With all the choices you have to make–Kerry or Bush? Old Style or Schlitz?–you just don’t have time to stay awake pondering difficult questions. That’s what we’re here for! We asked you for your bar queries, and now we’ve got answers. (And in case you’re wondering, Crabbby Kim’s sign has that extra “b” from a simple misspelling. But owners went with it and now say it stands for burgers, beer and bikinis. Who knew?)
Why did the Map Room get rid of the
National Geographics? –Jake
You know, you try to make a place look nicer and everyone flips. Map Room (1949 N. Hoyne Ave. 773-252-7636) only temporarily removed the magazines and assured us that they’re now back. And before you get uppity, the flags hanging in the front room are just being cleaned.
What’s the oldest bar in Chicago? –Jan
It’s The Berghoff (17 W. Adams St. 312-427-3170), which opened in 1898. The bar stayed open in the ’20s by serving near beer and soda pop. Once those silly rules were repealed, liquor licenses were doled out, and The Berghoff was first in line.
Does Ogre from “Revenge of the Nerds” actually own a bar in Chicago? –Dan
This rumor’s been floating around town for ages. So let it officially be said that no, Donald Gibbs, a.k.a. the Ogre, does not own a bar. But he’s good friends with Todd from Trader Todd’s (3216 N. Sheffield Ave. 773-975-8383), and he does have his own beer–Ogre Lyte–which is sold at the bar for four bucks.
I saw a review of Bohica Bar, but cannot figure out what Bohica means. –S.P.
BOHICA is actually a computer chat room acronym meaning “Bend Over Here It Comes Again.” Charming, right? The current owners kept the original name when they bought the bar (5518 S. Archer Ave. 773-581-0397) last fall.
Does Wicker Park’s Moonshine actually serve moonshine? –Jen
Moonshine (1824 W. Division St. 773-862-8686) doesn’t serve moonshine for one very good reason: It’s illegal. Federal laws prohibit anyone from distilling spirits without a license. Of course, if you really have to brew your own, Illinois state laws are a little more lenient: You can make moonshine for your own consumption or for your guests. You just can’t hawk the stuff.
At Ola’s Liquors, the prices are written directly on the bottles in magic marker. Why? Is this because the bartenders can’t remember the prices? –Rachel
Don’t dis the bartenders, man. According to Ola’s (947 N. Damen Ave. 773-384-7250) owner Alexandra Rodgers, the prices are there to help you. “When you see the price, you know how much it is and how much money you have to spend.” Rest assured bartenders know the exact price of every bottle in the bar. “This way, no one can cheat you for prices,” Rodgers says. Good call!
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