It's not as prestigious but still worthwhile to call out. Time Out Chicago just did a piece about 50 unknown bars throughout the city that are classified as "unsung but lovable dives, lounges and taverns". The two spots within the South Loop are:
VILLAIN’S
When brothers Marco and Miguel Silva bought the Butcher’s Dog in 2007, it was your average, run-of-the-mill Irish bar. To say the brothers took the space and turned it on its head would be an understatement. The long, narrow room now has a Bonnie and Clyde–meets-baroque look, and the clientele has gone from old men to young South Loopers. The biggest change of all: The Silvas kicked the likes of Budweiser and Miller off their beer list to make room for 100-plus microbrews. Extra shot The bar’s burgers are all made with Dietzler Farms’ ethically raised beef. 649 S Clark St (312-356-9992).—David Tamarkin
LITTLE BRANCH CAFE
It’s hidden in a quiet South Loop development, yet the fact that it exists is not the most surprising thing about Little Branch Cafe. Rather, it’s the fact that, come nightfall, this spot (it’s a coffee-and-sandwich shop by day) transforms into a cocktail bar. The wine, beer and cocktail lists are tightly edited (think classics such as the Corpse Reviver), and because it’s so quiet in here, there’s nothing to distract you from how well the drinks are executed. Extra shot The dinner menu, with items like chicken and waffles, goes beyond the lunchtime offerings of panini. 1251 S Prairie Ave (312-360-0101).—David Tamarkin
While we would agree that Villain's is a great unsung bar in the South Loop, we wouldn't say the same thing about Little Branch Cafe. We had a pleasant experience there (click here) but if we're talking about bars/lounges would much rather see something like M Lounge on this list.
Your thoughts?
11 comments:
Villians sounded really interesting. I love a place that doesn't only have cheap beers on special, but after reading the reviews on Yelp, I think I'll pass on checking it out. Not much of anything is worth receiving slow service.
Regarding Little Branch, which I have visited, I wouldn't have expected it to show up on bar list either.
M Lounge? really, did you just say M Lounge?
Could be the worst bar/lounge in the history of the SL. I dont know how they stay in business, they must own the building.
Villains is extremely underrated. Great beer selection, knowledgeable bartenders/servers, and excellent food.
Re Little Branch - Of course it is unexpected and surprising. The whole point is it's unknown as a bar - duh! And according to the TimeOut critic, it serves great drinks (and I agree). I'm trying to understand how anybody can have a problem with its (imho well-deserved) inclusion.
I was very disappointed with Little Branch. Went on a Saturday for an afternoon coffee & snack. Ended up not getting anything because of the poor selection. And the strollers that took over the space. Also, the location is weird. I miss the days of Gourmand.
I'm not seing where you're griing teh love for Villan's from. The music is shoite, the Beligian beers are good but the food was better when it was the BD
I haven't been to Villians yet but Little Branch is a decent place. It seems to be suffering from a bit of an identity crisis. I appreciate the fact that there is a nice little bar without TVs and with a good beer / mixed drink selection. I really wish there would be healthier options on the menu though - more items that skip the oil, butter and cheese. Let's get some creative healthy dishes in here and make it really unique!
I was a huge fir fan of villians when they first opened but the place has gone horribly wrong since. The service is terrible and the bartenders actually ignore the drink special price and charge what they want. I swear to you. You can go there and be charged different prices depending who is bar tending and the specials also change. Real amateur and real pompous vibe. The beer selection is amazing but it is priced like you are in river north. You can go to Hackneys and have the same selection for a fraction of the price and they would actually care about your business. Villians is nothing more the arrogant self entitled owners. If you dont take my word for it check out Yelp.
Villians is not only "unknown" but also completely "forgettable".
Anon, I'll take your "argument" against Villains into account the next time I consider going there.
Never been to Villains, but Little Branch is great. The food (brunch, lunch, dinner and everything in between) is great, and the beer/drink selection is really exceptional. Above and beyond all of that, the owners are fantastic people and they go the extra mile to make sure their customers have a good time, so it is tough to ask for more.
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