Part of the old guard in Wicker Park/Bucktown, Northside was around when rents were cheap and gangs still lurked in the shadows. Over the course of years it has remained true to its mission, to be the best darned sports bar within walking distance of Six Points, and although its been challenged many times by upstarts and wannabes (the most recent of which is the frat-boy haven Cans right across the street) Northside still wears the crown.
Northside has never lost sight of what it is. It provides a case study of what it means to mature gracefully as a business, adding amenities and burnishing its offerings but never growing beyond its core mission. It is, after all, a place to get a burger and a beer and watch a game, maybe shoot some pool, hang out with friends. As the neighborhood has gentrified, Northside has resisted the temptation to start offering upscale appetizers and overstuffed sofas. It has shunned the swanky cocktail vibe, instead, rolling its prosperity into top flight HDTV’s, some of the best in the neighborhood, spaced strategically and canted downward to provide the best viewing angles.
It has artfully enclosed its large outdoor patio, allowing it to open seamlessly to the sidewalk during the summer months but close up tightly and become a spacious atrium in winter. In addition, there are pleasant summertime flourishes like flower boxes and climbing vines to give the patio a relaxed, comfortable air even as you dine mere steps from one of the most hectic stretch of Damen Avenue.
The food at Northside is nothing spectacular, but it doesn’t disappoint. Its good solid bar food, a couple of notches above the average. The fried calamari was better than what you would expect, and the burgers on their egg buns with wedge cut fries on the side are properly cooked and garnished in the good old American way. The ribs, however, are nothing to write home about.
The service at Northside was markedly improved over the last time we came. Although they sometimes cop an attitude, they are never understaffed and they have a firm handle on the first rule of profitability in the bar and grill business: “Get the customer’s their drinks fast and keep pouring.” They offer 10 beers on tap and 17 in bottles. In addition, they tout their fancy margaritas; another nod toward the sensibilities of their clientele.
This, after all, is Northside, a place with a solid understanding of who their customers are and how best to serve them. They are not trying to reach out and broaden their base. Rather they are trying to deepen the one they already have, which is somewhat remarkable in Wicker Park/Bucktown.
Northside Bar and Grill
1635 N. Damen
773-384-3555 / Reservations Not Accepted
Hours: Su-F 11am-2am; Sa 11am-3am
Features: Outdoor Dining, Bar Scene, Late Night Dining, Carryout, Private Party Facilities
Avg. Price of a Meal for two Including Drinks and Tax $49
Website: www.northsidechicago.com
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