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The Barrelhouse Flat

The Barrelhouse Flat Chicago United States 41.92959 -87.65466
4 4

Cocktail Bar / Lounge

Review

Ratings:

Lucas

Adriana

Jonah

Emma

Party Earth Review: Helmed by a former bartender from The Violet Hour and a GM whose previous ventures include The Aviary, The Barrelhouse Flat is a temple to craft cocktails located in an area better known for rowdy packs of college kids. The first floor has a saloon feel, with weathered exposed brick and a vintage jukebox that plays this strange thing called records. Flanked by a long bar and open kitchen, the room is dotted with paneled booths and scattered tables, as well as low seating in the front that offers great views of the inevitable evening lines. Management keeps the space from ever getting too packed, so the diverse crowd of older professionals, tatted hipsters, and preppier DePaul students can all enjoy a laid-back setting. The upstairs lounge with its own bar boasts an even more refined atmosphere, with beautifully patterned wallpaper, plush armchairs, a fireplace, and a custom-built pool and card table. Upstairs or down, patrons are faced with an extensive cocktail list, with roughly seventy options organized by liquor and preparation style, as well as signature punches delivered in large crystal bowls via rickety old handcarts. Add to this a pianist plunking out improvised jazz most nights, as mellow friends snack on seasonal small plates like pig face poutine and even house-made cotton candy. With its whimsical charms and historic vibe, The Barrelhouse Flat would be right at home in more artsy neighborhoods, and no doubt attracts lots of new blood to Lincoln Park.

... read full review

Neighborhood:

Lincoln Park

Address:

2624 North Lincoln Avenue
Chicago, IL 60614
Get Directions

Train:

Brown, Purple Express Lines: Diversey, Fullerton; Red Line: Fullerton

Phone:

773-857-0421

Links:

Official Website

Hours:

M–W 6pm–2am, Th–F 6pm–4am, Sa 6pm–5am

Recommended as:

 Night Spot
See Address and Hours See Ratings and Summary

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The Barrelhouse Flat Review

Tip from Jonah:

“The cocktails at Barrelhouse Flat are the real deal and take a while to make – don’t think you can just rush in for a quick drink. It’s also probably a good idea to ask to close out your tab long before you have to dash somewhere else.”

The Scene

The Barrelhouse Flat in Chicago’s Lincoln Park is a temple to craft cocktails. Get the lowdown on this great Chicago bar/lounge at Party Earth.

Lincoln Park, Chicago – Helmed by a former bartender from The Violet Hour and a GM whose previous ventures include The Aviary, The Barrelhouse Flat is a temple to craft cocktails located in an area better known for rowdy packs of college kids.

The first floor has a saloon feel, with weathered exposed brick and a vintage jukebox that plays this strange thing called records. Flanked by a long bar and open kitchen, the room is dotted with paneled booths and scattered tables, as well as low seating in the front that offers great views of the inevitable evening lines.

Management keeps the space from ever getting too packed, so the diverse crowd of... read more →

Crowd

Cocktail snobs, mellow hipsters, preppy college kids, older professionals, romantic couples, and relaxed groups of friends, 20s to mid-30s+.

Entertainment/Music

Pianist most nights from 8pm playing improvised “barrelhouse” jazz. Jukebox plays eclectic mix of blues and ragtime, all on 45s. Pool table and card table in the upstairs lounge.

Food/Miscellaneous

Well-curated list of seasonal and constantly changing small plates, such as deviled eggs, sweetbread bites, porchetta sandwiches, pig face poutine, and cotton candy.

Upstairs available for private rental and comes equipped with satellite TV and an iPod docking station. Patrons should expect a wait most nights after 9pm. Reservations not accepted.

Prices

Small plates $9–$15, seasonal salads $7, old bay rice chips $3, daily popcorn $4, cotton candy $5. Beer $3–$10+, wine $9–$11/glass or $36–$44/bottle, cocktails $10+, punch bowls $30–$175.

Dress

Hipster and trendy casual; flowery dresses, fitted jeans, sparkly tops, collared shirts, vests, sweaters, some business wear.

Hot Nights/When to Go

Any day before 9pm for a chance to sample the intricate drink list without waiting in line, or Thursday through Saturday nights to enjoy a busy but purposely not overly crowded scene.

Close By

Intimate music venue Lincoln Hall (2424 North Lincoln Avenue) pulls in big names and indie acts, perfect for catching a creative performance before or after some creative cocktails.

Tags:

20sArtsy DressesBlousesBluesBusiness CasualCocktail LoversCocktailsCollared ShirtsCouplesDate PlaceFinger FoodGamesGroupsHipsterHipster StyleJazzJeansJukeboxLaid backLive MusicLive PianoLong LinesMid 30sPool (Billiards)PreppyPrivate RoomProfessional TypesRomanticSandwichesSmall PlatesSnack FoodSpecialty CocktailsStudentsTVsTapasTrendy Casual

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