When asking yourself about something to do near me in Chicago with a group of friends or family, consider
Big City Tap
Why Big City Tap is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
Big City Tap is a lively bar and restaurant located in Chicago's Lake View neighborhood, offering a great atmosphere for friends to meet and unwind. Known for its welcoming neighborhood bar vibe, it combines a charming setting with top-quality ingredients in its food and drinks. The kitchen and bar stay open late, making it an ideal spot for both casual dinners and late-night hangouts. Highlights include their tasty burger served on a pretzel bun and a rotating variety of drinks, including local beer selections and classic Chicago favorites like Malort. The friendly bartenders contribute to an inviting atmosphere, encouraging guests to relax and enjoy the evening whether it's a quiet weekday or a bustling weekend with nearby events like Cubs games or Pridefest. Its convenient location near entertainment venues adds to its appeal as a neighborhood staple.
Here's what people think of Big City Tap
As of recent, Big City Tap holds a 3.6-star rating based on 360 reviews.
User reviews of Big City Tap present a mixed but overall positive perspective. Many patrons appreciate the bar's inviting and relaxed neighborhood feel, highlighting the friendliness of the staff and the quality of the food, particularly the burgers and steak sandwich served with tots. The presence of drink specials, unique offerings like jello shots, and availability of regional favorites like Malort have been praised. However, some visitors note that drinks can be a bit pricey compared to similar neighborhood bars, particularly non-alcoholic options. The service quality has generally been rated as decent to impeccable, though occasional busyness during major events can affect speed. While some reviews mention the venue being quieter than expected on certain nights, many find the atmosphere suitable for casual socializing or extended stays. Overall, reviews suggest Big City Tap is a solid go-to spot with a friendly vibe and good fare, despite some concerns about drink pricing.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
brianna
Came in for a quick visit and didn’t know what drink to order. The bartender (i believe her name was Tristine?) was incredibly helpful and friendly! She served me a delicious mixed drink! Great experience, thank you!
Joe Plewa
Kudos to this place for such an excellent food and the choice of the music is correct for the vibes. 🙌🙌
Laurie Karrels
Took 20 minutes to order drinks. Another 30 to order food. Which never came. Then someone next door got pepper sprayed and it came in bar. We are ere all coughing. It took me shouting to get my money back for the food that never arrived. Rude, crass, completely clueless staff and management. Never ever go there
Larry Sullivan
Stopped by Big City Tap after a show at The Vic and spent about $35. Grabbed the Johnny Burger, a side of tots, and a $5 Stella pint. The burger was juicy, the tots crispy, and the beer was cold, perfect combo. The vibe was lively with a DJ spinning, and the staff was friendly. Great spot to keep the night going. Will definitely be back.
Bryant Monterrosa
Natasha and Oscar are the GOATs! They are amazing and always take care of you. By the way, no matter where you go, you'll never find a better place for quality late night bites. Could it use a bit of love from the dancefloor perspective? Of course but it's not what it used to be. It's now a great place to grab a drink, order some great food, and chill with the people you care about most!
How to reach Big City Tap
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Why Big City Tap may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at Big City Tap with your friends?
Big City Tap is an ideal spot for gathering with friends because it perfectly blends the laid-back vibe of a neighborhood bar with the energy of a lively, local hot spot. Whether you’re coming in after a day of sightseeing, a show, or just to unwind, this place creates a welcoming environment where everyone feels at ease. The bartenders make a point of connecting with guests personally, asking about their day and where they’re from, fostering a sense of community perfect for groups. The decor, featuring warm cherry-wood accents, adds a cozy yet stylish touch that makes it feel like a home away from home. Drinks are thoughtfully selected and reasonably priced, including unique local specialties like Malort, which adds a distinctive Chicago flair to the experience. The attentive and friendly service ensures your group is well taken care of, making it a standout in the bustling Lake View neighborhood. Altogether, the combination of quality drinks, good vibes, and a neighborhood feel makes Big City Tap a prime choice for rallying your friends for a relaxed evening or a fun celebration.
What activities can you enjoy at Big City Tap for a group meetup?
Big City Tap offers several activities that enhance the group meetup experience, making it a versatile venue for many kinds of social gatherings. First, the bar’s wide selection of craft beers and signature cocktails makes it a drinker’s delight, perfect for tasting different brews and sharing drink specials or jello shots, which are popular choices for parties and celebrations. For food lovers, the menu includes well-regarded items such as the pretzel bun HO burger or a hearty steak sandwich served with tots, which are great for sharing and satisfy a range of appetites. The ambiance of the bar, with its cherry-wood decor and neighborhood bar vibe, also encourages long, comfortable hangouts where conversation flows easily. Music plays a big role as well; according to visitors, the bartenders often take requests and create a fun atmosphere with local tunes, which helps groups feel energized and connected throughout the night. Because Big City Tap is located close to popular local venues, it’s also a fantastic pre- or post-show spot for groups attending nearby events, allowing you to make an evening of it with drinks, food, and great company.
How does Big City Tap’s atmosphere enhance group gatherings?
The atmosphere at Big City Tap is a major reason why it works so well for groups looking to have a good time. The bar exudes a warm and inviting aura, enhanced by its polished cherry-wood interiors, giving it both a modern and classic neighborhood feel. Unlike some bars that aim just to be trendy or flashy, Big City Tap manages to feel like a reliable local hangout where you can relax without the pressure of a high-energy club scene. This ambiance invites guests to linger for hours, perfect for groups wanting to catch up, celebrate, or simply enjoy the night. Additionally, staff attentiveness contributes heavily to the welcoming vibe; their friendly service ensures everyone is comfortable, remembered, and well-served, which can be especially important with larger groups. On busy nights tied to local events like home Cubs games or Pridefest, the bar’s lively yet manageable crowd creates a buzz without being overwhelming, making it easy for groups to find space and feel part of the celebration. This balance of energy and comfort is key to Big City Tap’s appeal as the go-to gathering spot.
What makes Big City Tap’s drink and food options suitable for social events?
Big City Tap’s menu is crafted to suit social gatherings by offering shareable, crowd-pleasing food and a broad range of drink options that cater to varied tastes. Their food focuses on classic American bar fare elevated with thoughtful touches, such as the aforementioned HO burger served on a pretzel bun and the steak sandwich with tots, which are filling, easy to share, and widely enjoyed. This makes it easier for groups with diverse preferences to find something satisfying without waiting long for service. The drinks menu features a good mix of craft beers, unique spirits like Malort, and creative cocktails, often with specials that make ordering rounds more economical and fun. The inclusion of jello shots and other festive drinks adds a playful option for celebrations or just livening up the evening. Affordable price points—especially given the quality and location—mean that groups can spend responsibly while still indulging in a variety of flavors. Overall, the drink and food offerings encourage sharing, tasting, and enjoying together, perfectly complementing the social aspect of meetups at Big City Tap.
Why is Big City Tap’s location ideal for meetups with friends and family?
Big City Tap benefits greatly from its location on 1010 W Belmont Ave in Chicago’s Lake View area, a neighborhood known for its vibrant nightlife and community feel. Being situated near popular spots such as the Vic Theatre means groups have convenient access to entertainment before or after their time at the bar, creating an easy flow for an entire evening out. This means planning a night out with friends can include attending shows, catching some live comedy, or participating in neighborhood events followed by relaxing drinks and food at Big City Tap. The vicinity is also well-served by public transportation, making it easy for groups to gather without worrying about parking hassles or long drives. Moreover, Lake View’s reputation as a friendly and lively part of town adds safety and comfort, so guests can feel secure moving between venues. This strategic location, combined with the bar's inviting atmosphere, makes Big City Tap a convenient, appealing hub for groups looking to share memorable moments together.
How do the reviews reflect the experience of group meetups at Big City Tap?
Reviews from guests frequently highlight the friendly staff, welcoming atmosphere, and quality drinks as standout features that make Big City Tap a reliable choice for group outings. Visitors often comment on the personable bartenders who engage guests, creating connections that elevate the overall experience beyond just grabbing a drink. Many note the bar’s ability to accommodate different types of gatherings—from casual weekday meetups with a relaxed vibe to the higher-energy surroundings during weekends or local festivities. While some mention that on certain busy nights the place can feel a bit full or that prices on drinks can be on the higher side compared to typical neighborhood bars, the general consensus appreciates the value and charm offered. Food is also mentioned positively, with regular praise for the tasty and well-portioned menu items that work well for sharing among friends. These collective experiences affirm that Big City Tap is not only a place to drink but a venue where groups feel comfortable, well-served, and entertained.
What tips can help groups get the most out of their visit to Big City Tap?
To maximize your meetup experience at Big City Tap, it’s useful to consider a few practical tips. Arriving early on weekends or busy event nights can secure your group a good spot since the bar tends to fill up quickly during popular local celebrations or home games. Exploring the drink specials and asking bartenders for recommendations can add an element of fun, especially if your group enjoys trying new beers or unique cocktails like the locally famous Malort. Sharing food items like the HO burger or steak sandwich is great for ensuring everyone gets something delicious without committing to heavy entrees. Additionally, engaging with the bartenders and staff not only enhances service but sometimes leads to personalized music or drink experiences, heightening the neighborhood vibe. Finally, consider Big City Tap as part of a broader night out, pairing a visit with shows or cultural events nearby to create a full and memorable group gathering. These steps help ensure your time at Big City Tap is enjoyable, social, and hassle-free.