Sky-Ride Tap

I'm a World's Fair junkie so this was a super treat. It opened in 1933 alongside the 1933 Chicago's World's Fair and is named after the signature structure, the Sky Ride. It's old. Lots of dark wood. Art Deco bar and back of bar. This dive bar is timed to the Day Traders and lawyers who work in the area so it's hours are odd for a bar. They close around 8pm and aren't open on the weekends. The bartender was nice, a little in your face, but I can respect that. The bathroom is dingy, which I would expect. And it seemed like the popular drink combo was 2 shots of Fireball and an MGD. This bar is definitely one where everyone knows everyone else but that didn't stop people from being friendly. The news is on full blast and it's a Jeopardy bar (which comes on at 3:30 in Chicago), so no music. There is a Touchtunes machine but it was unplugged.There were no taps, despite there being taps and they seemed to be out of several types of bottles of beer. As for cocktails, yeah, there was the usual array of liquor but I'm not sure I'd go for a cocktail there.I guess prices are cheap for Chicago but it was still over $9 for a Bud Light and a Rolling Rock. Oh, and it's cash only. And there's no ATM at the bar. You have to go to the convenience store next door or the Chase across the street.

The list of what they didn't have far outnumbered what they did. We went here to just grab a drink while we worked and everything we asked for they didn't have - no wifi - no card - no tab beers- no glasses for water - no food It was wild that they get enough people getting their drinks to have over a four star rating. I can only imagine it is the locals that have a place that isn't too crowded. I will say that the bartender was very nice and seemed embraced by the lack of amenities.

For those looking for a hidden gem in the Loop, check this place out.Sky-Ride Tap is a no-nonsense dive bar located under the L line in the Loop. The atmosphere is very warm and inviting. Bartenders are delightful and friendly. Patrons are regulars and it shows. Lots of Blackhawks paraphernalia all around. Perfect place to watch local teams play. And the best part? The drinks are damn cheap. They don't pour lightly either.Only downside? Cash only. They do have an ATM in the back but be prepared for those wanting to avoid those pesky ATM fees.

Great spot to land in downtown if you jusT want a beer and the chance to over hear some great loop gossip. The correctional facility is across the street; maybe you'll hear some news "from the yard." Great local color and legendary bartenders. Duck in out of the weather. This is old time Loop life.

Hidden gem! Perfect chill spot to come after work. They have tvs so you can watch sporting events while enjoying a beer or cocktail. Nice bartender, good drinks, laid back atmosphere. **Cash only**

A dive worth visiting. Located underneath the L tracks, across the federal prison, around the corner from America's last flop house, this cash only bar reeks of stale cigarettes and has earned every right to. Truly a masterclass of how dive bars should be run.

Love this place. Super dive bar. And the staff is super friendly great place to go after work.

Y'know what, Yelp? I've worked in the Loop since 2012 and NO ONE ever bothered to mention this gem to me. After years of extensive "research", I consider myself the KWEEEN of Dive Bars (not much of a title, but I wear that hat proudly). It wasn't until last week a friend invited me to a happy hour at this delightful place.It has everything you'd expect from an exceptional dive; wood paneling, banquet tables, solo cups, cheap drinks and a sassy Polish bartender. Someone described it as American Legion meets Grandma's basement. Accurate. Like all good hole-in-the-walls, they don't do credit cards or food, but they do have the strongest $5 well vodkas of your life. So, bring yourself, your degenerate co-workers and a couple $20s to the Loop's best kept secret.

What a gem! It's refreshing knowing that a bar like this exists in the loop. It is an utterly non-pretentious, no frills, establishment where you could grab a drink after work.

Had to go back! Love the ambiance! The owner is great. Skyride tap 50th anniversary is coming this Thursday Aug 4. Best dive bar and servers!