Loop Tavern

Couldn’t have asked for more from a old school liquor store. This was a lifesaver when I forgot to bring my own sake for dinner at a nearby sushi place. They have a great selection, and friendly service. However, this place is cash only, so come prepared. There is an actual bar area inside, so there are people drinking inside having a good time. I will definitely come again the next time I forget to bring my own drink.

This area has very few options for liquor stores, which brought us here. On first glance prices are extremely reasonable– cool hole in the wall bar. On further inspection there’s something a little sketchy going on. We purchased 4 bottles: two bottles of André ($ 5.99– SEE, REASONABLE! Deal), Bullet ($ 18.99) and grapefruit juice ($.95) — and were charged $ 51.85. When we contested the tally the manager explained it was Chicago taxes and they are very high. He said, «We good?» As I started to walk away. Moments later, I really thought it through and realized he was wrong. $ 20 tax?!? I don’t think so. Even at 20% that would still be only $ 10 (yeah, I know math). We came back and disputed and he scrambled to explain but finally popped open the cash drawer and just handed me a 20. I earnestly feel it was intentional — he tries to upcharge and just waits for someone to notice.
TL;DR buyer beware. They’ll try to scam you if they think they can get away with it.

I should start off saying that it doesn’t take much to be great. Much is just so…
Chicago and Ashland. Enter Loop Tavern. It’s a little liquor store. It’s got cigarettes, chips on deck, a lotto machine, and a cooler of beer.
But wait… It’s so much more than a liquor store. It’s a barstore. Yes.
Just past the Lotto machine lies a bar that stretches a good hundred feet (I have no idea if that’s accurate) to the back.
Enter bar.
Bar to the right, ample dance space to the left, jukebox in the left corner, and a clean bathroom just beyond next to a payphone.
A bookshelf of bottles adorn the wall behind the bar. A nice woman named Wanda might be at your service if you’re into day drinking. I really enjoyed chatting with her.
It seems like they’ve got lots of great beer options. I was immediately drawn to Lagunitas’ Lil’ Sumpin’ Sumpin’ on tap. $ 4 pints. Say whuuuud, pint me bruh! Jukebox me bruh! $ 2 shots are also available.
Yes, there are ‘regulars’ (alcoholics) here. And if you’re scared, get yo life. They’re cool. I felt totally safe.
So come here and get a drink or three, jam a little on the jukebox, and pick up a six pack, a scratch-​off, and a snack on the way out.

Great old school liquor store/​tavern with friendly owners. I’ve been buying booze from here for 10 years now and will continue to be a customer. Thanks Loop!

Great slashie (bar slash liquor store) with craft beer!
You’ll pay a dollar or so more than Jewel for a 6 pack of good beer, but if you’re in the area, it’s worth the extra buck.
It’s cash only, so be prepared. I’ve never had a beer at the bar, just bottles to go, so I can’t vouch for that part of the business, but it appears to be the type of place where everybody knows your name.

I have a love hate relationship with this place. I love they’re down the street from and don’t judge when I roll in on a Saturday night in my yoga pants, sweatshirt and flip-​flops (aka, my walking pajamas). I can get a six-​pack of PBR tall boys for $ 5.75 and I think it’s sweet that they always card me :)
BUT…there are some sketch characters that hang around inside and outside of the establishment… some are amusing, like the guy bemoaning that Loop Tavern doesn’t sell condoms…“how can you sell booze and not rubbers?!?” ((he does have a point)). Others are just gross and creepy however, the convenience factor often outweighs the creepiness so I keep coming back.

Yes-​booze is for sale. I always enjoy booze for sale. It’s cash only but the ATM has plenty to share. Good selection of beer and they even have chilled wine.
The bar, though… the bar. Went here after a Sox game once and ended up having an absolutely hilarious and awesome time. At some point I was dancing to Elton John with this tiny non-​English speaking hispanic dude and no, this is not a bar where people usually dance. It was just the two of us. Too much drinking was most definitely involved. The bartender was super nice and more or less BEGGED us to come back again. We closed it down and went away surprisingly pleased.
By my estimates, alcoholism runs rampant in this bar, but everyone is really nice and good for a chat. Lots of good stories to be heard here from the regulars. Oh, and it’s cheap!
Bring your lady-​friend here on a hot date? I think not. Grab a beer to close the night out? You must!

It’s the closest liquor store to my place and always seems to be a couple dollars cheaper than Rotschild just east of Loop. Plus there are never as many bums hanging around Loop as Rotschild.
Friendly owner and the carry-​out beer selection is pretty good, considering how compact the store is. It’s cash only but there is an ATM available in the store. There is a bar in the back half of the store and it always has some kind of sports on when I drop in.
Definitely my go-​to place for a six pack. Keep that Goose Island cold for me!

Oh man, I really love this place. If you live near-​by, make it your regular stop for beer (yes, they have GOOD beer also), wine, cigarettes, lottery tickets, or cheetos. After a few months you will get to know the owner and his son… and maybe you’ll even watch a game at the bar. Then you will know what I’m talking about.

This is the hang out for real alcoholics that have spent their last dime on booze and have no money for anything but more liquor…
Shady crowd but cheap beer to go… I wouldn’t drink from a glass in this place and feel all that safe.

Whether you’re looking for a decent 6-​pack to take to a party or a place to sit down and drink, The Loop Tavern is worth a visit. The regulars at the bar are mostly middle-​aged men with a few good quips ready for outsiders. Cash only, ATM charges $ 1.50. There’s a Chase ATM inside the Walgreen’s a block down.

haha! first one to review this place!
it’s a liquor store… no, it’s a bar… IT’S BOTH!
yes my friends, this liquor store has a tap room. these places are a dying breed in chicago. so be a big kid and check one out! you meet the most interesting people when you go to places like this.