Fannings Riverside Tap Room

This is one of those places, once you settle in, is hard to believe you didn’t know it existed. It does. A true throwback, Riverside Tap is frequented by locals who always seem to be happy to meet a new regular.
Tucked away from the street and near the Little Calumet River, Riverside Tap boasts one of the BEST outdoor spaces I’ve sat down to have a drink in. Grab a cheap n cold classic (Old Style or the like — nothing too fancy here) and head out the side door for an amazing beer garden filled with horseshoe pits, barbeque grills, and cozy decks. You’ll feel far from home, and the dull roar of the interstate and nearby freight trains start to seem relaxing as you settle in for a drink with friends.
Honestly, I don’t know why this place isn’t packed every weekend, but to be fair, it’s probably best that it’s not. It’s a secret you might want to keep, but can’t resist sharing. There’s nothing else like it. You can’t buy this sort of authenticity these days. The owners are great, the bartenders are friendly, the regulars full of stories and happy to share. I’d hate to call it a dive bar, because it’s just too damn fantastic. But if you’re looking for the sunniest dive in Blue Island, this is your spot.