was nearly perfect. My friend's seitan philly sandwich could have been more flavorful and was kind of dry, but she did take home the leftovers. Can't complain about hand-cut fries with the skin on. The beer list seemed well thought-out. The staff was knowledgeable and accommodating with their menu items. Downer: it was loud and we had to ask 3 times for water. (Maybe because it was so loud.) Did I mention the (2) vegan pies?!! I will definitely keep this place on my (short) list of places I can eat with my family and everyone is happy.
(4)
Erica W.

Food was good, service was just okay but the fact that we had to wait over an hour for our food when the place was not even busy was a big deterrent. No explanation of what the problem was or why we had to wait either. Kinda sad because as a vegetarian there are a lot of things I would like to try here- I might give it another chance for redemption though.
(3)
B.D. K.

You guys are great. We tortured ourselves by trying to have a pretentious meal downtown, and left that place starving. After a few hours, we needed to eat again, tried to go to Beckett's Public House (which just closed their kitchen), walked up to you guys, and you saved the day with awesome draft selections and late night grub. I wasn't expecting the food to be as good as it was, and I dig the atmosphere. Probably my new favorite spot in the village.
(4)
Maggie R.

meh. was only here once, and it was the kind of day where they were out of most of the things i wanted: didn't have my first choice beer, first choice appetizer, and first choice pie. weird. that's cool, i didn't really want any of my first choices anyway. on the plus side, the pie i did end up having (it was caramel and chocolate) was still pretty g-d good. redemption!
(3)
Kerry M.

Yum. Brunch here was fantastic from start to finish. Service was good, ambience was pretty cool, parking was easy. We stopped in on Sunday around noon, expecting it to be packed, and it most definitely was not. We were seated right away. I'm surprised though, because the food was fantastic. They have a pretty extensive brunch menu, from which I ordered their version of eggs benedict. They make everything in house, so the biscuit that sat underneath the eggs, along with the hashbrowns on the side, were warm and crispy. My friend ordered the quiche, and loved hers as well. We also split a piece of banana cream pie. Wow. I'm not a sweets/dessert person in the least, but I'd come back for this. Our server told us that they generally have more flavors to choose from, but the pies sell out quickly. I can see why. It was delish. Very light, as pies should be, but very, very filling at the same time. So good. Go, before the word gets out. And try the pie. No matter what.
(5)
Courtney K.

Northdown is a pretty hipster spot with incredible pie and a huge variety of craft beers on tap. Great bloody marys and breakfast specials on the weekends too. Loved having this place in my neighborhood. Its always affordable, never too crowded, and the bartenders and servers are very friendly. I would recommend this to anyone looking for a chill meal out that they wont soon forget.
(4)
Carrie L.

YES, YES, YES!! I love everything about this place down to the last beard on the majority of bartenders. Great food, pie and beer. The guys and gals behind the bar are laid back and enjoyable. THANK YOU for opening in my neighborhood.
(5)
Jenna M.

Northdown has a great vibe that feels unique to the area, more like something you'd find in Logan Square or Ukrainian Village than Lakeview. Great music (Misfits, Pixies, Motorhead) at a good volume. Lots of places boast extensive beer menus and give you the same old Two Brothers and Great Lakes that you see at the average joint, but this menu has a number of choices I hadn't seen before. The food has that little extra something to make it stand out. Over a few visits I've had: - pork fries (a commitment, but worth it!) - ciabatta with orange olive butter, goat cheese and caramelized onions (awesome all around, had to stop myself from eating the butter straight once the bread was gone) - house salad with grapefruit tarragon dressing (standard, but great dressing) - Reuben (reasonable size, good flavor on the meat and dig the smoky slaw that came with it) - banana cream pie (yes yes more please. Gives Feed's banana pudding a run for its money. And what the heck is in that crust? Amazing.) I only give it 4 stars because there have been service snafus each time I've gone. First time I went with a friend, the server kept switching our beers, so unless I knew what mine tasted like (my friend had Gumballhead, so I could tell I'd gotten hers), we'd have missed it. Also went recently and received a side salad when I ordered a main. I was ok with it and they were very gracious, giving us a free slice of pie for the mix up. All in all, I dig the place.
(4)
Dustin W.

Do you have a 3-floyds neon sign? Have you ever seen one in Chicago? Only if you've had the pleasure of dining or drinking at Northdown Cafe & Taproom. If you have ever spent time looking for the striped shirt wonder known as Waldo, then you know that sometimes it takes a little luck to nail the exact location down, which may be the case for a few more weeks at Northdown as they don't even have their name on the place. Never fear, 3Floyds-neon sign to the rescue. Just look for the glow coming from the custom neon and use your nose and you will be pleasantly rewarded. I walked in thinking it was going to be a second rate experience considering no sign and more importantly that I was originally heading into Fizz bar for Chicago Craft Beer Week. Unfortunately, Fizz was not open for regular seating, and I wasnt ready for a 4 hour session of yummy heavy hitter ales at their Craft Brew day (which for the record looked awesome through the fence, but made me sad I could not participate). Back to Northdown now, as I said, I walked in rather discouraged, but wow was that about to change quickly. NCT is an 85-seat comfort food restaurant in the space that formerly housed Bourbon. I was cordially greeted by several staff members. Lots of tats must be hiring criteria or maybe the abundance of tats are actually a sign of good times in this case, either way I like color and these folks certainly had it. They didnt need to pin their 32 pieces of flare on, they wore it in their expressions that they really like their new jobs and the potential that NCT has to offer the neighborhood. A few short conversations later, I learned they (3 partners, 2 of which own successful outfits in other cities, Milwaukee if I remember correctly) decided to start slowly and build up until they have the kinks worked out (aspiring restauranteurs pay attention now). This might be called a soft open when performed in the standard half-arse kinda way, however when you do it like NCT (COME CORRECT), your restaurants reputation will remain strong while allowing you to may make a few mistakes. Next lesson I learned, the sign isnt hung yet for a reason, nor do they really care to have too much buzz or out the door line action at this point. Like I mentioned, they are opening slowly so as to improve before advertising to Chicago that they make one of the best beef sandwiches you have ever sunk your jaws into. I certainly have never had better, and I just ate at Jerry's a few days ago. I can happily report they are now open for full hours (still slowly developing of course), and yes, the sign is coming soon :) I will warn you though that it wont be long before you cant get near the door at Northdown, its just that darn good. This review is painful to write as I dont want to lose my new favorite gastropub, but alas it is inevitable that NCT will be a huge hit. So what about the food, all this banter, yet you just want to know about the eats and drinks right? The concept at NCT is clear from the menu, traditional comfort food with a VERY heavy focus on ingredient quality and local farmer support, sourcing from over 40 different farms in Wisconsin and bringing in quality baked breads, etc. Being that it was lunch, I opted for the sandwich list and immediately spotted my prey, the Short Stout, which is, drum roll please: Old Rasputin beer braised beef short ribs on thick ciabatta (not that flaky chain-restaurant over-herbed crap). The beef was moist, but not soggy or so thick it overpowered the sandy withmeat flavor. It was piled deep, but like I said, didnt have that sticky pasty brickhouse feeling of an Al's beef. The ciabatta was hearty and crisp, but not too dry, so it didnt scrape my mouth to shreds, flake apart, AND just as importantly, it was able to maintain its texture without becoming soggy or falling apart (even my leftovers were perfect after 12 hours in the fridge). Somewhere buried in this meaty delight was fresh fontina cheese and it was dressed with beautiful vibrant farmer's market quality micro greens tossed in a mild red-wine vinagrette as well as a tasty red onion slaw. As if it couldnt get any better, they added a few sliced legit fresh pickles (sweet dill maybe but not sure about my pickle knowledge). From bottom to top bun, this sandwich delivered on every level, and has set a new bar for me when it comes to beef sandys. To make things even better, it came with natural cut (skin on) shoestringesque fries, my fave of the fried potato family. This meal made me so happy, and is currently as I finish my leftovers and write this ode to NCT. Other outrageously mean looking items I saw delivered to happy faces included the open faced meatloaf and AJ's compact turkey dinner (already selected as my next food item to try at Northdown). As for the pie, help me please get to dessert nest time or I may just have to call mom ahead of time and ask if I may eat my pudding before I eat my meat! To drink: Flanders Cuvee de Jacobins sour red
(5)
Andrew C.

Let's keep it simple: Great food, amazing pies, cool atmosphere, fantastic beer list.
(5)
Darrin D.

They stopped making their pies in-house. Sorry guys, the food is still amazing and the service is great, but I'm disappointed in the pies compared to what they where.
(4)
Eric S.

This place is a hidden gem. I'm not sure how long it's been there but I can tell you it's not gonna be long before they blow up. They have a wonderful selection of gourmet beers and ciders. The food was really fantastic and we also had a piece of pie for desert that didn't disappoint. I had the Reuben which is pretty much my favorite food and It was very good. The Service and ambiance are great. You should check this joint out. I can easily put this in the top Gastropub list from around the city.....P.S. It was my gf's birthday when we were in there and they comped the pie. Thank You!
(5)
dove r.

What's sad about this review is that had I wrote it after my first visit a few months ago, it would have been a five star-er. Oh what a difference three months can make. Everything that I loved about this place has changed. The amazing menu, including tasty homemade pies and interesting pub fare? Gone. Replaced with a tiny, boring, dessert-less imposter. Friendly atmosphere? Nope. Douchebag central. Great beer selection? Well, that's still around except now it's 9 bucks for an 8 oz. glass of my choice brew. They don't even print the serving size on the menu because they know how ridiculous it is to serve a 5 % beer in an 8 oz. glass. The last time I was here, it was a pint for the same price. The service was horrible. They were busy, but waiting wasn't the issue. The girl who served us said that they'd ran out of the beer we ordered. So she says they have a similar replacement. Ok great, what is it. "Uh, really hoppy, something with an 'm'. We still don't know what the hell we drank. Incidentally, she didn't look old enough to be serving beer in the first place. The Zombie Cheese appetizer was equally disappointing. It's made with Zombie Dust, one of my current favorite beers. Honestly, they could have put PBR in that cheese and I wouldn't know the difference cause it tasted like cheese. Plain ol cheese. With four dinky little crostinis. The only positive thing I have to say about this visit is that my Sirracha Chicken Sandwich was really good. Too bad I had to eat it at such a crappy place. You blew it, Northdown.
(1)
Richard M.

We just had dinner here again and our second meal was even better than the first. Our waiter was very knowledgeable about all the great beers and delicious food. Thumbs up for the dairy-free options. We will be back.
(5)
S.A.M. R.

great sandwiches!!! love the submariner.. highly recommend it! service is alittle slow and unmotivated. However not bad enough to keep me away from the submariner!
(4)
M P.

So glad we finally tried this place. Great vibe - very laid back but friendly. Everything we got was delish - especially the pie! The server was great and suggested lots of veggie options for me - I was suprised that they make their own seitan and can sub it in lots of their dishes. Can't wait to go back in the winter for the cassoulett. Throw in a great (and affordable) beer selection - and what more do you need!
(4)
Emily C.

Stopped in for a bloody mary. We ended up ordering the vegan chili mac and cheese, which we LOVED. The crunchy bits on top really made it. The bloody was pretty good - the best part was the slice of bacon inside (I know, I ordered vegan chili mac and cheese - I just wanted to try it!). The bloody also included olives and cheese. It had a little too much dill for my liking, but if you love dill, this is the bloody mary for you. Service was good too! 76/365
(4)
Brock B.

This is my favorite place in Chicago. The food's great, they have good beer on tap that rotates regularly, the staff is friendly, and it's pretty mellow. There's only one TV in the bar, so you can catch the game if you want to, but it's not a highlight (and when there's no game on, they play old action movies).
(5)
Mary B.

Came here a second time with a group of 9. Um...NEVER coming back. The manager didn't even want to seat us because they only had one waitress on a Sunday afternoon. Took over 20 mins to get our drinks..then an hour to get our food. The food was awful. Stale bread on sandwiches and stale biscuits in the biscuits and gravy. The waitress never checked on us and when we paid it took her another 15 minutes to give us our cards back. People walked in to the restaurant next to our table and I literally told them to not come in because we had been waiting an hour for our food and they were appreciative. This place sucks and so does the management. Not coming back
(1)
Mary H.

I lurv Northdown. I have been several times for brunch/lunch and have always enjoyed the experience. The decor is really funky and cool. It makes me want to start a DIY art project. The food is super tasty, but there can be a bit of wait with the service here. Don't get me wrong, everyone is friendly, but be prepared for the service style to match the laid back vibe of this place. Excellent beer list as well. Definitely a fan.
(4)
Joey M.

If you're interested in trying eclectic foods and good beer this is a great place to go! Very casual and comfortable. I recommend the cheese grinder! Yum
(5)
Jessica V.

Great beer selection, and it changes frequently so you can always find something new on tap. The beers are a little bit pricey but pretty standard for the area. Their burger is one of the best we have had in the city. It's just a really good burger, no frills, just good meat, great bun, and their fries are awesome. I'm still bummed that the pies are gone, and my boyfriend is still mourning the loss of the short rib sandwich but we still love it here.
(4)
Jackie P.

It was a rainy Monday night and we were seeking refuge and something to drink, and found it at Northdown. Tom the bartender was outstanding, extremely knowledgeable and very friendly. He really seemed to enjoy his job. The beer selection was extensive and well rounded. We did not try the food but it looked great. I would go there again just to drink and hang out with Tom. He's a gem.
(5)
Melanie S.

Carnivore and vegetarian friendly + great beer list + pie = perfect for everybody. I never would have known about this place if it hadn't been for Helena B's review, written just the day before the BAS event at Beckett's, right down the street from Northdown. The food sounded great (hello, macaroni and cheese AND pie) so it was an ideal choice to go here with some folks before BAS and get some comfort food in our bellies before drinking many beers. The food, beer (Daisy Cutter was on special that night), service, and of course, the pie, were all great. Everyone left stuffed and happy. Two of us ordered macaroni and cheese (the smarter one added bacon to hers), and it was a hot, cheesy, crusty, bubbling plate of rich, delicious, al-dente macaroni and several kinds of oozy cheese. It was so decadent that I couldn't finish it, but the rest of our party had no problem helping me out. The others ordered the lamb stew (another special that night), which I tasted and was excellent, and a meatloaf sandwich. We all enjoyed our food (although it was said that the meatloaf sandwich could have been hotter), and naturally we saved room for pie. They have an impressive list of homemade pies so you're sure to find something to whet your whistle. Some of the choices were almond cream, key lime, apple pear streusel, chocolate cream, coconut cream, banana cream, bourbon pecan, and a few more I'm forgetting. I was hoping they'd offer a few more fruit options, but still, the list was extensive. We all ordered something different to share. I only tasted the key lime, which didn't have a ton of flavor (and definitely didn't make my mouth pucker), and the chocolate cream, which was a little too dense for me; I was expecting a more mousse-y texture and this was more like a candy bar. We also ordered the bourbon pecan and coconut cream, which were big hits, especially the bourbon pecan. I was pleasantly surprised by Northdown and since I love macaroni and cheese and pie like it's my birthright, I will most certainly be back. Repeat: they have macaroni and cheese AND pie AND beer. That's all you really need to know.
(4)
Liz L.

Solid service, gorgeous beer list, and generous portions from an ingredient-driven menu that boasts a lot of options for veg*n, gf, and paleo-ish folk. I can't wait to come back.
(4)
Laura M.

I love this place. I live in the neighborhood, so Northdown is quickly becoming a go-to both day and night. Huge beer list with decent specials and really great food that served late. The bartenders are very friendly and attentive. The decor is great and kind of divey. This is not a cheap spot, but ultimately worth it because the food is super high-quality with lots of vegetarian options. The atmosphere and menu remind me of the Beat Kitchen, another favorite.
(5)
Lucas W.

This place is fantastic. It's turned into our local. The pork frites, the burgers, the mac and cheese, the beer list -- all amazing and worth the visit. We go here probably once or twice a week, and the service is fantastic too.
(5)
Lover of Dogs H.

Great beer and quality bar food selection. The decor is super cool too. When we went there was a fair amount of groups and dates as well. The fancy and high quality food will keep me coming back.
(5)
Andy M.

The Northdown cafe is a wonderful place to enjoy some great food, a top notch beer selection and great people. My wife and I started out with a delicious white bean dip appetizer. It was small in size, but packed a nice punch. My choice for a entree was a tricky one. There were four things on the menu that had me drooling. I decided to go for broke and order the meatloaf. This was a gusty choice. When you have a wife that makes the best meatloaf in the world, there's a good chance of walking away disappointed. The meatloaf sandwich at Northdown was fabulous. It's not your mothers meatloaf. The dish is served on bread and topped with a delicious helping of garlic mashed potato's. It's not better than my wife's (she would kill me if I suggested that), but it was an original take on this traditional American dish that I really enjoyed. Northdown is a cozy little eatery that offers great food and fantastic service. Our server was friendly and attentive and the decor was casual and relaxing. If I still lived in the area, I would be spending a lot of time at this place. Bars and restaurants seem to open and close every year on this little strip of Lincoln Ave. I really think Northdown is onto something. If what we experienced is typical of what this restaurant has to offer, it will be around for a long time.
(5)
jess e.

Eehhhhhhhh. They have a great beer list, they've got pinball, and it sounded as if the people who got food liked it. But service was painfully slow. There was a big table when we got there so we thought this was the reason for it. But after the big table left and the place cleared out service remained slow. It's too bad, spending half the time looking for the waitress kind of ruined any of the positives for us. Maybe she was helping out doing other things, I don't know. She wasn't awful in any other way..just slow. We would've walked up to the bar, but we didn't know if that was a rude thing to do. I do wish that bars with only one waitress would give it up and go the way of a lot of European bars, the patron orders everything at the bar, if you order food someone will bring it out. It just makes it easier. So if you go, sit at the bar you'll enjoy it a lot more. Oh and for those on a tight budget, watch out. I had enough cash for a certain number of beers and dollar tip for each. But when my bill (with no food charges on it) came I was charged tax on the beers, there was nothing I could do but leave a low tip because the tax took half of my tip money.
(3)
Molly R.

Yummy!! Great food, great bartenders! Try the mac n cheese with smoked pork!
(5)
Dhruv P.

Usually bars like these aren't too friendly to my dietary needs but Northdown is awesome because quite a few items can me made vegetarian/vegan. I had their pulled pork sandwich - veganatized - and the first time - it was heaven. The second time it was good, but no match to the first. I was surprised it wasn't consistent, but it was good and would definitely try it again. Their fries were amazing and felt just a tad guilty eating them. They give a locally sourced BBQ sauce that has a very good spice kick. Now their pies which I've heard lots of good things, was a disappointment. There was an inordinate amount of whipped cream, so much that the pie itself was lost in it. The crust was a bit soggy and really, the only thing I could taste was the whipped cream. Its nowhere close to reaching the heights of Chef Mary's pies at First Slice.
(4)
Jason N.

I just moved to Chicago, so the roommate and I decided to explore some of the city. We happen to walk by this place, so we decided to check it out. Overall, I really liked this place. The staff was very friendly, relatively quick and they had a great craft beer selection to choose from. I didn't get a chance to try the food, but I will be back for sure. Great spot.
(4)
Sumeet A.

This is a go-to bar for me, the bartenders are friendly & the food is awesome, oh and no one is pretentious. While the prices are slightly higher than most places, you get what you pay for.. Quality beer that you cant find elsewhere in the city& quality food in mass quantities. They also have some of the best hot sauces in town if you like to add a little spice to your meal! Awesome place to go & relax :)
(5)
jesy b.

After a move to Roscoe Village that was not entirely on purpose, I was worried. Not about finding good beer, as that's easily accessible around here, but I was worried about finding a good place to drink said good beer, especially so close to Wrigley and the terrible, horrible, no good, very bad things that go along with it. And then I found Northdown. Excellent beer selection. Super nice staff. Extremely vegetarian friendly. Favorable ratio of tattooed to non-tattooed, both staff and patrons. Northdown is a gem among douche.
(5)
Nik A.

Loved this place before but prices have risen while portions and variety have shrunk dramatically. 2 stars for the continually awesome beer selection and great service.
(3)
Amanda S.

Great atmosphere, awesome staff, amazing selection of beer, and very tasty food. Great spot for veggies and vegans! Northdown also does monthly art shows and its always super rad stuff! The area doesn't have anything like it. Def. a must go!
(5)
Brian F.

I had the special "Monte Christo" and it was one of the best sandwiches I've ever had. Yummy turkey, ham, an bacon with melted Gruiyere cheeses on a cinnamon french toast. I had every intention of finishing half and bringing it home but I just couldn't stop eating. Oh and the fries were out of this world. On top of the awesome food, they have an outstanding beer list of brands you probably will never see elsewhere. What a great place!
(5)
Natalie T.

I love some Ronnie James with a vegan chili!!! The vegans are feeling the love! thanks Northdown.
(5)
Elyse P.

If you're looking for a brunch place that has an abundance of screaming babies and food takes at least 45 minutes to come then you've found the perfect place! I had the Benedict and was extremely excited that it was served on one of the biscuits that other reviewers raved about and it was absolutely awful. The biscuit was dry and very peppery and it was slathered in cold sauce. Will never be returning for brunch. They were clearly unprepared for a full restaurant and it was not a pleasant experience.
(1)
Keith A.

This has been on my hit list since they opened. I've been eyeing that beer list and really just looking for an excuse to come here. Well, with my friend's GF being out of town for a while, we used that as an excuse for doing a bar hop. We got here around 8ish and most of the tables were filled in the front area, but there was plenty of room at the bar. No biggie for me, it just means that I get beer faster. So, we ponied up to the bar and found out that it was $1 off can beers. I was more in a sour mood, but my friend took them up on the deal. Since I was hungry I needed some food. The chicken sandwich looked to cure that problem, and it definitely did. In fact, there was so much of it that I had a hard time finishing it and I left a ton of fries on the plate as well. The fries weren't left because they weren't good, they were really good. There was just a ton of them and you need 2 or 3 devoted people to finish them off IMO. Onto the beer, like I said, I was in a sours mood to kick off the night, so some rodenbach it was. You really can't go wrong with rodenbach when sours are your thing. What was cool though is that the bartender hooked me up with a different sour when I was ready to grab another beer. I'm never one to turn down a rec from one of the staff and what a shock, she was on point with it. Sadly after that it was onto the next place, but Northdown requires spending some time and digging into a quality beer list that scratches a lot of my beer itches
(4)
Lauren F.

Can you say delicious pie?!? We stopped in for a beer and ended up ordering the most delicious slice of chocolate pie I've ever laid my taste buds on. They do not mess around. A buttery graham cracker crust and a silky chocolate filling topped with a whipped topping that wasn't really sweet but was a perfect compliment to the rest of the pie. Loved it, can't wait to come back to try the rest of their menu!
(5)
Eileen Z.

Cool neighborhood addition! Spacious, with a few big booths, large bar area with plenty natural lighting during the day. We ordered the chicken and biscuit pie (chicken stew with potatoes, broccoli, onions, carrots and peas in a rich broth baked with a buttermilk biscuit topper) and the vegan cassoulet (roasted wile mushroom ragout, stewed navy beans, baked polenta and braised kale). Our server, Sterling (cool name!), really got us excited about the pie! Not to be missed, these babies are MASSIVE, with a sweet that doesn't overpower. The almond pie was by far my favorite.
(4)
Matthew S.

This is my definitive local place - my fallback/default for dinner, lunch, and drinks. Fantastic food, a great rotating tap list, and they can still throw down a great Manhattan. Two words: Turkey Balls That is all.
(5)
Lynnea K.

Northdown is the BEST. The staff is nice and friendly, but not too friendly in a fake way. Great food, amazing beer, they always have three floyd's on draft and bottles, PINBALL and not too long of a wait for a table. I'm not usually one that chats with other bar patrons, but Northdown is just a happy place to be, sometimes here I find that I have a conversation with a stranger. Nice vibe, down to earth, good food and drink!
(5)
Johnny T.

Pie & beer? Genius. What a perfect combo for a city that takes suds, sweets and all things comfort seriously. If people wonder how and I why I gained weight after living here for the past 8 years, this is why. Well, not Northdown in particular, but in general. And, although, I have much time at the gym in the future to regain my sexy, the effort underwent to lose it was worth it when it comes to the kind of treasure you find here. Beyond the high ceilings, floor-to-ceiling windows, neon signs, and pinball machines (keep walking back back back to the backroom to see all the delights), NC&T is serious about its beer and food. I went on a nice, crisp, overcast, gloomy day and I needed an amber ale to pick my spirits up and dull my sense a bit. A couple of Fat Tires later and I was feeling no pain and in great spirits. Because man cannot live off beer alone (although I have tried), I knew that I needed some food in my gullet to soak up all the alky-hall. I was in the right place. Lemme break it down for you: 1.) pork frites: poutine as imagined in the USA!USA! Fries with saucy pulled pork, cheese, jalapenos, bacon, and onions (the green, chivey kind). You'll need to split these. If you can manage to finish off a plate of these bad boys by yourself, I shudder for your insides. Truth: just writing about it again is making me feel guilty and nervous that my cholesterol is way too high. My wicked ways are in need of changing just from the mere recollection of this dish. Run to/from as you see fit; 2.) Roasted veggie sandwich: shamed by how how fatty fat fat food I was shoveling down (and a'feared from that whole cholesterol thing), I decided on a vegan sandwich of crunchy bread, white beans, eggplant, cabbage, and mushroom. Vegan food may not appeal to me at all times but if it was served like this, I would be a better convert. This was flavorful, substantial and creative. I was engaged throughout the sandwich and excited about every bite. If you stay away from veggies, change your course and head toward this. It will make you question the way you think; and 3.) pie. You knew it was coming. I felt it was deserved (veggies for the main course) and expected (duh). On any given day, there are no fewer than a billion pie selections, so take your time and carefully consider your choice. Since I never met chocolate I didn't like, the chocolate peanut butter solidified my fate to wear Z Cavaricci's for the near future. I don't regret it. I can make them werk. Don't hate.
(4)
John W.

Don't listen to me, I was drunk both times I have been here. The food wasn't bad from what I remember but I wasn't a big fan of the pork fries...Not that I didn't eat the shit out of them or anything...The beer list was pretty decent as well. I think this place is trying really hard NOT to be as douchey as everything else in this area so, when in the area, I will try to end up here as opposed to some lame sports bar.
(3)
Mark B.

Great food and amazing selection of beer. Interesting and very nice vibe for the restaurant. Recommend the burgers and the fries are incredible.
(5)
Amy D.

I was excited to go here. A friend of mine gushed over a pot roast sandwich he had from here (no longer on the menu) and its reviews were pretty positive. We started with a group of 5 but had 2 join us right as we were ordering our food. We ordered our food and it was an hour before it was served. The server didn't know much about their beer selection. I ordered a bottled beer and it was not very cold when I got it, very disappointing. Now for the food. I ordered The Burger medium rare with blue cheese. My burger came out so well done it was burnt and dry. It also had small bits of bone in the ground beef. (every burger at the table was over cooked) I applaud them for the hand form patty, but why ask what temperature we want when you will turn it into a hockey puck anyway? My boyfriend ordered the Northdown burger, his was very dry and over cooked. the menu stated it came with grilled onions and fontina cheese, and steak sauce, it came with a oily piece of white cheese and nothing else. After we ordered we were told the fryer was down, no problem, it happens. I opted for the red potatoes, they came out as nearly raw soaked in oil. Our bills were split by the server which was very much appreciated but she ran the same card for 3 different checks. The speakers in the back were definitely blown out and rattled the entire time. I'm not opposed to hard rock and metal, but when the speaker is humming and crackling over the music, the ambiance goes from rock, to making me want to roll on out. I hope it was a one off experience for me, but only 2 of the 7 in our party enjoyed the food. Unfortunately i won't be back to let them try again.
(2)
Julie A.

And my 300th review goes to.....Northdown Cafe! I met a friend here for dinner, and I ordered a Bloody Mary which was delicious, nice and pickley. We split a burger with Gruyere, ordered the friend red tomatoes (so delicious) and we split pickled veggies and more pickles. I say pass on the pickled veggies and pickles - its really on the sweet side, and I prefer more of a strong garlic/vinegar combo for the veggies. Did I also mention they have pinball? Oh, and the service was great and friendly, which is always appreciated!
(4)
Emily R.

Welcome to the neighborhood, Northdown. I have been anxiously awaiting your open so I can spend all my hard-earned money on your craft beers and comfort food. So far, you have come correct. Your Chicken in a Biscuit entree was extremely satisfying and the apple pie was stellar as well. I look forward to our evenings together. All the best, Emily
(5)
Caroline P.

Excellent place for brunch on a Saturday morning, especially if you arrive when they open at 11. No problem getting a table for 4. You definitely feel like you're sitting in a bar (which you are unless you go to the dining room in the back) but service was quick and attentive and they let us sit and chat for a leisurely 2 hour brunch! Absolutely order the pork frites. The plate is enormous and comes with this delicious melted cheese on the side. Yum. Bloody mary was good, but could have been spicier, did come with those cute little High Lift beerback bottles. I will definitely go back.
(4)
Ryan S.

So far so good. Small food list but it works. Also pretty good beer selection and great atmosphere, service, and music
(4)
Nichole M.

Go here for brunch, and don't you dare fight me on this, just listen. My mom and I went today for Father's Day brunch (she does the work of both parents, yay mommy). Anywho, she knows the owners and wanted to try it out. I was expecting your normal Sunday brunch available at most bars in the Chicago. I was wrong, the breakfast here is outstanding. Above and beyond what I expected. Here's the breakdown. My mom ordered the quiche, it had ham and asparagus and some other stuff. She said it was really good. I got the omelet, SO GOOD. It had ham, broccoli and fresh mozzarella. It didn't just taste like your average omelet. I don't know how to explain it, but it was one of the most amazing omelets I've ever had. I was in heaven. The dishes come with thick toast and a neat little hash brown patty sort of thing, which is also tasty. My mom and I both had mimosas. They are $7, but they come in a pint glass, not a puny champagne glass. Definitely worth the money. I can't wait to go back and try their pie that's supposed to be really good as well. If you're a vegetarian, they have plenty of options. I'm in love.
(5)
Natasia O.

LOVE this place. Fantastic vegan and vegetarian options as well as a tasty burger, and bacon mac n' cheese for the hubby. I particularly love the cashew cheese sauce with fries. In fact, if I could get a side of that sauce with everything I would be a happy gal. I'm not a beer fan but the bartenders are always willing to persuade me--successfully--into trying a tasty beer and loving it! They also have Hendricks gin which lets you know they take their bar selection seriously. PROS: Fantastic non-pretentious service, good food, great drinks, and easy neighborhood parking = Neighborhood gem for sure! CONS: NONE
(5)
Will B.

The after work drink is very over rated at most bars, but here, it's perfect. This bar has one of the best beer lists in Chicago, and it is updated to my belief weekly (if not daily.) I always like the fact that the staff pretty much knows everything there is to know about all the beers, and you can practically say three buzz words about your "typical" beer and they can dish one out it no time. The bartenders are really friendly, and you should take care of these folks when you can. They are always reliable as a an establishment of the neighborhood, and help those who need a perfect after work beer find one. The food is meant to compliment the beer, and they make everything from scratch. Love Some names to try when you are in next: Firestone Walker Pumking (when avaliable) Schneider Aventinus Oh and they have Schlitz Tall Boys so thats always a bonus!
(5)
Richa A.

I randomly popped in here in need of wi-fi and nourishment before meeting a friend for some improv in the neighborhood. There were probably other more standard places (like, actual cafes) I could've gone to, but the Yelper in me wanted to try something new. The servers/bartenders were extremely friendly, and despite my reservations about going into a bar with my laptop... they did not make me feel uncomfortable for doing so. That said, this place is more of a bar and less of a restaurant (in terms of lighting and overall set up). Anyway, the portobello salad I ordered was *awesome*. I would definitely eat here again. For the price point, it would've been nice if it was more of an entree salad by either being much larger or by offering a side with it, but it was definitely very yummy.
(4)
Andrew M.

We love this place - friendly, great food, great liquor selection. We have come here regularly - but lately, there have been problems. First, they got rid of my favorite dish - the short rib sandwich. Plus, when they first opened, a focus was the pie - and it was great. However, lately, the pie has been an afterthought. Tonight, they just had two selections - and they were out of one (and the one they had is, frankly, one of their lesser selections). A while ago, the first thing you would see when walking in was a list of the pies for the day. That is no longer there. It's a popular place, and they probably aren't going to hurt if I don't love them as much as I did (if this was six months ago, the review would have been five stars) - and they are probably moving more toward the place they want to be. I just wanted to say I liked the way they were.
(3)
Laura P.

Where the cool kids hang in Lakeview pretty much sums up this place. Not fratty or recently post-fratty crowd. Although there are some that filter in but look and seem to feel a little out of place. It's cool, we know you guys live in the area and like good beer so come on in. Just don't judge. Feels like Simone's was moved to Lakeview. Cool by me, gives me a reason to be on Lincoln again. Fizz is dead and I am definitely not going to the 24 hour stinky gym across the street. Or Wishbone for that matter. Monday night is bingo in the backroom with some pretty awesome prizes like a velvet panther picture. Or other awesome random prizes. Which by the way has one of the most beautiful bar mirrors I have ever seen. It has got to be about 20 feet long. Lead glass with wood molding at the top. Gorgeous.
(5)
N B.

Great Food, Beer and Service. Northdown Cafe has to be, without-a-doubt, one of the best, "non-white linen tablecloth restaurant" comfort foods in the city! It starts and ends with the Pork Frites: Field Roast Smoked tomato with house made cashew 'cheese' sauce Hand cut fries topped with BBQ pulled pork, pickled jalapenos, applewood smoked bacon, green onions, and smoked Gouda & white cheddar sauce
(4)
Risa P.

So I have kind of a weird experience here. I went to dinner with a girlfriend at 6pm on a weekday. By 6:30pm, we were done with dinner, and we were wondering what to do next. The wait staff was a little stand offish and really pushing us to almost...leave? I mean it was a Tuesday, early on in the dinner hour and the place was certainly not packed. The whole thing was strange...why not just let us eat and enjoy our company and hang out? Why did the table have to be turned over so quickly? I mean it felt like they did not want us there at all...like come in, eat and leave. I think that we were both expecting a usual dinner night out, to relax and hang out..not be in and out in 30 minutes...I mean this isn't a fast food place.... The food was good, lots of good vegetarian options. I got the quinoa bowl with kale. It was good, but it was SO not worth $12!!! The portion was teeny tiny and hardly enough food for dinner. I mean I ate it and then I was like, so where is the rest of dinner? It was a snack. I definitely went to bed with my tummy rumbling that night. The food was flavored well but you really have to eat it slowly to get any sort of enjoyment out of it. Maybe that was an appetizer and I ordered wrong? I will have to look at the menu again. Because if I ordered an appetizer as my dinner, then yes, I would expect that. Nope-just checked--it was a "house staple" so that should be like enough for a dinner right? Am I missing something? The food was good and the atmosphere was nice but the service was way too pushy. I also felt like our waitress hated us and I have no idea why. The whole experience (it was super duper quick) was weird. We left hungry and so we had to go get yogurt after...
(2)
Steve G.

Food here went downhill somewhere down the line. The last three meals I've had here have been mediocre at best. Still a good bar scene with friendly bartenders and terrific beer list, so I'll continue going back for that.
(3)
Sarah N.

Northdown is tasty, but it feels like they are still working out some kinks. Our meals came out really quickly, but our vegan "pork" fries, came out in the middle of our meal. 3 out of the 4 things my group ordered were really good (fries, mac n' cheeze, pie), but the tofu noodle dish was laaaaaame. It had nothing going for it whatsoever, and felt like it was cooked by someone who had no idea how to cook tofu. We also ended up waiting over 15-20 minutes for our one slice of pie to come out, which is a long time when you're basically ready to leave. Its awesome to find a place with a crazy long beer list, and an abundance of vegan food, so I'm more than willing to give Northdown another shot!
(3)
Eric B.

This place was so good that I didn't mind I was sitting at the bar by myself at 1 pm on a Saturday drinking an old Rasputin while eating biscuits and gravy. The food was just as awesome as my life apparently. Cool looking interior. Extensive beer list. The house biscuits in the biscuit and gravy were amazing.
(5)
David M.

Dinner there recently. Good, diverse beer menu...have a gravity feed (firkin) keg as well as the usual drafts..interesting. Menu is also diverse; I wasn't too hungry so I just went with a bowl of their three meat chili....which was excellent. Will be back with the better half sometime soon...
(4)
J. Chuck K.

Great beer menu and good food. The place has great decor and the pinball machines are a nice touch. My only complaint is the price of their food. While I thought it was good, I didn't think it was great. The price implies the food is great when it is only good. I highly recommend the pork frites though; they are a dish you can't find in every bar. I'd go back in a heartbeat and plan on doing so.
(4)
Jen B.

Hi: Vegan Pork Frites. VEGAN PORK FRITES. Just do it. The quinoa and veggies are nothing special but perfect for balancing out the damage done by the VEGAN PORK FRITES. Just do it.
(5)
Katherine D.

Had a great meal here and the beer selection was fantastic. This place is definitely VEGETARIAN-FRIENDLY. You should totally come here if you have a lot of different food needs in your group and if you have some people who want light healthy food while other want heavy pub food. Several vegan options are clearly labelled and explained on the menu. I got the kale quinoa bowl. At first glance it was disappointing but it tasted so good and it was zingy. It was certainly not a big meal nor the cheapest on the menu. Other members of my party ordered the burgers which were good and cheaper. Another companion ordered the vegan mac 'n cheese and it was delicious and even a bit spicy. All the beers were had were fantastic and the waitstaff was knowledgeable. There were several families with kids seated in the back room (we didn't want to wait for a table in the more hip front room) and that was totally fine. There were three cool pinball machines between the bathrooms. Everyone was friendly.
(4)
Melissa L.

Tried the 3 Floyds' Zombie Dust here since an old friend works at the brewery there. It was awesome; crisp and refreshing to the last drop. The selection of beers is pretty great as well as their cake selections. This is an ideal place to grab a beer and chat because the beer is good and the ambiance and service are on par.
(4)
Nicholas P.

This is by far one of the best craft beer bars in the world. If you enjoy rare brew, go there now!
(5)
Shira W.

I really love this place! I'm so glad I live nearby, it's a really great neighborhood establishment. Their drink selection is huge and they have a lot of interesting beers to try, though I rarely indulge (as a new resident of Chicago I am still in sticker shock over the cost of alcohol at restaurants and bars here) The food is fantastic, it's so nice to have "pub fare" that actually has flavor and tastes like it was made from scratch and isn't just a plate of deep fried tan. I love their sandwiches and they have a ton of vegetarian and vegan options which I really appreciate. GET THE PIE! Oh the pie, just love it. It's a gorgeous bar, casual but with a nice sense of decor and a really friendly atmosphere.
(5)
mark d.

I'll keep it short. Northdown is great. Beer list: lots of good micro's, some macro's for you un-adventurous types Solid food options: Great burger, killer brunch, serious Bloody Mary (comes with bacon). Try the hashbrowns. I think they might have been deepfried mashed potatoes. Out of this world. Staff: super friendly, but not in that fake "we love your business" way. Laid back, but if you get something that you don't dig on, they want to make sure you are happy. Decor/ambiance: Relaxed, not too noisy, nice artwork. I felt like I'd love to stay there all afternoon, people watching and drinking. Price: Pretty decent. But, if you like microbrews like me, you know that most aren't that cheap to begin with. On a Sunday, we were meeting friends at Wishbone for brunch. I dropped off the wife and kid at Wishbone and ended up parking right in front of Northdown. Wishbone was a total zoo, over an hour wait. Our friends ended up having to cancel, so we trucked down to Northdown, and were eating and drinking well before we would've been even seated at Wishbone. I was shocked at how available it was on a Sunday at 11:00. I'm sure that will change soon enough. All in all, Northdown is great. Casual, friendly, hip (not hipster), with some homestyle classics on the menu, plenty of vegetarian options, and a great beer list. Nothing bad to say, except that it'll probably catch on soon, and I'll have to find another place to haunt.
(5)
Godsballs T.

What the hell happened? This went from a great place to eat and good beer. Now it feels like another Lincoln Park dude bar. Lame. Pies got worse and the quality of food got bad. What happened?
(1)
kevin c.

Pork fries are crazy good!! Was here with friends last weekend. Beer selection is pretty good. Pork slaw sandwich is very good. Chicken sand was good too(not as good as the pork slaw). Great spot overall!
(4)
Dan K.

What can I say, this place made me a believer that beer and pie can go together. An amazing menu coupled together with an ever changing craft beer menu, every time I go there I leave happy. The meatloaf is a must have! This is exactly the place I need as it's stumbling distance from my apartment.
(5)
Adam F.

Was there last night for the 3 Floyd's Glass night and had a great time! Had the Tomato Grinder, and it was an amazing sammie. All the food here is great and the atmosphere is relaxed. Love their beer selection.
(5)
S D.

So delicious! And not at all yuppie! I love that there's a low-key place that emphasizes local foods without the price tag that often comes with them. Plus, they had a ton of vegetarian/vegan options that I felt were equal to the other items on the menu. I had the vegan cassoulet, which was delicious, healthy and different. My boyfriend had the seitan philly, which was AMAZING. The seitan was well-cooked and -seasoned. And the fries were equally good--crispy and thin, with lots of flavor. The 4 of us shared a slice of the key lime pie. At first we were thrown by the amount of unsweetened whipped cream on top, but when eaten with the pie, it was delicious. Though I wouldn't have minded a bit less whipped cream ... Our table also had a variety of wines/beers, which I felt were reasonably priced and well-picked. We'll definitely be back!
(5)
Betsy H.

We were here for brunch and loved it. We are picky bloody Mary drinkers and these were excellent. Complete w a mini highlife chaser. The breakfast sandwich was awesome and the potatos were way above average. As always, service was great. Well be back
(5)
Simon Y.

I honestly cannot get enough of this place! I agree with one review below . . . I almost want this place to be a secret ;-) The combination of unreal food, tremendously thoughtful rotating beer selection, and pie that yes, beats Hoosier Mama Pie! Been there 4 times in 7 days!!!
(5)
Meg G.

The service here was exceptional! I went on Saturday night with some friends and our server was amazing. She was attentive, friendly, and ready with the water pitcher at all times. The food was incredible, of course. I built a burger with a fried egg and cheese and the beef was flavorful and tender. Without me giving cooking instructions, it was perfectly done. The fries were crispy and fresh. My friend got the pork fries (appetizer) as her meal, and it was a huge plateful! She wasn't able to finish it all, but she did get a lot of help. I highly recommend getting this to share. Most of the people at our table got the Founders Carise beer, which has been brewed with tart cherries. They had an excellent and varied beer selection, which was greatly appreciated by everyone in our party. I will definitely be going back here again to try some of their pies (I was too full the first time around!).
(5)
jay d.

We went to Northdown on Friday 7/8/2011. The vibe is chill, the music isn't too loud and the TVs were not on. We went because they have an amazing beer list. The server mentioned that he has a good relationship with the guys at 3 Floyds and gets limited release stuff. Great vegetarian options. The pie was stellar. We will be back often!
(5)
jimmy l.

Seconds coming in, i was greeted and seated right away and our server "Paul" was super nice, knowledgeable, and constantly checking in on us, which is the perfect example of a server. i started off with a couple really good drafts, which were a dollar off since that's the Monday special. i wish i could have tried all of the drafts. everything on tap were amazing. the atmosphere is pretty perfect. everything spaced apart really well, the decor is pretty wicked, and the music was rock n roll and loud. the kind of place i like. i had the seitan Philly and fries and it was delicious. the vegan cheese is house made too which is really good. i love when a restaurant has good vegan cheese, not your typical soy cheese bought from the store. i like the fact that most of the food on the menu can be made vegan too. it's rare to come across that at a bar and grill. I'm looking forward to coming back soon!
(5)
Sunny R.

This place makes me so happy. The servers are very cool and knowledgeable, the beer list is impressive enough to change a wine-drinking girl's heart, and the food is comforting in the best way. The braised short rib sandwich is amazing and the vegan mac-n-cheese has convinced me that my dairy allergy is not the end of the world.
(5)
Sharon S.

Finally.....a place that has great drinks, food, and atmosphere!!! Our neighborhood tends to be filled with sports bars and the typical tv laced bar. So this is a great addition!! The food and drinks are fabulous! They have tons of craft beers on tap and bottles and no bottle of wine is over $35!!! And the atmosphere is really cool...you can tell someone really thought out the space, It's hipster, rock and roll and laid back...all at the same time. Great attention to detail. We ordered the white bean dip which was good but the entrees were amazing. My fiance said his meatloaf was one of the best meals he has had in a long time and my grilled cheese and homemade tomato soup was great. What I really liked was the my portion wasn't huge and greasy with tons of bread and cheese. It was the perfect size. So much so that we had room for the famous pie. We got the key lime and it was light and the crust melted in our mouths. We can't wait to go back and try other dishes and the chocolate cream pie!!!!! The only reason I didn't give it 5 stars was the server we had was a definite newbie and didn't really know the basics of serving. A really sweet gal but needs more practice.
(4)
Dan O.

My wife and I went to this place this past Friday and had a great time. The food we ordered was great: the "short stout" sandwich, the burger, the white bean dip and the cherry pie were all solid. The portions were just right (I tend to over eat), the atmosphere was nice and casual and there was a good mix of people from the neighborhoon and around town. Service was friendly with just the right level of attention. The beer list was also solid. Overall a great place neighborhood or destination place. Worth the trip. Would recommend a visit to anyone looking for a brew and some comfort food; I need to get back there to try the meat loaf sandwich...
(5)
Gifford K.

An awesome new bar/restaurant in lakeview. Good beer selection and higher end bar food. Try the lamb pops!
(5)
Mary B.

Visited on a Sunday late afternoon. We went based on Yelp reviews and an understanding they have an extensive craft beer list. They do have a neon FFF sign for God's sake. The atmosphere is pleasant, but comes off as a bit cold and austere. We approached the bar and took our seats. The bartender barely acknowledged us. We didn't see any taps for beer. I asked and she POINTED at them without answering. She handed us the list. It's okay. Far from "extensive" but they do have Dreadnaught! It soon became immediately apparent that the 9 or so ceiling fans they have going were creating a pretty stiff breeze. Beyond annoying on a cool day. Not to mention that the menus were LITERALLY blowing off the bar. We mentioned this to the bartender. No response. My husband asked if it was necessary to have the fans going at such a velocity. Again, NO RESPONSE. Whenever I get a rude and indifferent server one has to wonder about the attitude of the place in general. Do they, or do they not, give a shit? We ordered beers and discussed whether or not to stay. I wanted to leave. We spied an end of the bar away from the fans and moved there to finish beer and discuss stay or leave. Luckily, we were SAVED by another bartender who totally made up for the rudeness of our original server. He was charming, friendly, and knowledgeable. (Another couple sat at the bar, asked him about the fans and he IMMEDIATELY turned them off). Based on our new and wonderful bartender, we decided to stay and dine. I had a short rib braised in stout sandwich, and my husband had pulled pork. The fries were good; thin cut like a bistro-style frite. Unfortunately, the short ribs were lacking. There was none of the rich, unctuous flavor a short rib usually has. What I was served was dry and somewhat stringy. I have a tiny suspicion they may have used some brisket or chuck in addition to short ribs. My husband's pulled pork was "unremarkable". Neither good nor bad. A couple other things-please don't spray Windex on the bar while I am sitting there eating/drinking. Also, in somewhat disconcerting fashion, the original rude bartender took up a spot one seat away from us at the bar and just stood there gazing blankly into space. And I know you can't control the actions of children, but listening to a kid bang a pinball machine REPEATEDLY can sort of alter your mood. This has the potential to be a very cool place. But right now it seems to have no clearly defined identity. Awesome craft beer bar with good food? Excellent American bistro fare with a small but interesting beer list? Or Chuck E. Cheese for hipsters and their kids? If there were a truly extensive beer list OR if the food was very good, we would DEFINITELY put this into the rotation. We may give it another go...simply because of our great bartender. He essentially redeemed a so-so experience.
(2)
M P.

I really like the atmosphere - I missed out on the pie but I will return! The dinner options are nice and affordable - good for late night as the kitchen closes late - I don't remember when. Food portions were pretty huge, which is much appreciated! They also have a great beer list :)
(4)
Scarter C.

My new favorite spot! The awesome rotating tap of 12 different Belgiums makes it AMAZING! They do have a handful of veggie options too what makes it awesome, just wish they'd change them up or add a few more veggie app options. Other than that awesome!
(5)
Dan L.

Great spot. The neighborhood desperately needed a place like Northdown. Great beer selection, fantastic food, pie and pinball. Need I say more?
(5)
Leila T.

Idk.. Nothing special. Typical fried food that makes you walk out of there feeling awful. I tried to get the lighter dish (chickens sandwich) but it just was not good. Fries were cold. Beers were good though.
(1)
Steph P.

One of my new favorite spots. It's as divey as it can get while still having respectable food. Great craft beers on tap. The pork frites were AWESOME. The best bang for my buck that I've had in a long time.
(5)
Meag H.

Vegan frites ($5!!!) and danish lambic (Mikkler Spontanmandrin)...delicious! This was a perfect snack/late lunch on a beautiful fall day! :-)
(5)
Rosa B.

My friends and i went in on a saturday for a late brunch and ended up staying until 9pm We had a great time and the food and drinks were awesome. Our server was superb and treated us great. Wonderful selection of beers and ciders. Cant go wrong and dying to go back
(5)
Liz W.

LOVE this place! Great local bar that never gets too crowded or loud and has both amazing beer and really good, well priced food. Everyone who works there is super friendly, helpful and loves to chat about beer with you. I used to think Hopleaf had the best beer in Chicago, and although they have a much larger tap, Northdown has a lot of unique/ rarer beers that Hopleaf will run out of right away. The ambience is subtle but perfect. Very cool abstract paintings of the Chicago flag, tap handles on the walls, sometimes good music- but they will always ask if you have any preferences on what you want to listen to- and a TV that will play hilarious stoner movies. Easily a place you could come by yourself or with a group and feel super comfortable. Only problem is the name...Northbound...Eastdown...it's too close to Eastbound and Down that I'm always getting it mixed up lol!
(5)
Morgan G.

The reality of this place is that it's got a lot of potential. The intention of this critical review is to speak directly to the owner so he/she fixes things before it's too late. It was a lazy Sunday morning and my husband and I wanted something delicious to eat. We were drawn in by the pictures posted on Yelp. We read the menu, salivating, and landed on the mac and cheese and chill-I dog. Based on the very well-written menu, we were expecting a bubbling skillet of mac and cheese, and a deliciously messy and large chili dog with a pile of French fries. We were fully committed to having some unhealthy food, and fully looking forward to it. However, when the food came we were both thinking... huh? It was a cereal bowl of very underwhelming mac and cheese, and a 5 inch hot dog with approximately 2 teaspoons of chili on it, and roughly 1 small handful of fries. On top of that, the price we paid $12 for the mac and cheese and $13 for the chili dog, which to me is on the high side, also adding to our disappointment in the plates in front of us. On the positive side, the service was great, they could not have been nicer and more attentive. Unfortunately that alone does not generate repeat business. My advice: Change your dishes to match the great menu descriptions.
(2)
Hannah T.

Went here for beer and dinner. I had the chili dog and my boss had the pork frites. All in all, not bad for food, but I do wish the cheese on the frites had been beer cheese! For beer I tried the tart sour ale, it was pretty good, but I wish I had had the Nectar instead. My boss Mike loves this place so I know he'll be back. The atmosphere was a trendy, younger crowd.
(3)
Shqipe P.

Very good food, friendly staff. The wait was not to long and the food came fresh. Could not expect anything else.
(5)
Melissa N.

Had an okay time here. They have a vast beer list and also a decent amount of wines and cocktails to choose from. All I had to eat were the vegan sausage bites, which were just meh. Service was good at first and then went downhill slightly as the place got busier. The worst thing about the experience was that they had the windows open and fans on instead of the AC, and it was so hot and disgusting out. It had to be in the upper 80s once the place filled up and everyone was hot and sticky and complaining loudly, yet no one turned on the air. That's why we eventually left sooner than we had planned to.
(3)
Ashley K.

This is my favorite "go-to" taproom when I'm in the mood for an extensive beer list and killer food, mainly the grilled cheese. The bartenders are always friendly and willing to answer any questions or offer suggestions. They do have a TV and show such films as Beetlejuice, which is a nice touch. They seem to have various events throughout the week, so definitely check out their Facebook page and Instagram account for updated info. Their website has some info, but I'm told the dude in charge of the social media aspect is really big on using Instagram. Oh, and if anyone would like to buy me the Chicago flag artwork above the bar, that would be super!
(5)
Erica T.

This place was pretty average. I got the beer battered grilled cheese, my roommate got the vegan burger made from hazelnuts and then we split the pork fries. I was really craving a nice crunchy grilled cheese and heard really good things about this one. When I got it I was pretty disappointed to not have that crunch from a good grilled cheese.. The beer batter made the bread kind of like French toast so between the tomato soup and grilled cheese sandwich.. It was just mush. I like different textures. I would be curious to just try the regular grilled cheese but wouldn't pay $10 for that.. That's a little overpriced. My roommates burger was really interesting on the other hand. The hazelnut burger kind of tasted like falafel and had a great crunch to it.. It was really good! The pulled pork on the fries was just ok..kind of lacking that really good flavor that you usually get. Otherwise the fries were fine..nothing special. This place was ok.. Don't know if I would come again.
(3)
Tim K.

Didn't even want to give it 1 star... Went during taste of lake view. Was told you "had to have a seat". Saw them tell 2 people they couldn't sit at the end of a table as there was a party of 3. Every employee was angry to be there.
(1)
Brian K.

Great cozy place with interesting decor and atmosphere. The choice of beverages is excellent as well as the food served. Service was right on target and very knowledgeable of the menu and drinks. I would definitely go back, especially for the fried pickles and candied bacon, great starters before an awesome burger.
(5)
Adlig B.

Their food is fantastic and they have so many vegetarian options! A couple tips: - You can make the chili dog vegetarian and it is great! - Try the hot sauce they put on the table - so good! - Eat the pickle on your plate - they're homemade!
(5)
Nikul S.

Northdown is my reliable local neighborhood craft beer bar. In fact, it is so much more than that. Northdown curates a superb selection of rotating draft beer. You are almost guaranteed that they have a beer or two by Three Floyd's on tap. And, they are one of the only places that carries Mikkeller's brews on tap as well. The food reflects the above average esthetic this place maintains. It takes your typical slop that passes for bar food in this city and elevates it to something unique and tasty. The pork frites, mac n cheese dishes, and various sausages are amazing. Be sure to ask about their specials. In the past, I've enjoyed their fried chicken sandwich a lot. As one would expect, this place maintains an easy going, alternative vibe. Welcoming to all except those who don't tolerate others. Often, they play modern classic movies (Back to the Future, Idiocracy, Mallrats) and provide an excellent selection of music. Enjoy this place. Appreciate what an under the radar joint like this adds to Chicago's vibrancy.
(5)
Tommy D.

This place rips. Great beer selection. Half the menu is vegan, but the other half has lots of meaty shit so you can go with a group and everyone is satisfied. Plus they have some 80's arcade video games near the restrooms. My wife doesn't care about beer and thinks some of the vegan good is a little bland. But what does she know? She douses her ice cream in Sriracha hot sauce. Everything has to be spicy as fuck, burn your goddamn balls off. It aint good if she aint sweating. Then there was that one time in Miami when she wouldn't stop talking to that older guy with the gold chains and I had to say.. "hey, whats with the geriatric!?!" and she gets all pissy and weird. And I'm the asshole?!?! Whatever.
(5)
Christina M.

Really exceptional service from Bo, Great bartender, offers awesome beer knowledge and customer service. I felt like a REGULAR even though it was my first time there. The food was absolutely delicious. I kinda built my own grilled cheese, and it was fantastic, the 'tomato soup' is more of a thicker paste, when I tasted it with a spoon, I wasn't in to it. But when I dipped my grilled cheese in it, I was all in! The French fries are addicting. They are so good! I'm still thinking about them. My gf went with the macaroni and cheese with bacon and broccoli she really enjoyed it. It's a really cool looking bar, I love all the beer taps. They have a huge beer selection. Really clean washroom.
(5)
Yanyao N.

This is one of my favorites places in the city. Super chill. Lovely beer list. Even lovelier staff. Vegetarian/vegan friendly (not that it matters to me, but I lose my mind over their vegan stuff here). They always play really great movies from the 70s-80s on their TVs. My love affair with their 4-meat chili may make this a little cold weather haven for me.
(5)
Alexis R.

Went in to the place because it was the only place open at 12:00 and to my surprise found a gem. Fantastic beer list of stuff you don't find everywhere. Bartender gave me great suggestions on beer and explanations where they came from. Solid staff, food and beer. Will be back soon.
(5)
mark d.

Outstanding meal this evening. Started out with the cheese platter. Apples, blueberries, blue cheese, honey, etc. the best! Followed by vegan pork frites- a flavor bonanza. Whether a entree or selection of apps, the food is great. Beer selection even better. And service/ staff- best in the city.
(5)
Jul N.

Very good beer list, always with something for everybody. The drafts often include at least one of each major type of beer The bottled list is extensive - Belgians, Americans, and others. Drinks are overall not overpriced, but not inexpensive. I have been in the company of someone eating the Northdown Burger - it was super tasty with juicy meat and a buttery brioche bun. The regular mac and cheese (gouda base) is very good - the right amount of rich and creamy and there are a few meat and veggie ingredients to add in. Cashew (vegan) mac is also good, I find it's better on a reheat, or eaten chilled for leftovers. Not as buttery as I like my cashew sauces. Nice interior, nice people.
(4)
Kathleen C.

I visited here after a LONG day (and LONG because I had been traveling for about 14 hours, so I was extremely tired and extremely hungry). This was a good pick since it wasn't super crowded for a Friday night and also had really tasty food and an excellent drink list. We sat at the bar and took a while to review menu items. The bartender was really nice and didn't rush us even though we had prime bar seats. While we perused the menu, we appreciated the decor which was dark and pretty publike - with an area behind the bar full of beer taps (cool!). Once the food came, I admit, I devoured it. It was really tasty (I had a sandwich) and fresh and pretty impressive for bar food. It was a lovely evening at this spot. I admit, when this was suggested, I think I looked rather unimpressed, but this quickly changed into delight when I had such a good time with good food, friendly service and great company. Worth a visit for drinks or food - especially on a cold winter night as it's super cozy.
(5)
Marc R.

The Southern outpost of some Milwaukee classic restaurant entrepreneurs seems to not know what it is. Good beer. OK food. Mediocre service. I wanted to like this place but even with the solid beer list that reminded me of Small Bar and a menu that seems a half baked homage to Honey Pie in Milwaukee I can only suggest this place if you live in the immediate neighborhood.
(3)
Noomi J.

We were going to see Spring Standards perform at Schubas, so we wanted a place nearby to go for dinner. pork frites ($10) - 3 stars. Smoked bacon, pulled pork, and jalapenos topping a bed of fries, served w/gouda cheese sauce. Large portions, but the fries weren't good that night.They got hard really fast so that instead of a fluffy inside and crispy outside, it was like biting into biscotti. Northdown burger ($12) - 3 stars. Liked the brioche bun. Meat was infused with whiskey and strong ale, but needed more seasoning. The fontina cheese didn't add anything to the burger. chili - 3 stars I liked the ambiance, not too loud, quirky decor, friendly waitress. I'd return for drinks and the ambiance, but not the food.
(3)
Claudia S.

Northdown is the truth. Wait, did I really just say that? Yeah, it was called for. I first stopped into Northdown because they had KBS when no one else did. Walked by it many times, but considering it's Lakeview, I always just dismissed it as another bar similar to the ones a block away. WRONG. I definitely put the "ass" in "assume" for once. You know why this bar is so damn great? Map Room. That's all I'm saying. There are other reasons, but you can figure that one out. That aside, the food is great, they have beer to satisfy even the snobbiest of beer snobs, they hold fundraisers for some solid causes aaaaand the staff is pretty friendly, as are their regulars.
(5)
Digger O.

The menu is different, lots of variety, better than typical bar menu. The beer selection is good but the prices are insane 8 to 9 dollars for most beers, you'll think twice before ordering another! They also seem to run out of the most common things. For example, one day they didn't have any fries, another no pulled pork, and most recently burgers, I would think these are showstoppers and you would run out to get more, but most of management sits at the bar on their laptops using it as their office. Do a better job planning orders and have some cheaper tap options and this place would be good.
(3)
Frank Z.

I love this bar, its really cool. They have pinball machines and big screen tvs. They serve awesome food, perfect for vegetarians and vegans, meat eaters alike. I have the vegan frites with a cashew sauce, really awesome. Ive been there twice now on a saturday evening. Our server was great both times. I have to mention though that both times, when we walked into the back room to find a table, the hostess or server, not sure which, was really, really rude to us. I don't want to count that against my review because everything else was awesome. Go to this place and you will smile so hard that all of your teeth will fall out.
(5)
Ashley B.

One of mine and my husband's favorite neighborhood spots. Fantastic beer selection and I can't say enough about the food!! The tomato grinder is my favorite and I adore the chili Mac! I haven't had anything bad and they have options for everyone (vegan, vegetarian, burgers and more!). Trust me, you'll love it! The decor is a bit quirky and it can get a bit loud but it adds to the charm. The service is always great which is so important to me!
(5)
Jeff C.

I have had the pleasure of visiting this fine establishment on three occasions. The beer selection is FANTASTIC. Whisky is everything you need. The Brunch is also quite a treat. The Biscuits and Gravy taste like a 17th century blacksmith shoppe and I mean that in the best way possible. Biscuits have a delicious smokey, earthy, warm flavor and a perfect crunch to them. You can even get a 40oz Brass-monkey for brunch...when they have a cold one ready. ;)
(5)
Steve M.

What an awesome bar. I was in here a couple nights ago, and was thrilled to see punk rock stuff everywhere! I didn't think this kind of thing existed up in stroller-friendly North Center/Roscoe Village! Great tunes the whole time we were there. The bar has plenty of vegan options, but they also don't have a problem adding bacon to everything in sight. Something for everyone! My kind of place. I had a hummus plate as a snack to soak up some beers. They were also pouring Duvel and giving away special limited edition glassware that an artist had designed. My beer-freak buddy was thrilled when I told him to take my glass too. He seemed to enjoy his sandwich. The waitress was attentive and easy going. This is a great spot. I'd love to go back.
(5)
Heather C.

Vegan grub at a pub?! Yes. Northdown loves to serve lunch and dinner and those vegan options! Came here for a late lunch with friends and ordered some beer, vegan burger and vegan pork frites. Yummy! Our server was super nice too and kind of funny. I definitely make this a destination spot when I visit Chicago!
(4)
Justin F.

Yeahhh... This place rocks. Completely lives up to it's hype. Got their staple fries appitizer dish and it was freaking delish. Got a burger with mac and cheese. Also delish. Taking off 1 star for two reasons - 1) they can cool it on the metal music. I love me some good rock and alternative music but straight up metal is going to push a lot of customers out (in my opinion). 2) I loved the beer selection but I asked for three different ones on the menu and they just so happened to be out of ALL 3. Ended up getting a BrewDog instead of my go-to Three Floyds or Founders.
(4)
Chrysa L.

Service was fantastic. Beer selection was great. Scotch egg was incredibly good - wish I had ordered two. Why the three-star review? Well, it was a chilly night and I was not feeling my typical order of "burger." So, I opted for the Chicken Pot Pie. It just sounded like it would hit the spot. The pot pie itself was much more brothy than I had imagined. It was too spicy for my tastes (as I do not like spice at all). Even if I had really enjoyed it, I would have left still feeling hungry. The worst part was that this teeny serving cost $15. If I ever find myself here again, I will opt for a burger, or some other classic pub grub, and skip the attempt at comfort food.
(3)
Soyoung S.

First time here tonight, and it was great! Our server was super sweet and friendly, and had great recommendations. I don't take liquor very well so I asked her for a light, sweet beer and she gave me a Stiegl that was grapefruit flavor, and I absolutely LOVED it!! (thank you!!) We also got the pork frites (amazing), and I got the turkey dinner, and my friend got 2 draft beers and a burger, and he loved everything too The bartender was also really awesome and welcoming, greeting us right when we walked in and sat us at a table. Really friendly neighborhood bar with an awesome selection of beer, I would recommend this place! :)
(4)
Yan P.

Top notch upscale bar food. A little on the pricy side and the service can be slow but that's because they cook everything to perfection. I hesitate to write this review because I don't want people to discover this place but I want them to stay in business :)
(4)
Jenny L.

Great beer selection!!! Pork frites was awesome. Burger and mac and cheese are legit. Very solid.
(3)
Ciel D.

Food was great, good selection of beers. Had to take off a few stars for the overpriced food... $2 to add broccoli (4 small florets) is just way too much. The waitress seemed upset that we didn't order drinks, and was kinda pushy clearing our table and handing out checks.
(3)
Karen C.

Northdown is like a little piece of heaven on Earth. Ridiculously amazing beer list. Ridiculously nice owner & bartenders that will help you navigate said beer list. Casual, friendly, excellent. I love this place.
(5)
Shalem A.

I'm downgrading to 3 stars because the last several times I have been here, I noticed the menu was always the same (it used to rotate depending on what was in season and available). Upon asking my server during my most recent visit, I was told they lost their head chef, and that going forward this would be the menu. It's not bad, but nothing special either. The beer selection is still tops in the neighborhood.
(3)
Peter O.

Met up here with friends before a show at Schuba's. It was around 8:30p on Friday and maybe about 70% of the seats were full. The four of us grabbed a table in the corner. Our server was quick to bring us menus and waters. We asked for a minute to study the beer offerings. Fifteen minutes go by and our server still hasn't returned. Went up to the bar to order drinks from the bartender and bring back to the table. I balked when he said I needed to bring everyone up to the counter to check ID. Then he told me to sit back down and he'd get the server over to get our orders. He seemed pretty peeved by the whole thing and acted kind of dickish. Five more minutes went by, still no server. We left unserved and went to Fizz down the street. Had great service there. This wasn't my first visit to Northdown. I'm generally happy to go there because they've got a nice beer selection. In past experiences, I've sat at the bar and I've never ordered food. I like the beer list and my service was decent in the past, but I won't be going out of my way to go back here.
(2)
Joshua N.

Not sure why this establishment has "cafe" in the name. It's a bar, for chrissakes. Nice setup, decent beer selection, friendly staff, good location. The large bar size to room size ratio is a big plus in my book. Plenty of room for everyone to sit near the beer taps. Very nice bottle list for a bar of this size. I'll definitely be back.
(4)
Jaime G.

Dude this place is the bomb. One of the best sanchiches in town and another great beer joint. Went there for brunch and had the "short stout" sandwich. It's beer braised short ribs with fontina cheese, arugula, red onion jam, on a ciabatta bun. Delis', holy crap. One of the best sanwhiches ive ever had. Paired it with their bluddy mary which was also delish and hearty. Also had a great variety of homemade pies. Had some wired combo of like apples and rutabaga. Whatever...good too. Can't wait to go back and try more of their menu and for a good beer.
(4)
Frank C.

I had an amazing experience at this restaurant that I'd call a gastropub. With an excellent selection of food, it superbly complemented their outstanding beers. Half of my experience at this restaurant was reviewing their extensive selection of beers. With some 15 beers on tap and some 150 bottles, they're certain to have a beer to please everyone's tastes. What surprised me the most was the varied selection of draft beers, and the fact that most of them carried extremely high ratings on the beer review sites. This is definitely a beer drinker's paradise! If you're in Chicago and looking for a great location to hang with friends and enjoy a great dining experience, check out the Northdown Cafe and Taproom.
(5)
Michael A.

If I was *just* reviewing the quality of the food, Id give 3, maybe 4 stars. But its more than just the food. We ate there on a Sunday morning for brunch, around 1130am. Only about 3 tables were filled, and that includes my party of 4. The Good: All of us had good food. Tasty, hot, and well prepared. The french fries were top notch. And good flavor in my burger. The Bad: The service was very, very slow. Both the server service, and the LONG wait for the food. As I said, it wasn't very crowded, so why did our food take so long? My burger was good, however, the patty size compared to the larger bun reminded me of the old "Wheres The Beef?" commercials. Felt like I had to eat through a lot of bun to get to the meat. Continuing on....and perhaps Im being picky. But I don't want to see restaurant staff exit the front, and stand in front of the window to smoke a cig. Thats gross. And even worse is that when they (two of them) were done, the threw their butts on the sidewalk. Thats disrespectful to your customers who have to walk over them to get inside YOUR restaurant, and rude to the neighbors in the area. Be respectful of the neighborhood. Would I go back? Maybe. If I was in the area, and looking for a decent meal. But I would not go out of my way. Good food. But poor service, and inconsiderate staff who litter the front sidewalk with cigarette butts.
(2)
Stephani M.

I love this place. I have been here many times, and am always satisfied. First, they have excellent customer service regardless of who I have had, guy or gal. They are all fantastic. Second, the sour beer is delicious and they usually have at least one on tap. Third, the food is scrumptious:(grilled cheese and soup) + fries is my fav. I think I liked their old food menu better, but it's good to mix it up and try new things. Casual place. I wish the music wasn't so loud, but other than that, the best.
(5)
Maria F.

Northdown is my favorite neighborhood bar/restaurant! Their vegan options are plentiful (vegan burger is so good..crispy crunchy, never soggy or falling apart). There's always an open table even on a weekend and the beer list is huge. I take all my out of town guests here!
(5)
Artie W.

I have been to Northdown often over the last year or so, each time with groups of 2 - 5 people. For the most part the experience has been anywhere from just "OK" to "excellent." The location is conveniently located near my neighborhood and the food & drink menu is above par. However, I want to document a really bad experience I had here on Saturday night, Jan. 4th. My fiance and I came in around 10:30PM and we were both really excited about coming in from the snow and enjoying some whiskey along with a late dinner. It was not crowded at all - there were empty tables and seats at the bar. As has been the case the last few times I have been here, we stood around awkwardly inside the front door for a few minutes (it's never really clear if you should seat yourself or wait for a server to put you at a table.) Eventually a woman with short blond hair and a Municipal Waste shirt appeared from the back somewhere and sat us at an open table near the front. She seemed annoyed and not really happy to see us but I just figured she was having a bad day or something. I asked if the kitchen was still open and she said "yeah" without looking at me. She brought us water and menus. We said thanks. And we sat there for about 20 minutes, and never saw her again. Well, that's not true. After about 10 minutes I started looking around, like, "I really would like to get a drink!" And from our table I could see her all the way in the back, near the kitchen entrance, talking to someone just out of view. I tried to make eye contact but could not. I thought about getting up and walking to the back to get her but that seemed silly. At one point the bartender caught my eye, and I tried to give him a look that said "hey, where'd she go?" but he just looked away. Eventually she made her way back to the front. So I thought "ok, now we're going to order something." But no - she walked past me, avoided eye contact, and sat down at the table next to us to talk to a different group of people who I assume were her friends. My fiance and I looked at each other confusedly - it could not have been more clear that we were ready to order. It seemed like we were being deliberately ignored. At that point we got up to leave. We slowly went about putting on our jackets in full view of this poor excuse for an employee. Still, she didn't even look at us. She was still sitting there chatting with her friends while we walked out the front door five feet away. We then drove through the snow all the way to Handlebar and had a great meal and a great time. My purpose in posting this review is not to say Northdown is bad - it's usually great! But I would like the management to know about this unfortunate experience so that it hopefully won't repeat. I'll visit Northdown again and hopefully have some material for a GOOD review. But if I see that server again, I will leave immediately and write this place off for good. Sorry Northdown!
(2)
Omar K.

very chill place to hangout at. I had their chicken sandwich with a salad which was super tasty. also the staff was very friendly.
(5)
Dan C.

I want to say first that I love this place. It has an unparalleled tap list for the neighborhood and the staff is awesome. That being said, I'm always left wanting by the food. Every time I eat here I forget that as much as I love the bar, the food doesn't work for me. Today I went in and had a pulled pork sandwich and it was dryyyyyy. But as always, the service was awesome...which is why I hate to rag on the food, but it can be better.
(3)
Matt G.

Northdown is sort of a hybrid place, neither simply a bar or restaurant, more a fusion of various elements. Yes theres a bar that seats about 15, plus a few booths and tables in the front room, with a few more intimate tables in the back past the pair of pinball machines. The space itself is fairly open and airy once you walk in (if its not crowded). The ceiling is high, with modern ceiling fans, and front windows that open onto the street. Grey and steel blue walls, with a row of rust-belt americana photos along the side wall, framed in barnwood that matches the lower paneling along the booths (and the front door). Moose antlers are mounted on either side of a back pillar near the bar. FFF neon in the center window, and a new sign painted on the front facade. Draft list rotates frequently, and taking a cue from the Map Room (Owner Tom Lee used to manage the bar there), includes a healthy mix of styles both import and US craft. Kolsch, Rauchbier, Helles, DIPA, Saison, Wit, Quad, Porter, and those are just a few from the current lineup. Highlights from FFF, Jolly Pumpkin, Founders, Girardin, Boulevard, Flossmoor, Bellegems, Mikkeller, Hitachino, Lambrucha, and many more. Again, emphasis is on a broad variety of styles from quality brewers, and not necessarily just rare/exclusive bullshit. Prices are very affordable on the beer, food prices are reasonable too, considering the high quality, locally sourced ingredients. Semi-upscale American comfort food seems to be the menu theme, with plenty of vegetarian/vegan options. The stout-braised short rib sandwich was excellent, also the meatloaf "tower", mac & cheese, and roast beef were all tasty too. Check out the locally-made Fiery Alyce hot sauce if you enjoy smoky sweet heat. Great casual spot for lunch, brunch, or dinner... or just for a couple of beers. Conveniently located near the Paulina brown line stop and 77 Belmont bus. 9/11: A new contender appears... Green Lady is a block or two up the street, 30 taps. Good 1-2 stop with Northdown, different taps and crowd.
(5)
Xants M.

Insane food here!! Not a beer drinker but my husband is pretty impressed with their selection and quality. Fries are a must with the cheese sauce on the side.. Burgers are super juicy and quality meat!!
(5)
David R.

Awesome atmosphere, large selection of craft beer, and great food.. Not to mention friendly bartenders and eclectic artwork..
(5)
Elizabeth F.

Went to eat there with my girls! It was so fun, had an artsy vibe. LOVED the food, but the music was a little too loud for my taste. I picked the place because I always wanted to try it since I saw it opened and suggested meeting the girls out. We had to talk really loudly to catch up. But for a bar atmosphere, I think it would've worked, had I gone with husband and his friends. Us ladies, just want to catch up, but the food was really good. I had the burger, which was enormous, but that didn't stop me from finishing every last bite!
(4)
Emily M.

I have such a mixed review of Northdown. I've been there 3 times. 1st: Boyfriend and me, looking for a drink and dessert I ordered a fried donut to split, and we also shared this bomber that came in a feather-covered bottle. It was pretty delightful. 2nd: Got a drink here with boyfriend, friends joined later for beer and games. It was pretty good, and we ended up staying a while, playing Pandemic, and the waitress was nice. At the end, she commiserated about how the next table was the worst, and we felt good about ourselves for being okay patrons. Dreadnaught beer was available, which was a dream come true for my one friend. 3rd: This was a doozy. Boyfriend and I met up with 2 friends on a weeknight. I was STARVING...low blood sugar/workout made me glad to just make it to the table. I asked the waitress (short angled blonde hair, feather earrings) if any of the entrees took less time, or if I should avoid any that took longer. She said they were all about the same. I order the veggie quinoa. 10 minutes later, my boyfriend orders. 15 minutes later, he gets his burger. 10 minutes later, I feel like death and wonder why the waitress didn't recommend the obviously-quickly-served burger. I finally get my meal, which is tasty. A few friends join us; Northdown still isn't close to crowded. Our waitress show up only every 20+ minutes, and we are sad because we want to try the many different beers this place offers. Many empty glasses on the table. I go home earlier than others because I have work in the morning. I hear later that the waitress double charged a credit card instead of splitting amongst 2 (honest mistake, but unpleasant), and then got into an altercation with one of my crasser friends (again, hard to avoid, but don't engage the patrons in a verbal war). All in all, this 3rd time left a bad taste in my mouth. I wrote this review because I thought to myself today: "I haven't been to Northdown in a while. I should go th...ooooooh wait, that last time kind of sucked." So I'm hoping Northdown sees this and understands that I think they're pretty cool, but this one waitress really sucked.
(3)
Leah C.

where have you been all my life... well the 10+ some years of my life that i've been legally able to drink/have been a vegi. as others noted: vegan bar food! no more costco hummus and cucumbers! no more greasy fry dinners! the pork slaw sandwich (vegan) is absolutely delicious and very filling. made of seitan and topped with slaw with just the right kick. the bun just got in the way - i didn't waste my energy on that. the fries are not greasy and are plentiful. we witnessed the vegan "poutine" fries being eaten next to us and the portion looked big enough to feed everyone sitting at the bar! i felt comfortably classy in my spit on lulu mom outfit, dripping snowboots and messy mama ponytail and makeup free face while i sipped my wine and devoured my dinner. will be back to work my way through the menu: vegan chili, mac and cheese, quinoa vegetable plate...
(5)
Kyle B.

I really like Northdown, easily one of my favorites in the area. Nice beer list, cool stuff on the walls, pinball, metal on the speakers, and delicious food. What more could a guy ask for? Be warned the pork frites are good but freaking HUGE. Staff is friendly and were than accommodating both times I've gone. Be sure to wash your meal down with some tasty Underberg!
(4)
Dan S.

A Local Bar with Amazing Food, Hip Dark Decor, and Amazing Draft Beer Selection. This place is awesome. I sampled several beers which apparently rotate all the time so you will never be short on variety. Charlie, the Bartender, was awesome and had a great knowledge of the food and the booze. I also ate and the food was phenominal. Several items that I had never seen before as well as some classed up classics. Highly recommend checking this place out if you are in the area. My Meal (With Plenty of Leftovers): Pork frites (A Must Have) Grilled cheese and tomato soup Ten Ninety Imperial Porter 3 Floyd's Drunk Monk Fiery Alice Chicago hot sauce (Put it on everything!)
(5)
B W.

Great beer selection. Bartenders courteous and knowledgeable. Very deep selection of bottles and cans to try out. Tap list contains about 10 limited edition pours. Would definitely come back for beer. Food wise? Ehh... Had some weird looking Mac and Cheese that is only memorable because it made me feel terrible later. As usual with pub food, I worry about the cleanliness of the kitchen. Maybe go with something fried next time? Or not. I will be back for more beer though.
(4)
Kailey M.

I. Love. Northdown. One thing that I have found with Chicago beer bars, is that while the bartenders may have knowledge of what is on their tap, if there is an extensive bottle list their knowledge leaves much to be desired. Not at Northdown!! I absolutely adore this place!!! Awesome bartenders with extensive knowledge of their products, VEGAN bar food!! Thats right, VEGAN bar food. And some very non vegan bar food as well :) This place seriously has something for everyone!! Their bottle selection is beautiful, their taps never let me down, and they're open pretty much all the time. If you're thinking of coming here, ABSOLUTELY DO IT.
(5)
Tim S.

Pork fries were delicious, burger was way too salty and the service was spotty. Neat place and will give it another go, maybe it was an off night.
(3)
Mark B.

Northdown is one of my favorite neighborhood bars. They have scrumptious bar food to go with their great libations. I am not one to start out a review raving about vegan food, as I am your quintessential carnivore bro, who will chow down on copious amounts of meat. The vegan food is will make you get a chubbie is so good, you do not ever realize it is Vegan. I like the fact they have savory vegan delights as ladies are on health kicks these days. Now if you are want go balls to the wall on some dish, fatty treats, you need to indulge in the Pork Frittes. They are hand cut fries topped with BBQ Pulled Pork, Jalapenos, Applewood Bacon, and Green Onions. Yea they are pretty much the Gospel. Beer? Yea they got them, over 160 different brews, and they are always changing! If you love craft brew, like this guy does, this will be your new sanctuary. Overall this place is 10. youtube.com/watch?v=fipQâ€¦
(5)
Lauren T.

Perfect. Bloody Mary was awesome. Vegan pork frites so amazing we ordered 2 half orders... and a great beer selection. What more could you ask for? - Oh, not-vegan pork frites, well that have that too!
(5)
Steven R.

No idea what the hell the name means but it's a welcome addition to the neighborhood. I feel like I should start this with some detail laden gushing about "when you first walk in" but let's face it, I came for beer and this place has... BEER. We're not talking cheap Miller Light, we're talking delicious beer like Three Floyd's or Perennial's Abraxas. While you're enjoying the list of libations, the food is worth the shot. The chicken pot pie was served in a little pot and though a tad on the small side, it was satisfying and delicious. Overall this is a good chill bar that says more "relax" than "party". That said, it is still a great place to have more than a few and enjoy your company. Oh and if you need more room, check the back!
(4)
Jelena Z.

"Any time of the day is a good time for pie." - Fabienne, Pulp Fiction; Alabama, True Romance; and Jelena Z, @Northdown CafÃ© at 1am on 8/2 Be still my Tarantino-lovin' heart - I uttered those words seconds after walking into my dream of a craft beer haven (in Lakeview no less), a bar built on a slow food premise featuring small-batch, made-from-scratch PIE. Not pizza pie, not savory meat pies, but sweet desert pie. Served until 2am six days/week and 3am on Saturday. See, ma? Good things do happen after 1am. And boy, did we have some pie - apple berry, banana cream and coconut cream. What complements a big slice of pie better than, let's say, a cold glass of milk? The citrusy, slightly dry De Proefbrouwerij's Broederlijke Liefde (Brotherly Love) Saison. A delicious mouthful, indeed. When you're not loving on that pie, enjoy one of a dozen draught beers, mull over another 70 bottled craft brews, check out the pinball machines in back or sing along to that Penny Lane-approved playlist. Shazam! I didn't check out the cocktail menu, but seems they're spotlighting spirits from small batch, craft distilleries. Let's talk savory stuff: Northdown offers a couple highly-touted vegetarian and vegan options, but they're focusing on traditional yet locally-sourced elements whipped into non-traditional masterpieces. Take, for instance, the Compact Turkey Dinner: roasted turkey, mashers and stuffing rolled into a ball, deep-fried and served w/country gravy. Dinner with the in-laws may just kill you, so why not go out early courtesy of a culinary-driven coronary? The also offer the classic comfort food benchmark, a grilled cheese/tomato soup combo. Yep, I'm such a sucker for this. It's clever through and through. You can drink and eat like a grown-up, with grown-ups. You know where to find me.
(5)
Jasmine C.

The Notthdown burger with apple smoked house bacon is amazingly great!! They have a great selection of craft beer as well.
(4)
Samantha K.

Northdown has a large and great selection of beers to accommodate every type of beer drinker. The rustic atmosphere and good up scale bar cuisine will leave you satisfied both in and out.
(4)
eglys h.

iCool place with an even cooler atmosphere. Food was delicious. We decided to go off the tourist path and went to Lakeview to their "Taste of Lakeview Event". After tasting a few of the festival eateries, we found ourselves here. We were quickly attended to and sat down at the bar. Bartender was super cool and quick to take our order. We went with burgers. Nothing wrong with that at this place!!! Hubby with the Drunken burger - delicious mouth watering. Huge! served with thin sliced crispy fries.. I went with a regular burger -huge as well topped with blue cheese. You know a burger is good when one bite causes a drip down your hand that you know you really want to lick but now that that is just wrong and nasty so you reach for that napkin against your will........ Great food, friendly staff, seems they all get along super well with each other and that is reflected on the service they provide. We really enjoyed lunch at this place. If ever in the area, would go back.
(4)
Megan G.

Want a burger that you'll remember forever? Go here. You won't just get your run of the mill plain burger and fries, you'll get gourmet amazingness without pretention. The specials are so creative, and in a good way. I had a burger topped with bourbon cooked apples and melted brie. I was a bit nervous about brie on a burger but it was creamy and delicious, a perfect compliament to the perfectly cooked burger. The fries are thin and crispy and flavored with herbs and salt. Really good. This place has a great atmosphere without being a dive or full of itself. The waitstaff is friendly, the msic is good, and bathrooms are clean. A definite recommend.
(4)
Gina F.

This place keeps getting better! The beer selection continues to delight and there have been some great changes to the menu. Please, powers that be, do not take the vegan pork slaw off the menu! It was fantastic! I am coming back for it and if you take it away, I will embarrass all of us by bursting into tears in the middle of the bar. And no one wants that.
(4)
Heather C.

A hidden gem in the area. All the food I've had here has been very good including their vegan options. I noticed people are complaining about the wait time however, I'll wait 20 minutes if it means I'm getting a well crafted meal which is what churns out each time. The staff is friendly, there's a large and diverse beer list, they have a couple of pinball machines in the back and always have some pretty cool local artists work on the walls. Good job guys!
(4)
Stephen S.

I stopped by here with a friend as his roommate said that Northdown always throws out a solid beer menu. I had never been before myself, but always take a "solid beer menu" as a challenge as I'm quite the beer snob and have different opinions than most people about what makes a beer menu solid. Northdown passed my test with flying colors, well selected options that run the gamut of domestic and international choices. I was really impressed by what they have on tap and their bottle list offers some depth as well. We tried the vegan pork frites because I think that cashew dips are far under appreciated and was super excited to see it on the menu. Loved the cashew butter "cheese" sauce, the fries were ok. The atmosphere is chill and laid back.
(4)
Tom M.

One of the best vegan menus of any beer bar I can think of. Get the Vegan Pork Slaw sandwich and pour some of that awesome BBQ sauce on it. Bonus points for almost always having Zombie Dust on tap. Only real downside is that all beer prices are about $1 more than similar places (except Local Option).
(4)
Angie M.

Clearly I'm missing something. I came to Northdown Cafe for brunch with two friends on Saturday at around noon. The crowd was fairly minimal so grabbing a table was super easy. Drink orders were taken quickly and then I got down to the business of reviewing the brunch menu. Um, it just doesn't look that appealing. First, the brunch menu is pretty sparse. I honestly had no idea they try to use seasonal ingredients on their menu until I looked at the website because nothing really looked particularly seasonal. Omelets? Biscuits and gravy? Bagel sandwich? Does anything seem particularly seasonal about these offerings? Uninspired, I went with the classic Build Your Own Omelet and ordered a tomato and mozzarella egg white omelet. The omelet was good (it's hard to fuck up an egg white omelet with two ingredients). It was served with one peice of sad, little dry brown toast and hasbrowns that were one big patty of potato that kind of looked like a turd on my plate. Presentation skills at Northdown are pretty lacking. Had my food come quickly, or even timely, I would have been satisfied, but it didn't. We waited at least 30 minutes for our eggs, which is just ridiculous, especially since the restaurant was pretty empty. I hate that. Service was just OK, too. Our gal was pretty sullen and unenthusiastic. I don't need a cheerleader to take my egg order, but my gosh, lady. Perk up a bit. When my party decided to stay for a beer after brunch we asked some questions on beers we weren't familiar with and again, our gal had no clue. It was frustrating. Speaking of frustrating, I really wish the beer lists were up to date. I had to order three beers before finally getting one that was actually available. I'm not a total Debbie Downer. I could see myself coming back for beers. The list is fairly extensive and interesting. I just don't think brunch is the thing at Northdown.
(3)
Janet S.

Next door to our Crib, we had two really good dark Norwegian ales whose names I forget, paired it with some donuts and dipping sauce and Ta Da! mid afternoon snack and pitstop. The beer list was extensive, the food adequate and the service just right.
(4)
Stephany F.

Do you like risky beers? Do yo consider yourself a beer connoisseur and rage at the local brewpubs that don't seem willing to take a chance on things that may not appeal to the masses? Northdown Taproom will make you less ragey while satisfying your love of beer. Their list is constantly changing, so check out ( beermenus.com/places/273â€¦ ) for updated stuff. My beer snob of a boyfriend was almost giggly while looking at the list of sours they had available. ...And who doesn't like a bar that stocks books with titles like "The Complete Manual of Things That Might Kill You" to entertain oneself with? The paintings on the walls caught my eye as well: original Chicago-themed fine art from John Airo. I'd love to get my dirty lil' mitts on one of those grungy looking paintings! ( johnairo.com/fine-art--câ€¦ ) We went there on a Wednesday evening for some low-key Blackhawks watching- this place is not a sports bar, and they only have a single large TV over the bar. The music genre is in the same vein as Kuma's or Lockdown- a little loud for my taste (my hearing is terrible, anyway), but not as loud as either of the two places. No wait at all, so we sat at the bar. At first glance, the place seems small, but that's because there's seating in back that I was too lazy to venture into. I ordered pork frites, to satisfy my urge for gluttony after forgetting to eat most of the day. While the sheer amount of food they handed me was satisfying, I feel like the flavor of the gravy and the shredded pork was lacking seasoning. (They're an appetizer, but more than enough for two people to eat as an entree.) My boyfriend ordered the wings special, and wasn't terribly impressed- his only comment was that it was a good deal, but the lemon-pepper-garlic wings didn't have any pepper flavor whatsoever. Our bartender, Adam, took great care of us- he even bought out the single lonely chicken wing that the kitchen had forgotten to put on my boyfriend's plate the first time. This place gets four stars for the beer, and three for the food.
(4)
Michael H.

Cool Spot! Pretty obscure "Beer List" to say the least with many selections I had never even heard of before/ even brews from Norway!! .. Really liked the Artwork inside the establishment and had a great bartender! Didn't try the food but I've heard it's great.. UPDATE Pending after that! Give it a shot...GTFJD
(4)
Alan F.

Another new discovery on this year's Chicago trip, Northdown occupies a dark, rather irregular, roughly L-shaped space, with a dining area at back. Atmosphere is pleasantly divey; about the only flaw of the physical bar is the absence of a bar rail. The food menu features a number of vegan options. Helpful and beer-savvy bartender. The beer list is wonderful, a dozen drafts and around 150 bottles, including a number of items I hadn't seen elsewhere. I tried two: -Evil Twin Soft Christmas, AKA Pretty Please With a Cherry on Top. (Random question--how much time over the course of a year do the Borg twins spend thinking up their beer names?) 10.9% ABV; 500-ml bottle for $21. Produced in Denmark at Amager Brauhus. Opaque black with slight amber highlights, almost no head. Winey nose. Front is tart with raisin, dark chocolate, and soy sauce notes. Dense, slippery mouth feel. An excellent if pricey winter warmer. -Nogne O Tiger Tripel. 9%. In the style of a Belgian tripel. Slightly cloudy orange-gold, light head. Fairly mild sweet malt and ethanol nose. Front is intense sweet malt, with a touch of tangerine, and ethanol rising to a flavor element. Long dry finish, with only a touch of bittering hops. Fair public transit access, 3/4 miles west of the Belmont station (Red, Brown, and Purple Lines), connecting via the 77-Belmont bus; also within a few blocks of the Paulina and Southport stations on the Brown Line. For pub crawlers, about a mile from Sheffields, and a mile and a half from Kuma's Corner.
(4)
Masil M.

Great beer selection with a knowledgable staff to point you in the right direction. Pork fries were stupendous.
(4)
Martin M.

Very conflicted about Northdown. I have gone here a number of times since they opened and every single change they've made has been for the worse. Every one. They used to serve these great pies which they stopped. The food is noticeably worse across the board. Service is ok but no one is particularly friendly or inviting. They ripped out the booths to make room for a large communal table. The back room is annoying. It has all of the ambience of my grandmother's basement - literally. No windows, an emergency exit, some furniture from the 70's, and a DVD player. It's basically a stock room they converted into a separate dining area. Btw, if you bring kids this is where you're forced to eat. It sucks. But the beer list...damn. I have to give it up for this, because they have an incredibly impressive selection and the rotating taps always manage to have things I've never heard of before. Just come here for the beer and make sure to avoid the back, and you'll be fine. Otherwise you'll want to find someplace else.
(3)
Jessica S.

Ducked in here to get out of the rain on a humid, summer evening. Friendly service, wide open windows. They have a lot of seating, including in the back, even though it looks like tiny place at first. The best part is the long list of delicious beers. I love strong, high ABV beers, and this place did not disappoint. I had a delicious draft Grand Cru from New Belgium, and a big can of Uncommon Siamese Twin...both delicious. Pretty expensive, but if you're in the mood, it's definitely worth it. The pork frites are unstoppable.
(4)
Nikki M.

Fantastic selection of beer! They carry all the weird stouts, all the rare sours, and all the funky imports. The bartender is incredibly friendly and makes great recommendations in addition to letting you sample things on tap before making your choice. He even gave out shots of Chicago's own Koval whiskey (probably because we spent so much, to be fair)! This is the bar I've been looking for. I'd be in great trouble if I lived nearby ;-) If you like Kumas and the like, you'll love this place. They play metal!
(5)

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Address : 3244 N Lincoln Ave
Chicago, IL, 60657
Phone (773) 697-7578
Website https://www.northdownchicago.com/
Click To Get Directions

Opening Hours

Mon :11:00 am - 2:00pm

Specialities

Takes Reservations : No
Delivery : No
Take-out : Yes
Accepts Credit Cards : Yes
Good For : Dinner
Parking : Street
Bike Parking : Yes
Wheelchair Accessible : Yes
Good for Kids : No
Good for Groups : Yes
Attire : Casual
Ambience : Casual
Noise Level : Average
Music : Background
Good For Dancing : No
Alcohol : Full Bar
Happy Hour : No
Best Nights : Tue, Thu, Sat
Coat Check : No
Smoking : No
Outdoor Seating : No
Wi-Fi : Free
Has TV : Yes
Waiter Service : Yes
Caters : No

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Northdown Café and Taproom

3244 N Lincoln Ave, Chicago, IL, 60657

Northdown Café and Taproom Menu

Appetizers

Sides

Salads

House Staples

Sandwiches

Healthy Meal suggestions for Northdown Café and Taproom

Appetizers

Sides

Salads

House Staples

Sandwiches

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