When asking yourself about something to do near me in Chicago with a group of friends or family, consider
Wild Goose Bar & Grill
Why Wild Goose Bar & Grill is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
Wild Goose Bar & Grill is a fantastic place to gather with friends for great food, drinks, and a lively atmosphere in Chicago. Known for its friendly and comfortable vibe, this establishment offers a wide selection of craft beers with 24 taps that rotate frequently, ensuring patrons can enjoy the latest and best brews. The bar is equipped with 15 flat-screen TVs and two giant projection screens, making it the ideal venue to catch your favorite sports games with friends. The menu features a variety of crowd-pleasing options including delicious burgers and the famous Friday Fish Fry, which has even earned the Wild Goose recognition on Chicago's Best and Windy City Live as a top game day bar. Families are welcomed as well, with a children’s menu available and a family-friendly environment until 9 p.m. Whether you are stopping by for a casual meal, celebrating a special occasion, or enjoying a game day gathering, Wild Goose Bar & Grill offers a warm, inviting place to connect and relax.
Here's what people think of Wild Goose Bar & Grill
As of recent, Wild Goose Bar & Grill holds a 4.4-star rating based on 961 reviews.
Customer reviews of Wild Goose Bar & Grill highlight an overall positive experience with a solid 4.4-star rating from nearly a thousand reviewers. Many patrons praise the friendly and attentive service, noting welcoming bartenders and servers who offer helpful recommendations. The food is frequently mentioned for being tasty and satisfying, with special acclaim for menu items like their burgers and the beloved Friday Fish Fry. The comfortable, unpretentious atmosphere and the variety of craft beers on tap also receive high marks. On the other hand, some reviewers mention that the venue can be a bit hard to find and occasionally crowded, which may require patience. A few have noted that certain aspects of the ambiance feel somewhat eclectic or casual in a way that may not appeal to everyone, such as the open view of kitchen and dishwashing area near the bar. Despite these minor critiques, the general consensus affirms that Wild Goose Bar & Grill is a great spot for good food, drinks, and social gatherings. Its combination of a friendly environment, quality offerings, and a place to enjoy sports has earned it a strong reputation among Chicago locals and visitors alike.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Candace
It was packed! Service was a little slow but the waiter let us know he was slammed ahead of time, which I appreciated. He was lighthearted, patient, and funny. The food was so good, I got mild wings and poutine. The wings were slightly lacking in flavor but the wings were good nonetheless, the poutine was so gooey, cheesy, salty, delicious. Oh and they make the best long island I've ever had, I'll be back.
Ayushi Rai
We order chicken wings which was dry , no sauce , extremely tangy and dried. Didn’t like the taste at all . Salad was 6/10. I can definitely come back for drinks . Atmospheric is 8/10 Staff - 10/10
Samantha Guess
I’m glad to see other people had good experience with food here, but I ordered the chicken quesadilla and it was inedible. It was sitting in a pool of grease and the chicken was so mushy it wasn’t even worth trying to pick out. When I told the server it was too greasy to eat he looked at me and smiled simply saying “that’s great!”.. which was confusing. The bar itself seems fine enough but do not recommend the food at least.
Amanda Rose
Liz was amazing! Attentive and sweet, answered all our questions and made us laugh. Service was quick. Food was delicious. They have poutine! The wings are so delicious. Honestly, the service was what really did it for us. We really enjoyed the night because of the staff. Liz, best friend of Liz, and the kitchen staff who’s name we didn’t get but was very personable; thank you!
Mary
Used to be better. We ate out here a couple weeks ago and the waitress was a mess. We had to ask for things multiple times including water and our check. Just ordered take out and the inconsistency is crazy. 2 orders of tenders and one looks like a normal portion and the other has basically 2 boneless wing sized. You can get away with that if someone orders one order but the side by side comparison shows everything. This was our favorite place but we’ve been disappointed lately.
How to reach Wild Goose Bar & Grill
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Why Wild Goose Bar & Grill may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at Wild Goose Bar & Grill with your friends? If you are looking for a vibrant, welcoming spot to connect and unwind with friends or family, Wild Goose Bar & Grill offers exactly that. With a solid rating of 4.4 out of 5 based on nearly a thousand reviews, it clearly earns the appreciation of its patrons. The atmosphere strikes a perfect balance – it’s lively without feeling like a dive bar, making it comfortable for groups to hang out. Whether it’s catching up over happy hour specials, sampling diverse craft cocktails, or sharing plates of well-prepared bar food, this place provides the ideal backdrop for socializing. The sense of neighborhood camaraderie is strong here, where after a busy day, you can relax and enjoy quality drinks alongside delicious food. With daily hours running into the late night, Wild Goose adjusts to the rhythm of your gathering, from casual afternoons to spirited weekend evenings. Its mixologist-driven menu and sports coverage on multiple TVs amplify the experience, ensuring people with different interests can all find something to love at the table.
What activities and features make Wild Goose Bar & Grill perfect for group meetups? First, the food and drink offerings stand out as a centerpiece for any group event. The bar boasts chef-crafted menus featuring bar classics elevated to a higher standard—think juicy burgers available at great prices, fresh hot dishes, and tempting weekend brunch selections. Happy hour delivers exceptional value with discounted drinks and food items that draw a crowd looking to enjoy more for less. The cocktail menu impresses with classically crafted drinks made with high-quality ingredients, complemented by a well-curated selection of draught and bottled beers along with an extensive shelf of single-barrel whiskeys and small-batch spirits for connoisseurs. This diversity means everyone in your group can find something tailored to their taste, making group decisions easier and more enjoyable. Additionally, the multiple TV screens broadcasting a range of sports like NFL, MLB, NHL, NCAA, UFC, and boxing engage sports fans, creating spontaneous moments of collective excitement perfect for bonding.
How do the ambiance and layout at Wild Goose Bar & Grill support a great group experience? The venue is designed like a modern tavern nodding to a historic hunting lodge, which brings a cozy yet upscale vibe to the space. It’s not just a bar, it’s a place where the focus is on good times with friends rather than just drinking. The casual yet polished atmosphere invites groups to linger and enjoy conversation without noise overpowering the experience. There is ample seating, including bar seats for those who enjoy the energy of the main counter and tables for more private or larger group gatherings. Despite its popularity, especially before 9 pm when parking can become a challenge, the space manages to feel inviting rather than crowded. Such an environment is vital for group meetups, as it provides enough room to accommodate varying group sizes while maintaining a lively energy that helps boost spirits and facilitate engaging conversations.
What events or specials at Wild Goose Bar & Grill enhance group outings? Alongside its regular offerings, Wild Goose features weekly specials, happy hours, and seasonal events that encourage groups to visit more frequently and discover new favorites each time. Happy hour is particularly notable for its affordability and quality, offering a chance for friends to gather without breaking the bank. Weekend brunch provides a perfect excuse for day gatherings, offering hearty dishes and beverages that foster relaxed and extended meetups. Sport-related events on big game days create a communal atmosphere where friends can rally for their favorite teams together, turning simple drink nights into spirited celebrations. The Tavern also keeps patrons updated about upcoming events and specials through newsletters and social media, helping groups plan outings and stay involved in the local hospitality scene.
Why is Wild Goose Bar & Grill highly recommended as a community gathering spot? The combination of excellent food, a vast drink menu, attentive service, and an inviting ambiance makes Wild Goose a top choice for casual hangouts or more festive celebrations. Guests consistently praise its fresh and delicious food, range of beer and cocktail options, and the warm, neighborly vibe. Many reviews highlight how the bar is not just a drinking spot but a place for great conversation and memorable experiences. It supports varied group sizes and interests, welcomes families and sports fans alike, and maintains high standards of quality and service. Even with some isolated negative comments regarding occasional lineup or security experiences, the overwhelmingly positive feedback reflects the bar’s dedication to hospitality and creating a reliable go-to social hub.
In summary, Wild Goose Bar & Grill is a standout spot to host your next meetup with friends or family. Whether you're after a casual afternoon of drinks and burgers, an energetic night out watching sports, or a weekend brunch gathering, this venue delivers on all fronts. It skillfully marries traditional tavern appeal with chef and mixologist creativity, ensuring every visit feels special yet effortlessly comfortable. With its inclusive, lively, and well-rounded atmosphere, Wild Goose is tailored for groups seeking a memorable and enjoyable time together.