Randolph Tavern

Good place for after work drinks.

Chicken Macho Nachos! This is all you need to know… mmmmm!

Some co-​workers and I grabbed a few drinks at Randolph Tavern during happy hour and we had an enjoyable time.
Décor: There’s not much I can say, really… it’s pretty much your standard bar/​tavern with a long bar along one wall (it stretches nearly the entire length of the place) and tables of varying sizes arranged in the rest of the space. The lighting is pretty low but the vibe, while we were there, was crowded but fun.
Bathroom: unknown
Staff: The bartenders were nice enough, but the wait staff seemed rather annoyed at the number of people present. Not only did I see a waiter yelling at people to move when I first arrived, but I was continually bumped into as the staff tried to navigate around our small (there were 6 of us, 3 sitting and 3 standing) group at the bar — we weren’t exactly taking up a lot of room… Now, it’s crowded so I understand and actually do not mind, however I think it is a fair point to mention.
Drinks: They have a handful of craft beers and also the old reliables (including Coors Light!). Additionally, they have some on tap and also have a full liquor selection.
Value: I actually didn’t pick up a round so I have no idea what the prices are like.
Randolph Tavern is a fine place to meet up for a drink and I’ll consider it again in the future.

Have never eaten a full meal here as I usually cruise by prior to a show. I love their tuna tartar appetizer. absolutely fantastic! Martinis could be a little bigger. though not a major complaint.

Great interior and crowd, but that’s not enough. Lots of «way too’s» going on here.
Way too loud. For a group of 20 or 30 year olds to say this, it is. Acoustics needed. Absolutely ridiculous.
Drinks are way too expensive. I live downtown and regularly go *everywhere* … The beer prices here are on par with The Bar at the Peninsula. That is saying a lot… and to pay a premium while you have shrieking groups of happy hour enthusiasts around you. At least at The Peninsula, I can hear my party speak.
Hopefully some of these issues are worked out because it’s a way too awesome location and concept to fail because of these issues.

Drinks are pricey but the selection is good. Nice atmosphere. Food is ok. Expensive as well.
Lack of other options in this area of the loop prob drives things here.

Great interior finish. Food very basic at best. I had lunch there the other day and ordered the ½ sandwich and soup. I ordered the pastrami sandwich and a fish soup. The pastrami was processed pastrami and barely edible and the soup was not much better. IF that was not enough, the fellow I was with raved about their burger and when I saw his burger I thought that it was from McDonalds at best.
Bottom line, I’m sure drinks are decent and atmosphere decent, but food is not even bar food at best. I’d say eat at your own risk and if not satisfied, don’t do what I did and keep the meal, but tell waiter or waitress and get another dish.

They were closed at least 20 minutes before closing time. We could’ve had at least a drink! Booooo — screenshot of ‘closes in 9 minutes is at least 10 minutes after we tried to walk in and doors were locked :(–

Rude bartender service!!!
The bartender here obviously has personal issues… I came in with another person and was not acknowledged and when I was I was given an attitude if I was «ready to order or not» and I was, not a second later I said «also two ice waters when you get a chance» as he was already taking care of the person next to me said «sure when I can». He goes off and chit chats with other employees and disappears. Ten minutes later, I asked another employee for the waters and he brought them right away. We mentioned the bartenders rudeness and he stated «that’s how he is, he’s rude to people».
Don’t spend your money here unless you want an expensive beer and to be treated like Xxxxx

Had two meals here as I was staying at the Allegro Hotel and it’s right across the street. Nice and convenient, and on a business trip, convenience is everything!
First was a bacon cheeseburger with blue cheese. Serviceable but certainly nothing special.
Second was the smoked brisket platter. The very nice waitress said they were «known» for their smoked meats. Maybe, but it was just meh…
The place itself is huge, the prices are ok and they have a lot of beer. You could probably do a lot worse… but you almost certainly could do a lot better.

I was really looking forward to eating here after viewing the menu online. Unfortunately, we were sat and waited 3~ minutes before we were greeted by a busboy to fill our waters. We then proceeded to wait another 7 – 10 minutes, hoping our server would swing by. No one came. It’s a big place, but really, the hostess didn’t tell the server she sat them? Or that maybe another server could’ve said, «Hey, I’ve noticed no one’s helped you…»? There was nothing. No one stopped. We left. On the way out I told the hostess what happened and she didn’t give two shits and went back to checking for gunk under her nails. Too bad, Randolph Tavern. Get some manners.

We had a decent experience at the Randolph Tavern late on a Thursday night before a showing of John Oliver. The service was the only area really lacking at all– and ours was not terrible– just not great either. We each had a different beverage from a fairly extensive list– they even carried a hard cider I had not tried before that was delicious. We split a plate of nachos, a good decision considering how large the portion was, and were on our way in no time. I will say that the server was quite speedy at the end with bringing the check and getting that taken care of quickly so we could get to our show. I would definitely come back before another theater performance in the future.

It’s painful to start this review by checking «takes reservations» because that’s how my night of disappointment started here.
When they took our reservation they asked the standard question of if we were celebrating something. We were. Our 10^th year wedding anniversary and we had tickets to the Lion King right across the street. Showtime was 7:30, so 6pm seemed reasonable since it’s a pub afterall. I asked on the phone if we should book 5:45? The gentleman confidently said no, we would be fine at six. Being across the street and one of the theater partners listed on the Cadillac Palace Theater website, I had no reason to doubt his opinion on this.
Knowing the opening scene of the Lion King is a must not miss, we drove there checking the menu on our phones… waste no time. We got there by 6:05. Were seated right away more or less. I got nervous when I hear the waiter (who of course would stop at out table next) complaining to the patons about how busy he was or something… not sure, they gave him more tables… who knows. Other than you generally don’t want to see a complaining waiter stop at your table next.
He did come to us next. Having decided what we wanted to save time, we ordered right away. It’s probably 6:10 by now… best guess.
We were enjoying each others company and having a good time when we realized it was 7:40…getting a little nervous. Waiter came to see us for the first time (after leaving initial drink order) to say he did not know where our food was. He did not leave until I requested he go find out. We know one thing for sure… we are leaving by 7:15…out the door, bill paid… not matter what. We will not be late for opening act.
At some point manager came by and said that she would not charge us if we did not have time to eat. Are you freaking kidding me? We have no food… what would you possible charge us for? I mentioned to her, as I had to the waiter that she could skip the appetizer as we did not want to receive it with the food or cause it to hold up the food. 7:05. We are actually hungry… and concerned that we are taking our six year old who had not eaten since lunch to a three hour show with no dinner.
7:08 we called it. Went to the front to pay for a beer and a chocolate milk… everyone scrambles to get a manager. We have no time for this… we just want to pay. Hostess wants to take us back to our table and so on… NO…we have to go. Finally a manager comes over and tells us goodbye.
This is a true story. Happened last night. Location, location, location is the only thing that will keep this place open.
Would love to tell you about the food… but in 75 minutes… we never got any to taste.
Oh…between 6:50−7 the manager did bring out ice cold (hot) appetizer. We did not touch it after one bite. we never complained to a soul… no one came by for us to do so… but about a minute before we left, a hot one arrived… telling me she knew that she gave us ice cold food or she would not have sent a second fresh hot one without any communication. Just bad, really bad. Really, really bad.

I can’t even give this place a rating based on the food. Only because we waited 15minutes for a server to come check on us, and it didn’t happen. This is a waste of time place if you want good service. As we left (because no one helped us), one of the two blonde ladies at the front totally ignored us as well told them the service was too slow and that we were being ignored. The other lady looked mad too.
But either way, it’s not our fault you guys have bad customer service.

Great food. The fried pickles were perfectly crunchy and flavorful. Way better than I’ve tasted anywhere else thus far.
Lobster roll was delicious and perfectly portioned for lunch.
Pretty attentive staff, though we had to ask for ketchup/​mayo, as the person who brought our food didn’t inquire.
Only four stars because On my previous visit for lunch a few months ago, I was brought the wrong dish because the waitress couldn’t hear me over the insane loudness inside the restaurant, and she didn’t come closer to me so she could hear my order. Rather, she stood at the far end of the table while I attempted to shout my order.

I’ve been to Randolph Tavern quite a few times as it is right down the street from my office. I’ve been there for happy hours, lunches, and dinner before and never really had a bad experience. I can’t really review one specific experience as I’ve had a couple so I’m going to be succinct with my review.
Likes:
1) An ever-​changing draft list
2) Plenty of different options on the menu (seafood, bbq, salads, sandwiches, etc.)
3) Cool vibe and atmosphere
4) Location
5) The fact that this place has TVs yet they don’t dominate the space
Dislikes:
1) If you sit near the kitchen you often can smell fish (other people’s reviews have mentioned this and I concur)
2) The tables towards the back are so tight together that if you’re walking between them you’re guaranteed to get elbowed or elbow someone
3) The beer list is a little short. I enjoy the fact that it changes but in a craft beer centric city like Chicago give me more than 15 choices please!
There are definitely better places in the loop to get lunch or dinner however the food here is okay and the portions are enough that you won’t starve to death. The vibe is a friendly one and if you’re looking to have drinks after work show up early. Given the lack of similar options nearby this place fills up quickly.
I have to address one thing. Someone gave this place a bad review because the L is located right above the street and is loud. Yes, the CTA is loud. What an astute observation you made. That, however, is not the restaurant’s fault. That’s like me writing a bad review for this place because it rained as I was walking there. Some people…
Overall, Randolph Tavern gets 3 stars. Could be better, could be worse.

If you have a theater show at Cadillac, swing by here for good American food!!! It’s right across the street (less than a minute walk). Try lobster roll sandwich and southern mess! Daaaaa bombbbbbb!!! They have tvs showing sport games and also serve alcohol. Good and fast service!!!

I literally just sat back down from our lunch here. I have been here 5 times and have very mixed feelings about this place.
Today, we had a party of 10. Should probably ask for a pitcher of water and extra lemons right off the bat because as time goes on, your party will fade into the background. At the beginning of the meal, I’d asked the waiter if 2 of us could be on one check. He said yes, however, the maximum number of split checks is 3 PER TABLE. Why is there a max??? I understand it is the norm for parties of 6+ to have auto gratuity. But when you put two people on one receipt, shouldn’t I have the option to pay your 20% auto grat? I don’t like to be strong armed into paying for your mediocre service. Especially when you can’t get my order right: bringing regular plain olé fries when I’d requested taters or sweet potato fries. They do bring the correct side without taking your entrée into the back, otherwise I’d fear it comes with an extra side of spit (free of charge)… but Buyer beware!
On the positive side, they do have a great pulled pork dish called the Southern Mess (very heavy meal). 1 star. I typically order the Nachos with pulled pork (in place of the pulled chicken)… but you may also opt for brisket and there is no upcharge. But should you ask for extra sour cream, pico, or guacamole, there is a $ 1 upcharge per extra item. They also accept reservations via OpenTable– 2^nd star– which is really convenient since this place does get pretty packed. Why? I have no idea, it’s certainly not because they provide top notch customer service. Probably more of a convenient location factor and can accommodate any group size.

This place is good but not amazing. I recently tried it for lunch before a show at the Goodman Theatre. It’s very convenient and it’s one of the few spots to get a good – as in not fast food – meal in that part of the loop without paying an arm and a leg. My group started with a round of cocktails and they were all pretty good. I had their version of an Old Fashioned and I really enjoyed it. They also make a good vodka martini.
My mom, who was visiting for the weekend, had the pulled pork and it was quite good. I should’ve ordered that but I got the smoked chicken. It was just okay. Not much flavor. I used a lot of their BBQ sauce which was also just okay. I would go back and give it another chance because the pork was so good. I think it’s important to note that. I also think it’s important to note that the service wasn’t that great. Our waiter kept forgetting things and didn’t seem very knowledgeable about the menu or restaurant. He just kept smiling and flexing like that would be enough to get a big tip. Also, we were seated way in the back when the whole restaurant was practically empty. Just okay and convenient.

Good lunch spot that gets pretty packed around noon. Best to get a spot at the bar vs trying to get a table if it’s just 2 – 3 in your party.
The menu has quite a few goodies but I went with the blackened shrimp po boy that comes with fries. That was a pretty good po boy as the blackened shrimp was very good and different from the normal fried shrimp po boys I normally get. I like the fact that they have BBQ sauces along with the ketchup. The root beer BBQ sauce was nice but the Carolina gold sauce was awesome… they had a hot and spicy one that was decent also.
My buddy got the tuna melt which he deemed disappointing due to the fact the cheese was not melted onto the tuna. We were told they couldn’t really melt it due to the mayo issue with the tuna. It was basically a tuna sandwich with cheese. The manager was nice enough to give him something else to make up for the short fall. He got the huge bacon burger which he said was delicious.