When asking yourself about something to do near me in Chicago with a group of friends or family, consider
Ten Cat Tavern
Why Ten Cat Tavern is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
Ten Cat Tavern is a beloved fixture in Chicago's Lakeview neighborhood, celebrated for over 34 years as a vibrant gathering spot where friends, neighbors, and pool enthusiasts converge. This tavern uniquely blends a warm, neighborhood bar ambiance with a lively pool hall and a backyard party atmosphere, offering guests a diverse and enjoyable experience under one roof. The tavern boasts rare historic pool tables, including a 1925 9ft Brunswick Medalist and a 1945 8ft Brunswick Centennial with premium Belgian Simonis cloth, appealing to both casual players and serious billiards fans. Beyond the indoor offerings, Ten Cat Tavern features a welcoming beer garden that serves as a relaxing outdoor oasis where patrons can enjoy craft beers, cocktails, and Chicago’s pleasant weather. It's also a sports fans' favorite with a 75-inch TV dedicated to Arsenal soccer games. The tavern embraces a diverse clientele, from hospitality workers looking to unwind to pet owners and local neighbors seeking good company and great drinks. With no room rental fee or drink minimums, it’s an ideal venue for parties and social gatherings, fostering a friendly, inclusive atmosphere year-round.
Here's what people think of Ten Cat Tavern
As of recent, Ten Cat Tavern holds a 4.6-star rating based on 329 reviews.
Reviews of Ten Cat Tavern consistently highlight the tavern’s warm and inviting atmosphere, making it a popular destination for both locals and visitors. Many reviewers praise the quality and uniqueness of the antique pool tables, emphasizing how these contribute to a fun and authentic billiards experience. The beer garden and outdoor seating receive positive notes for providing a pleasant and relaxed environment to enjoy drinks with friends, especially during warmer months. Drink specials, such as $3 PBR drafts and $6 Tito's drinks, are frequently mentioned as a great value. Staff members are often described as friendly and accommodating, enhancing the welcoming feel of the tavern. On the downside, some reviewers mention occasional crowding during peak times, which can impact seating and wait times, while a few note that the noise level can rise, especially when sports games are on. However, these minor issues are generally outweighed by the overall positive experience. In conclusion, Ten Cat Tavern is widely appreciated for its unique blend of historic charm, friendly service, quality pool facilities, and inviting social spaces, ranking it highly among Chicago’s neighborhood bars for a memorable night out or casual meet-up with friends.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Julianne Hackler
A gem in the neighborhood! The atmosphere is relaxed and welcoming, with friendly staff and great drinks. My favorite bartender Addie always makes sure you feel right at home. Whether you’re stopping by for a casual drink or a night out, it’s the perfect spot to unwind and catch up with friends or make new ones! Highly recommend
Anuka Unenbayar
This place is a fun and spacious bar that offers pool and other games to play. The crowd is a mixed age atmosphere with everyone being respectful of each other. Shoutout to Addie, the nicest and realest bartender who can always accommodate with drinks and splitting our group’s tab for our party whenever we come in! Thanks to everyone at ten cat for always giving us a good time!
sean hackett
The Sunday night Trivia vibe of intellectual fun mixed with the spirit of good competition in a classic Chicago Tavern was absolutely fantastic. Our group loved it! Thank you Ten Cat!
Sarah Straussner
We rented out the back room for a joint birthday party and it could NOT have been easier!!! There's no room fee, no drink minimum, and everyone is able to keep their tabs seperate. This was perfect for our large group. The space in the back is cozy and you have access to the outdoor space. The games and pool table were fun areas as well for our group. We plan to host more of our friend group events here. Cannot express this enough - Ten Cats is the best!!
Ashley Hayden
If you like to shoot pool, this is an ok spot. They have two large tables, 8 or 9 ft. There is usually always music playing and sports on the TVs. But if you want to play pool, you have to buy a drink. As someone who doesn't drink that often and never during the week but loves to play pool and hangout with my friends who do drink, the bartender was not very understanding and insisted I buy a drink if I wanted to play. So, if you drink, not a bad spot to play, but you have to drink.
How to reach Ten Cat Tavern
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Why Ten Cat Tavern may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at Ten Cat Tavern with your friends? Ten Cat Tavern offers an inviting, relaxed atmosphere that makes it an exceptional place to gather with friends or family. Located in a vibrant neighborhood of Chicago, this tavern combines a laid-back vibe with a welcoming, dog-friendly environment that immediately puts guests at ease. Whether you're looking to catch up over expertly crafted cocktails, enjoy refreshing beers, or simply share laughs in a casual setting, Ten Cat Tavern provides the perfect backdrop. Unlike louder, busier bars, it preserves a mellow ambiance where meaningful conversations aren’t drowned out by blaring televisions or rowdy crowds. The tavern's spacious back patio with its open-air charm adds an outdoor element that's perfect for enjoying warm weather together. It’s easy to see why this spot, rated an impressive 4.6 out of 5 by over 300 reviewers, becomes a go-to meeting point. Here, the focus remains on quality time and genuine connections, making every meetup memorable and relaxed for groups of all sizes.
What activities can you enjoy at Ten Cat Tavern that make it ideal for a group meetup? One of the standout features of Ten Cat Tavern is its blend of engaging activities tailored for social gatherings. For groups keen on some friendly competition, the tavern offers pool tables where you can challenge your friends to a few rounds. Unlike other bars where games might come with a cost, the pool tables here are free to use, making it an easy and fun way to spend a couple of hours bonding. Furthermore, the space accommodates larger groups comfortably both inside and on the back patio, allowing for a choice between the lively indoor atmosphere or a more laid-back outdoor experience. Dog owners will particularly appreciate that the tavern welcomes pets on the patio, adding an inclusive element rarely found in many bars. Beyond just drinks and games, the tavern regularly hosts events which can range from trivia nights to themed social mixers, providing a dynamic calendar to keep every visit fresh and exciting.
Why is the ambiance at Ten Cat Tavern so appealing for groups? The vibe here strikes a rare balance between upbeat and calm, making it a refreshing alternative to more hectic nightspots. Unlike bars filled with nonstop noise and distractions, Ten Cat Tavern fosters an environment where conversation matters. Friends can catch up without shouting over blaring music or televisions, which are notably absent or minimal, preserving the relaxed feel. The rustic yet modern decor subtly complements the overall aesthetic, creating a cozy but stylish setting that invites lingering over drinks and laughter. The outdoor patio, bathed in natural light during the day and warmly lit at night, is especially popular among groups wanting a more open-air experience. The friendly staff contribute significantly to the tavern’s appeal by being attentive without intrusive service, further enhancing that laid-back vibe. This calm yet lively setting ensures everyone—from close friends to families—can feel comfortable while enjoying each other's company.
How does Ten Cat Tavern cater to pet owners wanting to socialize? One unique and highly appealing attribute of this tavern is its dog-friendly policy, which sets it apart as an ideal meet-up spot for pet owners. The spacious outdoor patio welcomes dogs, allowing you to bring your furry friends along and enjoy the social occasion without leaving them behind. This creates a fun and interactive group dynamic where pets become part of the experience rather than an afterthought. Pet-friendly means more flexibility for your gatherings—you don't have to worry about finding a sitter or limiting your plans due to the absence of pet accommodations. Plus, this feature naturally draws in a community of like-minded animal lovers, making it easier to strike up conversations and meet new people. Facilities for dogs, combined with a relaxed environment and quality beverages, make Ten Cat Tavern a rare gem for those who want to socialize with friends without compromising their pet’s inclusion in the fun.
What makes the food and drink selection at Ten Cat Tavern ideal for group meetups? Ten Cat Tavern offers a well-curated menu of cocktails, beers, and wines that cater to diverse tastes, complementing its social atmosphere perfectly. Whether your group prefers craft cocktails, local brews, or classic wines, you'll find quality options to suit everyone's preferences. The bartenders are skilled in mixing up creative drinks, adding a touch of craft cocktail culture to the friendly tavern experience. For groups who enjoy tasting multiple drinks, this variety allows for sharing and exploring new favorites together. The food menu, while casual, offers comforting bar classics and sharable plates perfectly designed to enhance the social experience rather than distract from it. These appetizing dishes are made to fuel long conversations and laughter around the table without the formality of a sit-down restaurant. This balance of great drinks and accessible food increases the tavern’s appeal as a go-to gathering place that fits casual outings and special celebrations alike.
Why is Ten Cat Tavern’s location convenient for meetups? Situated on North Ashland Avenue in Chicago, Ten Cat Tavern is easily accessible for locals and visitors in the area. Its location offers both the charm of a neighborhood bar and proximity to other attractions and accommodations—making planning a group outing straightforward. Whether your crew is coming from nearby hotels or other parts of the city, the tavern’s spot makes it a natural meetup point before or after exploring the vibrant surroundings. The neighborhood itself is dynamic, with other dining and entertainment options close by, so groups can seamlessly extend their outings. Additionally, the tavern’s layout around the open patio and indoor spaces means you can comfortably accommodate groups of varying sizes without feeling cramped, a factor that matters greatly when planning social events. Whether it’s a casual weekday catch-up or a weekend celebration, the site’s accessibility and welcoming atmosphere are reassuring for anyone organizing the meetup.
How does Ten Cat Tavern support hosting special events or celebrations? For groups wanting a more organized get-together, Ten Cat Tavern offers options to host private or semi-private events that make celebrations memorable. Their team is approachable and ready to help coordinate meetups such as birthday parties, reunions, or casual business gatherings in a way that suits your group’s vibe. The combination of versatile indoor space and a sizable patio allows for flexibility in event planning, enabling hosts to tailor the experience depending on the group size and weather. The tavern also provides event-specific services including curated drink menus and group-friendly dining options which ease logistics for organizers. This support ensures that special occasions are not only fun but stress-free, allowing everyone in the group to relax and enjoy themselves. With its unique laid-back environment and attentive staff, Ten Cat Tavern transforms ordinary gatherings into memorable social experiences.
What do visitors say about the overall experience at Ten Cat Tavern? Patrons consistently praise the tavern for its welcoming and mellow atmosphere, noting how it stands out from busier, louder bars that often make socializing difficult. Reviewers remark on the quality of drinks, the free pool tables, and the spacious patio as highlights that create an ideal environment for group meetups. Many appreciate the dog-friendly policy which encourages a sense of community and inclusivity. Visitors also mention the tavern’s friendly and attentive service as a key part of their positive experience, pointing out that staff manage to be helpful without rushing or interrupting the relaxed vibe. This blend of attentive service, appealing amenities, and a comfortable ambiance has earned Ten Cat Tavern a solid 4.6-star rating based on over 300 reviews, making it a trusted choice for those looking to rally friends and family in Chicago.
Why is Ten Cat Tavern a perfect alternative to typical nightlife spots? Many typical bars and nightclubs pull people in with loud music, crowded dance floors, and sometimes chaotic environments that don’t always foster real connection. Ten Cat Tavern offers a refreshing alternative by prioritizing the quality of social interaction over high-decibel entertainment. This creates a space where groups can genuinely engage in conversation, enjoy games, and share moments without feeling pressured by the noise or the atmosphere. It satisfies those looking for something more low-key yet still fun, proving popular with both long-time Chicagoans and visitors who want a more authentic local bar experience. By focusing on community, comfort, and inclusion, the tavern differentiates itself from the sea of typical nightlife options. This thoughtful approach makes it an excellent pick for gathering friends and family to unwind and connect in meaningful ways.