When asking yourself about something to do near me in Chicago with a group of friends or family, consider
The Green Door Tavern
Why The Green Door Tavern is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
The Green Door Tavern, reputedly Chicago's oldest surviving drinking establishment, offers a unique and inviting atmosphere perfect for meeting up with friends. Housed in a historic 1872 building that survived the Great Chicago Fire, the tavern blends rich history with a cozy, nostalgic ambiance. Its warm wooden interiors, original 1920s bar fixtures, and memorabilia-filled decor create a welcoming setting that feels like a home away from home. Located in Chicago's River North neighborhood, The Green Door Tavern provides a rustic yet lively environment where guests can enjoy a variety of bar food classics and craft drinks. Highlights include the main floor's traditional pub-style seating and "The Drifter," a speakeasy-style basement bar featuring a rotating cocktail list served on tarot cards, evoking the Prohibition era. The Green Door Tavern has built a reputation as a neighborhood staple that combines historical significance with a friendly, down-to-earth staff, making it an excellent spot for casual gatherings, sports viewing, and celebrating Chicago’s culture.
Here's what people think of The Green Door Tavern
As of recent, The Green Door Tavern holds a 4.5-star rating based on 1515 reviews.
Users consistently praise The Green Door Tavern for its authentic historic atmosphere and the quality of its food and drinks. Many reviews highlight the tavern’s charming, vintage décor and the palpable sense of history, which enhances the experience of dining or drinking there. Positive feedback frequently mentions the friendly and attentive staff who contribute to the tavern’s inviting vibe, as well as standout menu items such as the poutine and corned beef & sauerkraut sandwiches. Guests also appreciate the speakeasy "The Drifter" in the basement, which provides a unique and intimate setting reminiscent of the 1920s. On the other hand, some negative reviews point to occasional crowding on busy nights and slower service during peak times. A few guests noted that the basement bar lacks TVs, which might be a downside for those wanting to watch sports there. Despite these minor criticisms, the overall consensus is overwhelmingly positive, with many visitors recommending it as a great place to enjoy a drink, a meal, and a glimpse into Chicago’s storied past. The Green Door Tavern’s blend of history, quality offerings, and welcoming atmosphere continues to impress and delight patrons.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
J Li
Came here as part of the Barrel bus prohibition tour of Chicago. It completes the experience nicely. Love the fried Nutella sandy - I am too weak to resist 😂 Service is great. They know what they are doing.
Daryl Nitz
Green Door is a great iconic Chicago tavern. Food is hit or miss. For example, Scotch Eggs were great. Deviled Eggs weren't anything special. Grilled cheese was ok. Brisket on pretzel bun was incredible.
Thomas Brophy
Was hoping to go to Mr.Beef, but as my Irish luck would have it apparently they have been shooting scenes there and have been closed for a few days. As we turned to walk back to our car that was parked a block away, a leprechaun whispered in my ear telling me not to be sad, and that Guinness was on tap inside the corner bar. So my wee lass and I make a quick decision to have a quick lunch here instead. We enjoyed our Guinness, a Corned Beef sandwich, and mushroom Swiss burger.
KaLyn Markley
We stopped here on a food tour. We had an old-fashioned and then we ended up staying for a few more drinks. This place is full of history and a speakeasy! We ended up going to a different bar for a little bit and then ended up back at the green door. Tavern for one more before heading home. The bartenders were great. They gave great food recommendations. The service was quick. The drinks were delicious and perfectly poured!
Christine Lavarda
Visited on a recent Sunday. It wasn’t crowded (which was great) and had a fun eclectic decor. I tried a Bloody Mary and was rather disappointed, and underwhelmed. I asked about the base—store bought and a bit too salty. The accompanying “garden”consisted of a small piece of celery, pickle, and one olive (and the usual lemon/lime that no one really uses). While they did use Tito’s vodka, the $14 price tag wasn’t worth it. The bar service was attentive and warm. I may come back, but not for a bloody.
How to reach The Green Door Tavern
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Why The Green Door Tavern may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at The Green Door Tavern with your friends? If you’re looking for a place that combines history, lively atmosphere, and great food and drinks, The Green Door Tavern is a top-notch choice. Established soon after the Great Chicago Fire of 1871, it holds the title of Chicago’s oldest tavern, giving your gathering a unique, historic backdrop that sets it apart from typical modern venues. The tavern's charming, vintage ambiance with its antique decor, including quirky relics like a miniature replica of itself and a stuffed “Jackalope,” makes every visit feel like stepping into a nostalgic yet vibrant social club. Beyond its historic appeal, The Green Door Tavern sports a strong reputation, boasting a 4.5 rating from over 1500 reviews, which speaks volumes about its excellent service and customer satisfaction. Most importantly, it’s a place that welcomes groups — whether you're catching up after work or celebrating a milestone, the tavern’s casual vibe and solid bar eats make it ideal for connecting with friends in a relaxed, convivial setting.
What kind of activities and experiences does The Green Door Tavern offer for a group meetup? The Green Door Tavern offers a rich combination of activities designed to cater to groups of friends or family. Primarily, it’s known for its full bar experience with an impressive selection of beers, liquors, and craft cocktails, ensuring everyone can find their preferred drink. It maintains a lively social environment where you can enjoy engaging conversations at the bar or your own table. People often come weekly here to unwind, which is a testament to its inviting atmosphere. The tavern also hosts occasional entertainment, such as comedy shows, which add to the group’s fun factor by providing shared laughs and memorable moments. For those who appreciate a historic setting, the building itself is a point of interest; with its two-story structure leaning slightly south and its quirky antique decorations, it creates a unique conversation starter and photo opportunity for groups.
Why is The Green Door Tavern’s food ideal for sharing with friends? The tavern is celebrated for its no-nonsense American comfort food that caters perfectly to group dining. The menu features hearty options that lend themselves well to sharing, like sliders, patty melts, and the standout bleu cheese burger, all served with heavily salted crinkle-cut fries on circular metal beer trays lined with foil — adding a fun rustic touch. Other share-friendly options include crab cake sandwiches, ribs (available during dinner), buffalo chicken sandwiches, and triple-decker grilled cheese sandwiches, which offer something for every palate. These dishes are crafted to fuel long conversations and socializing without fuss, making it perfect for an informal meetup. Daily food and drink specials further enhance the experience by offering great value, which is ideal for groups looking to enjoy a rewarding night out without overextending their budgets.
How does the ambiance of The Green Door Tavern enhance your group’s social experience? With its casual dress code and bustling bar room, the tavern is designed to create a friendly and relaxed atmosphere. The nostalgia-drenched surroundings evoke a sense of warmth and camaraderie, making everyone feel at home immediately. One of the unique features is the mixture of antique artifacts — such as vintage advertisements and an eclectic wooden carousel horse — that spark curiosity and discussion among guests. The social energy is palpable but not overwhelming; though the place can get lively, it manages to retain a balance where groups can chat comfortably and enjoy their time together. The bartenders are known to be personable and engaging, which adds to the welcoming vibe and often elevates the night with genuine interactions. Whether you’re in for a lively post-work hangout or a festive family gathering, the ambiance cultivates connection and makes every visit memorable.
What practical amenities make The Green Door Tavern perfect for hosting meetups? The tavern caters well to different group sizes with its layout, offering both a busy bar area and a dining room adjacent to it, providing options depending on the mood of your gathering. The space allows for flexibility, whether you prefer grabbing drinks at the bar or sitting down to enjoy a meal in a slightly more private setting. The place is kid-friendly, making it accessible for family meetups, and also has private room options for those who want a more intimate or reserved experience. Located in Chicago’s River North neighborhood, it is easy to reach and conveniently situated for city dwellers and visitors alike. The staff's attentive yet relaxed service makes planning and executing a group visit seamless. Their experience in handling tours of groups and their occasional entertainment events provide an extra layer of convenience and entertainment to your meetup.
What do visitors emphasize about their Green Door Tavern experience? Reviews consistently highlight the tavern’s superb beer and liquor selection, the satisfying comfort food, and the festive, welcoming atmosphere as prime reasons for coming back. Many patrons appreciate the value-packed meals and daily specials that make group outings affordable and enjoyable. The nostalgic charm intertwined with modern hospitality keeps guests intrigued and excited to share this hidden gem with friends. While some describe the price as slightly higher than other local spots, most agree the quality of food, drinks, and ambiance justifies the cost. Staff friendliness and the occasional presence of live entertainment or comedy shows are also noted as enhancing the overall experience. The combination of these factors makes The Green Door Tavern not just a place to eat and drink, but a communal space to build good memories.
In essence, rallying at The Green Door Tavern means stepping into a seasoned historic venue where warm social interaction, quality bar fare, and spirited vibes converge. The blend of authentic Chicago history, inviting food and drink menu, flexible group accommodations, and lively atmosphere culminate in one ideal spot to host your next meetup with friends or family. Whether your goal is a casual catch-up, a hearty meal, or an entertaining night out, The Green Door Tavern delivers an experience that encourages connection and enjoyment in a unique and memorable environment.