When asking yourself about something to do near me in Chicago with a group of friends or family, consider
Toons Bar & Grill
Why Toons Bar & Grill is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
Toons Bar & Grill stands out as an inviting local hangout nestled in Chicago's Lakeview neighborhood, just steps from Wrigley Field on Southport Avenue. Renowned for its friendly, neighborhood atmosphere, the bar welcomes sports fans and casual diners alike. The space has the classic charm of a dive bar, complete with worn wooden floors, vintage pool tables, dart boards, and sports memorabilia that resonate deeply with patrons. Beyond the ambience, Toons is celebrated for its outstanding food offerings that draw frequent praise. Signature items include their perfectly fried wings known for a crispy exterior and tender meat, served with a variety of house sauces like garlic parm, Buffalo, and the popular garlic Buffalo blend that masterfully balances zest, tang, and spice. Barbecue lovers appreciate the regularly featured specials such as authentic Louisiana crawfish boils and smoked low & slow BBQ, highlighting quality and tradition. The menu also features Black Angus burgers, New Orleans-style Po'Boys, wraps, sandwiches, hand-cut fries, and housemade soups and chili, making it a versatile option for groups with diverse tastes. As a gathering spot for fans of the Chicago Cubs and Kansas City Chiefs, Toons fosters a communal environment ideal for meeting up with friends to enjoy great food, craft beers including offerings like Guinness Blonde and Abita beers, and an infectious, welcoming vibe. Whether stopping in for an evening of catching a game or enjoying a casual meal, Toons Bar & Grill perfectly blends authentic neighborhood bar charm with quality fare and warm hospitality.
Here's what people think of Toons Bar & Grill
As of recent, Toons Bar & Grill holds a 4.5-star rating based on 829 reviews.
Reviews consistently highlight Toons Bar & Grill's welcoming, friendly atmosphere and the quality of its food as major draws. Patrons appreciate that the owners treat customers like family, which creates a warm and relaxed environment perfect for catching sports games or spending time with friends. Positive comments frequently mention the exceptional wings, which are often described as crispy and flavorful with an ideal sauce selection, as well as generous portions and delicious local-style barbecue and seafood during special events like crawfish boils. Many reviewers recommend the unique barbecue sauce, the Black Angus burgers, and the varied beer selection including specialty brews. The casual vibe and quick, friendly service also receive high marks. Negative feedback occasionally references the bar's typical dive-style décor as less polished, but this is often seen as part of the authentic neighborhood charm rather than a serious drawback. Some guests noted menu choices are not groundbreaking but are executed very well and compliment the bar’s casual style. The consensus is that Toons is a dependable, great local spot for food, drinks, and socializing with a welcoming community feel. Its strong reputation among locals and visitors alike underscores its status as one of Chicago’s best-loved neighborhood bars where good times and quality food meet.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Donna Crocker
We visited here on a whim after visiting Graceland cemetery. The staff were welcoming and attentive. It was a humid day so we chose to sit inside on a high top table. The area was clean and well maintained so it was enjoyable. There were many items that sounded delicious but I chose the pulled pork sandwich and hand cut fries. Both were delicious. My only complaint was it could have used more of the flavorful bbq sauce but the meat was tender and moist. The fries were amazing. The best part was they had kolsch beer on tap. I will return to try the chicken strips basket.
Andrew (Fox Cat)
We got wings, nachos, and beer. The wings were good. Fresh and crispy. I recommend the buffalo garlic sauce. The Korean sauce was also good. The nachos were mid. It felt like they just melted cheese on top of chips in an oven. The cheese was all one solid piece. Not creamy.
Atreu G
Walked in and guy behind the bar was very abrupt. Second guy taking order was nicer and service was decent. Food was very average, we got the wings, burger with fries, chili and beer. This is a place to come for the game but not for their food.
Scott Lewis
Had a great experience sitting at the bar at Toons last evening. Stopped in for a bite and beer before going to a movie at the Musicbox. The chili might have been the best I've ever had (except for my Mom's of course). My girlfriend had the Split Pea soup and it was so good she forgot (?) to let me have a taste. And the onion rings were cooked perfectly. Two nice cold drafts to wash it all down. Bartender knew we had limited time before the show and prepared and presented the bill without being asked in order to expedite things. Impressive!
Delilah Robinson
Stopped in at Toons Bar & Grill for a casual hang. Spent about $30 on a pulled‑pork quesadilla and a Jive Turkey sandwich, both solid, smoky flavor. Hit up a couple $4 whiskey shots during happy hour. Shuffleboard and pool tables give it that neighborhood bar vibe. Only ding is it got kinda crowded and noisy, but still a great time. Will be back.
How to reach Toons Bar & Grill
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Why Toons Bar & Grill may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at Toons Bar & Grill with your friends?
Gathering your friends at Toons Bar & Grill offers an ideal atmosphere for connection, celebration, and relaxation. Situated steps from Wrigley Field on the bustling Southport corridor in Chicago, Toons serves as the quintessential neighborhood hangout with a vibrant yet comfortable vibe that instantly makes guests feel like part of a welcoming community. With a strong rating of 4.5 from over 800 reviews, the establishment has earned its reputation for combining excellent food, friendly service, and a casual, down-to-earth setting perfect for groups. Whether you're looking to catch the latest Chicago Cubs game, enjoy some craft beers, or indulge in delicious classic bar fare with a twist, Toons provides a lively backdrop that helps forge shared memories. The owners greet every visitor like family, adding a personal touch to your experience. This warm, inviting hospitality, paired with a menu boasting world-famous wings, barbeque, and New Orleans-style po’boys, makes it a dynamic place to bond over great food and drinks. For groups seeking a place to socialize, watch sports, and savor tasty meals, Toons Bar & Grill is truly a top choice.
What activities are available at Toons Bar & Grill that make it perfect for group meetups?
Toons Bar & Grill hosts a variety of activities and features that cater perfectly to groups looking for a fun and engaging gathering spot. First and foremost, it is renowned as a hub for sports fans, especially Chicago Cubs and Kansas City Chiefs supporters. With multiple TVs strategically placed throughout, groups can comfortably watch games together in an energetic environment, where fellow fans add to the communal spirit. Beyond watching sports, the bar offers classic pub entertainment staples such as an old pool table and dart board, encouraging friendly competition and interactive fun. For music lovers and those who enjoy live local entertainment, Toons occasionally hosts live bands and DJ sets, ramping up the social atmosphere. The décor, full of sports memorabilia and quirky touches like a giant fish above the bar, contributes to the casual, playful vibe that makes any meetup feel festive and relaxed. The combination of visual, auditory, and gaming elements provides groups plenty of ways to keep entertained beyond just eating and drinking.
What types of food and drink can groups enjoy at Toons Bar & Grill?
Toons Bar & Grill excels in delivering hearty, flavorful food and a well-curated selection of drinks that perfectly complement group gatherings. The cuisine includes Black Angus burgers, slow-smoked BBQ, world-famous wings, and New Orleans-style po’boys, designed to satisfy a wide variety of tastes and appetites. The wings are a particular highlight, known for their crispy skin and tender meat paired with signature sauces like garlic parm, classic Buffalo, and the popular garlic Buffalo—a perfect mix of zest, tang, and spice. The bar’s signature barbecue sauce is another crowd-pleaser, with a unique, bold kick that elevates dishes like pulled pork or chicken tenders. Toons also serves large portions, ideal for sharing and sampling among friends. On the beverage side, there’s an impressive beer selection featuring local favorites such as Abita beers and the Guinness blonde. This extensive drink menu includes craft beers, classic drafts, and cocktails, ensuring your group can find the perfect accompaniment to your meal. Such diverse options make it easy for all members of a group to find something they enjoy, enhancing the overall communal dining experience.
How does the atmosphere at Toons Bar & Grill contribute to a memorable group experience?
The atmosphere at Toons Bar & Grill balances laid-back comfort with a touch of neighborhood charm, creating an inviting space that makes every visit enjoyable and memorable. Upon entering, you’re greeted by the traditional dive bar aesthetic: faded wooden floors, classic stools, and a no-frills layout that suggests authenticity and friendlier prices. However, what truly elevates the space is the warmth from the staff and the owners who treat guests like extended family, fostering a sense of belonging that’s rare in many bars today. The walls are adorned with sports memorabilia and quirky decorations, building a nostalgic, community-focused ambiance that resonates especially with sports enthusiasts but welcomes all types of visitors. Whether your group is catching a high-stakes game or just unwinding after a day out, Toons provides a relaxed environment with an energetic buzz—where conversations flow easily, laughter is abundant, and the spirit of camaraderie is palpable. This unique combination of authenticity, warmth, and spirited fun makes Toons Bar & Grill an ideal venue for forging lasting group memories.
What makes Toons Bar & Grill stand out as a neighborhood bar in Chicago?
Several factors combine to distinguish Toons Bar & Grill among the many bars in Chicago, making it a beloved local institution. Its prime location near Wrigley Field taps into the city’s deep sports culture, bringing in Cubs fans as well as followers of other teams, such as the Kansas City Chiefs, who create an electric game-day atmosphere. Unlike many impersonal or corporate chains, Toons maintains a strong community-focused identity, where the owners and staff know patrons by name and strive to create a family-like environment. The food quality consistently receives high praise for both taste and portion size, especially their renowned wings and BBQ, which create memorable dining experiences that keep guests returning. Occasional special events like Louisiana crawfish boils and barbecue events add unique appeal and a sense of celebration that few other bars regularly offer. This blend of great food, excellent hospitality, a genuine neighborhood feel, and connection to Chicago’s sports culture makes Toons Bar & Grill a standout destination for both locals and visitors seeking a classic, dependable, and fun bar experience.
Why is Toons Bar & Grill ideal for celebrations and casual get-togethers?
Whether you’re organizing a birthday party, a casual friends’ night out, or a post-game celebration, Toons Bar & Grill is an outstanding choice that naturally supports the spirit of celebration. The bar offers a lively yet unpretentious environment where groups of all sizes can feel comfortable and relaxed without the pressure of formal dining. The menu’s generous portions and shareable nature make it easy to order a variety of dishes to please everyone at the table, encouraging a communal style of eating that fosters connection. The extensive drink menu with local and national beer options adds to the festive mood by catering to diverse preferences, from those who enjoy craft brews to fans of classic beers and well-made cocktails. On game days or special event nights, the palpable energy heightens the party atmosphere, creating moments of shared excitement and cheer. Friendly service and a hospitable vibe further enhance the experience, ensuring that every group feels valued and well taken care of, which is crucial for any successful celebration.
How accessible and convenient is Toons Bar & Grill for groups?
Toons Bar & Grill is strategically located at 3857 N Southport Ave, close to the lively Wrigleyville neighborhood, making it easily accessible for both locals and visitors. Its proximity to Wrigley Field means that it naturally serves as a prime gathering spot before or after Cubs games, simplifying meetups for large groups wanting to capitalize on event days. The bar is open daily from 11 am, providing flexibility in scheduling meetups at various times of the day, whether for lunch, happy hour, or late-night outings. Ample seating and a spacious layout can accommodate groups comfortably, and the staff are accustomed to hosting multiple parties at once with attentive service. Public transportation options and parking facilities in the area further ease arrival and departure logistics. This accessibility, combined with attentive hospitality, ensures that groups experience minimal barriers to enjoying their time together, reinforcing Toons as a convenient and reliable venue for casual and special occasions alike.
What kind of customer service experience does Toons Bar & Grill provide?
Customer service at Toons Bar & Grill is widely praised for its warmth, friendliness, and attentiveness, setting it apart from many other establishments. Visitors consistently highlight the owners’ genuine welcoming attitude, which creates a family-like environment where everyone feels appreciated and comfortable. The staff phones in attentiveness without being intrusive, efficiently managing orders and making knowledgeable recommendations that enhance the overall dining and drinking experience. Regular patrons note that service feels personalized rather than rushed, contributing to the relaxed, homey vibe that makes Toons feel more like a community gathering spot than a typical bar. This customer-first approach ensures that even large groups receive care and attention, which is crucial for creating a hassle-free and enjoyable outing. The combination of friendly greetings, prompt service, and a welcoming attitude reinforces Toons’s reputation as a place where guests often return not just for the food and drinks, but for the sense of belonging and valued connection.
How does Toons Bar & Grill compare to other bars in Chicago’s Lakeview neighborhood?
Compared to other bars in Chicago’s Lakeview neighborhood, Toons Bar & Grill offers a unique blend of dive bar authenticity, superb food quality, and strong sports-centered community spirit. While many bars may focus heavily on either a high-end culinary menu or purely a drinking atmosphere, Toons strikes a balanced harmony between the two. Its straightforward yet well-executed menu featuring BBQ, wings, and sandwiches stands out for both flavor and portion size, often bettering pricier competitors with its value. The bar’s commitment to creating a friendly neighborhood feel sets it apart from trendier or more crowded venues where personal connections can be harder to form. Additionally, the extensive sports memorabilia and constant screening of major league games create a quintessentially Chicago sports bar vibe that appeals widely to both locals and visitors alike. This combination of qualities makes Toons one of the most dependable and enjoyable spots for casual dining and group meetups within the Lakeview area.
What are some special events or unique experiences offered at Toons Bar & Grill?
Toons Bar & Grill infuses its regular dining experience with special events that add unique cultural and social value to meetups. One of the standout offerings is the occasional Louisiana-style crawfish boil, an event that brings a distinctly regional taste and celebratory atmosphere to Chicago. These seafood feasts, featuring crawfish imported from Louisiana, create communal dining experiences full of lively chatter and shared enjoyment, perfect for larger groups seeking an event beyond the usual bar visit. Additionally, Toons sometimes hosts barbecue specials and other themed food nights that highlight their expertise in slow-smoked meats and bold flavors. Live music performances and local DJs occasionally animate the space, turning casual dinners into energetic nights out. These events allow groups to enjoy both the familiar comforts of their favorite bar and the excitement of something special, strengthening their bond through shared experiences and flavor discoveries.
How does Toons Bar & Grill cater to both newcomers and regular patrons?
Toons Bar & Grill carefully balances a welcoming approach to newcomers with a strong relationship dynamic for its regular patrons. New guests are met with warm hospitality that immediately sets a tone of inclusion and friendliness, making it easy for first-timers to feel at home. The menu is approachable and varied enough to accommodate different tastes and dietary preferences, while the sports-centric environment offers a common ground for bonding regardless of prior familiarity with the bar or each other. For returning customers, the attentive service, recognition by staff, and participation in special events like game-day celebrations and crawfish boils foster loyalty and community feeling. Regulars benefit from this consistent quality and the personalized touch of the owners, who treat the space as a neighborhood gathering place rather than just a business. This balance ensures that all visitors, no matter their frequency of visits, have meaningful and enjoyable experiences, reinforcing Toons Bar & Grill’s role as a cherished social hub.