School’s back in, and you’re ready to swap “what I did on my summer vacation” tales with your college chums over a few chuggers–but you already dropped your semester drinking allowance on textbooks. Don’t cry over spilled beer. These Rogers Park spots offer both a place for your crew and extra-cheap brews.
Plus, since the bars are a short stone’s throw from each other (and from Loyola University), cab fare should be less than that hardcover paperweight–er, “Introduction to Philosophy”–you just purchased.
Candlelite Chicago
7452 N. Western Ave., 773-465-0087
When this spot’s former owners decided to sell a few years ago, some of the regular customers stepped up to save their favorite watering hole. After serious remodeling, the original neon sign remains, but a fresh interior features a custom-made bar and flat-screen TVs.
What readers say: “We have been several times since discovering it while searching nearby restaurants on metromix, and we can’t get enough. The thin-crust pizza is out of this world. The service is friendly. … The bar is fun; the atmosphere is lively; and the remodeling is very well-done–but again, go for the pizza!”–Tonya
Nightly specials: Thu: $3.50 Smithwick’s drafts; Fri: $3.50 Blue Moon drafts; Sat: $2.50 Miller Lite drafts, $7 Miller Lite pitchers.
Hamilton’s Pub
6341 N. Broadway, 773-764-8133
A recent facelift has given this neighborhood favorite a nice boost, fitting brand-new TVs among the old-time charm. Dinner with the locals here will never break the bank; fortunately, drinking late with the college kids won’t, either.
What readers say: “Hammie’s is THE place to be any day of the week. It’s like Cheers, because everyone who is a Loyola student is found there. … If you’re a Loyola student–or anyone, for that matter–and you haven’t experience Hammie’s, then, my friends, you are missing out!”–J. Lee
Nightly specials: Mon: $2 bottles of all Bud brands, $4 vodka Red Bulls; Tue: $1.75 Leinenkugel Honey Weiss drafts, $3 margaritas, $7 jumbo margaritas; Wed: $2 Coors Light bottles, $2.75 Captain Morgan drinks; Thu: $2.25 Miller Lite and MGD drafts; Fri: $2.25 bottles of all Bud brands, $2.75 well drinks; Sat: $2.50 bottles of all Miller Lite brands; Sun: $2.50 24-ounce Bud, Bud Light and Amber Bock drafts, and $2.50 raspberry vodkas.
Heartland Cafe
7000 N. Glenwood Ave., 773-465-8005
This corner hang is a unique institution: restaurant, lounge, informal community center, newsstand and general store. Just want a brew? Stop in for a casual pint at the Buffalo Bar, located inside the compound, and grab a seat at the wooden counter or in one of the easy chairs.
What readers say: “Excellent community atmosphere, pleasant outdoor seating and a fine selection of tasty beers.”–An eater
Nightly specials: Official nightly specials are decided on a spur-of-the-moment basis, but Miller Lite, PBR, Point and Rolling Rock bottles are always $2.50, and well drinks are $4.50.
Morseland
1218 W. Morse Ave.,
773-764-8900
New owners have turned this former music venue into a supper club featuring an eclectic mix of live bands and DJs, including regular hip-hop acts. A contemporary American menu includes offerings like crab cakes, gumbo, fresh fish and ribeye steaks.
What readers say: “Rogers Park is in dire need of good bars. I’m glad Morseland opened up. It has more of a loungy feel, rather than a neighborhood pub feel, but I’ll take what I can get. … Try the chocolate martini: very yummy.”–S.K.
Nightly specials: Sun: $2 domestic bottles; Mon: $3 Harp and Guinness pints; Tue: $3 Blue Moon pints; Wed: $3 Corona and Negro Modelo bottles; Thu: $3 well drinks.
Oasis
6809 N. Sheridan Rd., 773-973-7788
At the Oasis, they love two sports: darts (the bar has five boards and sponsors its own league) and hockey, which is shown constantly on the spot’s TVs. Otherwise, it’s a nondescript place, but it’s open until 4 a.m. (5 a.m. on Saturdays), and the beer is cheap.
What readers say: “If you walk in at 10 or 11 p.m., it’s easy to get that stale, unwelcoming feeling. Come at 1 or 2 a.m. when the locals and college kids start arriving, and it’s a happening place to be.”–Joy I.
Nightly specials: There’s no regular specials, but domestic drafts like Bud, PBR and AmberBock run $2.75-$3.25.
