The Barrel

I LOVE THIS BAR!!!!! James is the BEST!! Been living in Pilsen over a year now.At first I didnt know exactly what to make of this place.Now they are my GO TO BAR in the neighborhood.HANDS DOWN 5 STARS.Might take a minute.lol

My partner and I came here for drinks after our dinner at Maribel. The bartender is friendly and checked on us several times throughout the evening which I appreciate. They serve pretty much anything you can imagine from mixed drinks to seltzers to beers. My partner ordered two handshakes (Malort shot + Old Style). I ended up trying one of their mixed drinks called Spring Fling which has vodka and other ingredients in it. I appreciate my drink being on the stronger side, where you can taste and feel the alcohol in it, but there's still a bit of flavor and fruitiness to it. There's ample seating at the bar and in the back. It's a fun time, they had the Soxs and the Cubs games on on their TVs. It can be a bit loud where you can hear each other's conversations. It was pretty busy on a Tuesday evening. They also take card and cash here which is convenient. I'd recommend this place to anyone in the area looking for a good time and affordable drinks.

I missed the Pace bus so I went in for a drink. Orders bourbon, 1792 on the rocks, bartender stated he could not serve me the bar was empty, he stated I had to wear a mask while I drank my drink. Well I left. How does one have a mask on and drink out of a glass. No wonder the don't have anyone in the bar. Recommend everyone go elsewhere.

I was wary af about this joint after reading they allegedly made a stink about people playing Spanish music in here. But in my experience, the staff has been exceptional. George, the owner, is a life long south side guy (albeit Cubs fan) who seems to have an appreciation for the neighborhood & community, so I'm not going to trip. This bar is right up my alley in that it's the antithesis of fancy, but has good beer. They make it a point to only offer local craft brews. Even for someone like me who consumes a lot of it, there's always something on draft that I've never had. Things to note: 1. they don't offer food. But drinking a lot then going to get tacos is the Pilsen way. (Bringing your own food isn't frowned upon either) 2. used to be ca$h only, but now take credit/debit. Hallefuckinlujah. 3. they have a craft cocktail menu. I'm not about that life, but the lady approves. Also, full liquor bar of course. 4. They tend to have live music/DJ's, and have a jukebox 5. They have TV's.Skylark is still my #1 but next to that, The Barrel is my favorite Pilsen watering hole.

Good enough bar. Chill, nice cocktails and good drafts. A nice hang out spot. I've been meaning to get in there for a while.

The Barrel just keeps getting better. They have a great cocktail list for under 10 bucks. Authentic COCKTAILS. No skimping on the ingredients. I had an original Mai Tai that just blew me away!!

If you like a warm bar stools and maybe you are the original person warming it...this is the place for you. Considerate, knowledgeable, and a bunch of enigmas. Best place in the Pilsen neighborhood. 10/10 PS: portland Oregon

A while ago there was a DJ group who would be in the Barrel busting beats and then they went MIA.I found them not too long ago and turns out that they were fired/ kicked out from their weekly set due to having played "Latino music" They were told that the people who go to the Barrel do not want to listen to that and that they needed to stop.Aside from that little racist incident. I had gone a few months back and had a seat in the back of the bar. 1. it was cold AF back there. 2. They moved us to put in a horrible jazz band. 3. the jazz band was real bad. 4. The band was extremely loud. 5. It takes too long to get the ONE bartenders attention to order a drink.Not good experiences the few times I have gone. I believe that there's great bars you can go to with drink specials and signature drinks when in Pilsen. Do not waste time and money at this dirty, racist, inconvenient spot.

Stopped in here Saturday night with a group of 4 to check it out because I may be moving into the neighborhood. What a great fun place! Good mixed drinks (but upgrade from well) and draft beer selection. The preztel sticks and suckers at the bar is a fun touch. If I do move to the neighborhood this will be my go to bar.

Good vibes. Went around 11p-12a Saturday night. Wasn't too crowded for a place that's kinda small . Drinks were good and affordable. Low key spot I plan to go back to