The Long Room Bar

Lakeview, Chicago –

Friday and Saturday night visitors attempting to slide past fellow patrons might momentarily curse this laid-back Lakeview haunt, because the Long Room is indeed quite long.

The bar alone stretches some sixty feet – about half the entire venue – and there’s barely any room between the barstools and the tiny tables that flank the opposite wall. Choreographed shuffling becomes the norm as casually-dressed young professionals and breezy hipsters navigate the congestion with craft beers in hand, though successfully making it to the coveted open booths in back without spilling might as well be an Olympic sport.

The vintage photo booth gets solid use regardless of the night, with giggling girlfriends hamming it up and couples getting frisky, while cultured regulars in need of a little more breathing room escape through the rear door to the patio.

A number of selections from small Midwest breweries grace the drinks list, so Michigan, Wisconsin, and Indiana natives in need of a hometown favorite will fare especially well, while daily specials make it possible for even cash-strapped patrons to sample new drinks from all over the country.

Considering the lack of standard bar trappings like arcade games and TVs, it’s clear that the focus is on drinking and conversation, evident in the physically sedate but vocally loud masses cozying up in every corner.

Intimate and artsy, The Long Room is where beer snobs can get their fix, the less demanding can snag some PBRs, and everybody can banter without breaking the bank.