Richard's Bar

Stumbled across this bar whilst looking for a place to use the loo and have a quick drink and what a find! I love "dive" bars and this ticked every box, cheap bottled beer, cash only, great jukebox, Smokey atmosphere & filled with locals! Both barman were great (especially the guy with the cubs ring). Popped in for one & ended up staying for six!

Its an uassuming, shady dark bar that is cool with smoking. Did I say that SMOKING is allowed here? A solid rotational collection of Chicago folks, rotating. Staff are PROFESSIONAL. Opens early and closes late. This joint is SOLID. You might smoke at the bar and feel like Bukowski, without all that Poems and Shortstories stuff. Some may remeber smoking and drinking in a Bar. MANY have never seen it.

So I tend bar, and have never been met with a less welcoming environment. My wife and I stopped to have a drink and check out a potentially cool bar on our adventure. We walked in to someone in an apron, sitting bar-side and drinking, asking for our Identification. This is often a joke from drinking patrons from bars, so we asked what his credentials were and why a patron would ask that, and why he would ask two 35 year olds entering the bar for anything. He followed us to the ordering area and assured us he was checking the validity of us visiting. We sat for 10 minutes while other patrons looked awkwardly, and bartenders ignored us, waiting for someone to ask what we would like to purchase. We left the bar with absolutely nothing and no money spent. Would never recommend visiting, and again YES I SERVE DRINKS FOR A LIVING. This place is not welcoming at all.

This may be my 3rd review ever. Great booze and smoky atmosphere. Asked for one of the .75 cent hard boiled eggs and they were sold out. Luckily they were able to find me one in the basement.

I cut my hand breaking a glass and I received some of the most affective medical care from the bartender. He had blood clotting spray at the ready, and got my taped up before I ubered to the ER. The ER nurse asked if I’d been treated before coming in - I ended up with 6 stitches and I have no doubt I would have needed amputation if not for their impeccable care. I love you, Richard’s.

The vibe here is incredible. If you’re lucky you’ll catch Tony behind the bar. A friend told me about this place when I was coming to town, and I’m so glad I stopped in because I had one of the best nights out. This bar feels like it carries so much character and culture. A great mix of locals and folks passing through. Incredible music and patrons who appreciate good music. The bartender Tony is outstanding at his job, it was a treat to meet him and watch him interact with people throughout the night. He introduced me to folks & made me feel so welcome & is just an interesting dude in general. Plus the smoking part is a huge sell for me and something you don’t experience often. I’ll definitely be back next time I’m in town!

Had two High Lifes, two Screwballs, two eggs and two Tito cranberries ✌ It was a good day WOO