Joe's Bar

Joe's Bar, a gargantuan former warehouse parked in a nice spot right off Rt. 64, serves as a "jack of all trades" in the Chicago bar scene. It offers an eclectic mix of events, private parties, hard core sports viewing, and live music that make it a destination bar for many of Chicago's recent college graduates. The sheer size of Joe's is mind numbing- different rooms cover large expanses and hold multiple bars. Hundreds of flat screen TV's make sports omnipresent in this gargantuan building. Multiple things are often going on at the same time most nights, but the people tend to predominately be the short skirt and button down clad crowd that are reliving their recent college days. Joe's is somewhat of a country music haven for Chicago, and most Friday nights feature live country music from nationally touring, up and coming bands and artists. The quality of entertainers is surprising- the bar has hosted major stars like Eric Church and Rascal Flatts, and continues to bring in exciting young artists like the Eli Young Band and Chase Rice. These shows are Joe's claim to fame, and tend to sell out very quickly. A recent show featuring Florida-Georgia Line reportedly sold out in less than a day. So act early if you intend to get tickets to similar shows. While country certainly has a foothold on Fridays at the bar, rock and alternative live music hold down most Saturday nights. While most nights feature local cover bands like Wedding Banned, Joe's has also drawn major acts like O.A.R and Snoop Dog. Joe's is a nice hangout on weekend nights, delivering everything that is expected of them. It's menu and drinks aren't very original but they suffice, with nice deals like 1/2 price drinks on Wednesday nights.

I am a Senior in college and when I come home for breaks I want to make sure that I can escape the parents and have a great time. As a new member of the old enough club (newly turned 21 year olds), I make an effort to find establishments that aren't overcrowded with unattractive people who are past their prime. As a young bar hopper you want to find a place you feel comfortable and this is it! The environment is filled with extravagantly placed televisions, reasonably priced drinks, and great people. When in Chicago make sure to check this place out. It is that "college" bar away from college, but fear not you still can feel that sense of Chicago nightlife!

If you attended a big university (University of Illinois, University of Iowa etc.), and you miss the college bar scene- Joe's Bar is great place to go and reminisce the college memories. There are TV's everywhere (literally) which is fantastic to for those sports fanatics on game day. The bar is huge and the crowd is friendly. You will find many recent college grads and people under 30. They also have live entrainment some nights. I have yet to attend a live band, but I hear it gets a little too crowded regardless of the gigantic size of the bar, but what concert isn't crowded? The prices are average (unfortunately not the $1.50 Bud Lights you found at college), but still fair. Overall, if you are looking for a bar where you can wear the Bears jersey or meet up with friends and get a little rowdy, Joe's Bar is the place to go.

I have never been to a bar this big. I don't even think it's fair to call it a bar. It's a CITY! There are several rooms, numerous bars, dozens of TVs the size of your living room wall, and people everywhere! It's totally insane. I think the upside to all of this is that it never feels crowded. Yes, one room might be overflowing because people are watching an important game on one of the giant TV screens or projectors. Or the big giant central room might be crammed with people hoping to enjoy a live country music concert. Or anything along those lines. But the place is so massive and filled with so many spaces that you can find a place to escape from the crowd even on the busiest of nights! It's pretty sweet. I'm not huge into the music they play at Joe's, but the TV situation is sweet. So if you are into sports, especially during those times of year when a bunch of sports/games overlap, this is the place to be. With 20+ TV screens lining the walls, you can watch multiple NFL games, baseball, and basketball all at once. It's awesome.