Carol’s Pub is nothing and everything all at one time

When I was given the Historic Bars of Chicago book, I quickly set my sights on Carol’s Pub because it was hailed as one of the few true honky tonks in Chicago.

Geographically, Carol’s is a little out of my sweet spot.  My universe in Chicago ends at the Addison stop on the Red Line and Carol’s required me to go a couple stops further to Wilson.  That’s new territory for me.  I think people probably consider Carol’s to be in Sheridan Park – but it’s pretty close to Andersonville and that might as well be Wisconsin as far as I’m concerned.

So I expected Carol’s to be a great dive with a great country music juke box.  They delivered on that, but I was delighted to see that they actually have live country music on weekends and no cover until 10pm.  The band played a variety of Country Western favorites by the likes of Wille, Waylon, George, Johnny, more Wille and Loretta.  The good stuff.

The shitters at Carol’s are disgusting.  Carol’s is a cash-only establishment, but they will gladly point you to their in-house ATM that only charges you $3.50 service fee.  They do have food, but everything is fried.  The bartenders are less than diligent.  Contrary to what you might be thinking there is plenty of seating at the bar and near the stage.

Carol’s is also one of those Chicago bars that has a 4am liquor license.  That means if you aren’t shit-faced enough at 2 or 3am and absolutely need to keep the party going, you can always grab a cab and head up North Clark to Carol’s and end the night with some warm beer and country music.

They will treat you like a King at Floyd’s

I ventured over to Bucktown last night.  Bucktown isn’t that far away, but since it’s across the freeway, it might as well be Iowa as far as I’m concerned.

On my way home, I stopped by a little corner bar called Floyd’s and I was really impressed with their service.  I asked questions about their beers and the bartender patiently walked me through their selections.  When I grumbled that they were a little too heavy on IPA’s she defended the menu with a smile.

I eventually landed on a Coors Banquet.  She complimented the choice and opened the can before serving it to me.

I only stayed for for one beer, but she diligently checked on me three times through the consumption of that beer.

If excellent customer service is your thing, I recommend a journey out to Bucktown and a stop at Floyd’s.  Tell them the guy who came in and drank a Coors Banquet while fiddling around on his iPad sent you.