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Party Earth Review A strange planet where tiki life meets retro drinking den, The Orbit Room attracts artsy hipsters and blue-collar locals alike looking for updated American pub fare paired with specialty drinks. Mature college students... ... read full review
2959 North California Avenue
Chicago, IL 60618
773-588-8540
M–Th 4pm–2am, F 3pm–2am, Sa noon–3am, Su noon–midnight
Avondale / Irving Park, Chicago –
A strange planet where tiki life meets retro drinking den, The Orbit Room attracts artsy hipsters and blue-collar locals alike looking for updated American pub fare paired with specialty drinks.
Mature college students entering the single room lounge head to the leather-padded bar to sip one of the few craft beers on hand, as casual sports fans chill on long rows of stools watching the game on a projector screen and sharing a hand-tossed pizza.
Although there’s a little creative cocktail action – rum-infused horchata martinis are especially popular – the diverse clientele is just as likely to order a $5 Bud & Beam as a sweet muddled caipirinha or an even sweeter tropical drink.
The décor is very old-deco-meets-mid-century modern: artsy geometric lights, tufted wall coverings, and a big glowing circle in the middle of the ceiling all set a vintage tone that coexists with the persistent beat of classic rock and indie punk.
A curtained doorway leads to the massive outdoor area, where crisp white tables invite large groups of tattooed friends to devour plates of mac & cheese and share a few Hurricanes in the summer – and to share a few more in winter when the heated tent goes up.
Refreshingly clean inside and out, The Orbit Room is tropical without being kitschy, casual but still classy, and a great spot to hang out for a few tranquil turns.
Unpretentious hipsters, art students, friendly bikers, couples on dates, vintage geeks, and blue-collar Joes, 20s to mid-40s.
Music varies from retro-pop and classic rock to garage rock and indie punk. Projector screen usually tuned to local sports or movies, and Mad Men on Sunday nights.
Above-average American pub grub including homemade soups and hummus, sandwiches like pot roast sandwich and classic Philly cheese steak, burgers, salads, hand-tossed pizzas, and specialty jack mac & cheese. ATM on site.
Appetizers $5–$10, salads $8–$11, sandwiches/burgers $8–$10, pizza $9, desserts $6. Beer $3–$8, wine $8–$9/glass or $28–$35/bottle, tiki cocktails $9, specialty drinks $9.
Casual: jeans, graphic t-shirts, studded belts, leather jackets, flannel button-downs, loafers, skirts, blouses, hoodies, flip-flops, flats.
Any warm day to relax on the large patio, 90’s Night on Tuesdays, any evening a DJ is scheduled, or Friday and Saturday nights after 9pm for a busy but mostly friendly and fun crowd.
Urban Belly (3053 North California Avenue) is a modern alternative serving non-traditional ramen and Asian foods.
The Orbit Room User Reviews