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Pleasant House Pub

2119 S Halsted St, Chicago, IL 60608
$$
British

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Master Critic Reviews (7 Lists)

Pleasant House Pub 8.3
Pilsen
A British-leaning pub where the food holds up as more than an afterthought—hand pies and fried items get most of the attention, but the Pub Burger is a legit order when you want something hearty with a pint. It works best as a relaxed, sit-down meal with dependable execution and a steady neighborhood crowd.
Must-Try Dishes: Pub Burger, Steak and Ale Pie, Scotch Egg
Scores:
Value: 7.7 Service: 8.2 Consistency: 8.6 Food Quality: 8.6 Atmosphere: 8.1 Cultural Relevance: 8.2
What makes it special: A true pub kitchen where the Pub Burger is worth ordering, not settling for.
Who should go: Pub-food people who want a real meal
When to visit: Early evening for easiest seating
What to order: Pub Burger, Steak and Ale Pie, Scotch Egg
Insider tip: If you’re burger-first, pair it with curry chips for the full pub move.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Metered street parking on surrounding blocks; generally manageable early, tighter after 6pm on weekends.
Dress code: Casual to smart-casual — jeans and sneakers are common, but it still feels like a sit-down pub meal.
Noise level: Moderate — lively pub energy but conversation at the table is still easy.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes during peak hours without a reservation
Weekday lunch: Little to no wait most days
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — several vegetarian-friendly mains and sides, including pies and pub classics.
Vegan options: Limited — a small number of plant-based options depending on the menu.
Gluten-free options: Limited — some items can be adapted, but this is not a gluten-free-focused kitchen.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, if you want relaxed and unfussy. It’s comfortable, welcoming, and food-forward without feeling like a high-pressure dining room.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often yes, especially early or on weekdays, but weekends fill up quickly — arriving before peak dinner hours helps.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes — families are common earlier in the evening, and the menu has approachable options for kids.
Best For
Better for: Hearty pub food with real substance, dependable burgers, and a sit-down experience that pairs well with beer.
Skip if: You’re looking for a fast burger, a late-night scene, or something highly experimental or chef-driven.
Pleasant House Pub 8.4
Pilsen
This is a British-pub play where the fries show up as proper chips—best when you treat them like a supporting character to the pies rather than an afterthought. Go chips alongside a crowned pie and keep the order tight so the table stays hot and hearty.
Must-Try Dishes: Curry chips, Steak & ale crowned pie, Scotch egg
Scores:
Value: 8.1 Service: 8.1 Consistency: 8.4 Food Quality: 8.6 Atmosphere: 8 Cultural Relevance: 8.5
What makes it special: British-style chips that actually earn table space next to the pies.
Who should go: Pie people who want fries too
When to visit: Weekday lunch for fastest flow
What to order: Curry chips, steak & ale pie, scotch egg
Insider tip: Treat chips as the shared starter—then split one crowned pie.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on surrounding Pilsen blocks; generally manageable at lunch, tighter evenings. No valet.
Dress code: Casual to smart-casual. Jeans and sweaters are standard; no need to dress up.
Noise level: Moderate. Pub hum during peak hours but conversations are easy at lunch and early dinner.
Weekend wait: 15–30 minutes during peak hours without a reservation; shorter if arriving early.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait or very short waits.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes – multiple vegetarian pies and sides; chips are a reliable option.
Vegan options: Limited – occasional vegan pie or vegetable-forward plates; availability can vary.
Gluten-free options: Limited – chips themselves are gluten-free, but pies and shared kitchen mean cross-contact is possible.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes if you want relaxed and unfussy. It’s not romantic, but sharing chips and a pie keeps things easy and conversational.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Usually yes, especially at lunch or early dinner. Peak weekend nights may involve a short wait.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for older kids who eat pies, fries, and pub food comfortably. It’s casual and accommodating, but not designed as a kids-focused spot.
Best For
Better for: Hearty British pub food where fries/chips feel intentional and satisfying alongside savory pies.
Skip if: You want fries as the main event or a high-energy bar scene—this plays best as a food-first pub meal.
Pleasant House Pub 8.4
Pilsen
A British-leaning pub where savory pies are the headline, backed by a beer list that rewards hanging out. Go with one crowned pie plus one snacky side (curry fries or Scotch egg) so the meal stays focused and built for sharing.
Must-Try Dishes: Steak & ale pie (crowned), Scotch egg, Curry fries
Scores:
Value: 7.4 Service: 8.2 Consistency: 8.6 Food Quality: 8.6 Atmosphere: 8.5 Cultural Relevance: 8.1
What makes it special: Savory pies done with pub swagger and precision.
Who should go: Friends who want food and beers, not formality.
When to visit: Late lunch or early dinner, midweek.
What to order: Steak & ale pie, Scotch egg, curry fries.
Insider tip: Add a “crown” to the pie for full comfort payoff.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Metered street parking in the surrounding blocks; usually manageable midweek, tighter during weekend dinner hours.
Dress code: Casual to smart-casual—jeans, sweaters, and boots fit right in.
Noise level: Moderate to lively—easy to talk early, louder once the bar fills up.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes without a reservation during peak hours.
Weekday lunch: Little to no wait most days.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—at least one dedicated vegetarian pie plus sides.
Vegan options: Limited—occasionally available specials, but not a core strength.
Gluten-free options: Very limited—pies are pastry-based, sides may work but cross-contact is likely.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, if you want something relaxed and unfussy—pies and beers give you something to talk about without feeling stiff or formal.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Usually yes, especially earlier in the evening or midweek; weekends are easier if you’re flexible or willing to sit at the bar.
Is it kid-friendly? Earlier in the day, yes—comfort food and casual vibes work for older kids, but it skews adult and bar-forward at night.
Best For
Better for: Savory, filling comfort food paired with beer in a lively pub setting—stronger food focus than a typical bar.
Skip if: You want a quiet, polished dining room or need broad vegan/gluten-free options.
Pleasant House Pub 8.5
Pilsen
A British-leaning pub that runs on savory pies built for a fast, structured lunch—order one per person and you’re basically done. The room stays relaxed enough for conversation, while service is efficient and practiced even when it’s busy.
Must-Try Dishes: Steak & ale pie (crowned), Chicken balti pie, Curry chips
Scores:
Value: 7.4 Service: 8.6 Consistency: 8.7 Food Quality: 8.7 Atmosphere: 8 Cultural Relevance: 8.2
What makes it special: Pie-driven lunch that delivers full-meal satisfaction without a long decision tree.
Who should go: Teams, clients, and comfort-food lunch meetings
When to visit: Weekday late morning to beat peak lunch
What to order: Steak & ale pie, chicken balti pie, curry chips
Insider tip: Ask for your pie “crowned” to make it a true one-plate lunch.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Metered street parking along 18th Street and nearby side streets; generally manageable at lunch, tighter during dinner hours.
Dress code: Smart casual. Jeans are fine; business-casual works well for lunch meetings.
Noise level: Moderate. Lively but controlled—easy to hold a work conversation without raising your voice.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes without a reservation during peak hours.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait or under 10 minutes, even when busy.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — vegetarian pies and sides are regularly available.
Vegan options: Limited — occasional vegan-friendly options and sides, but not a full lineup.
Gluten-free options: Limited — fillings can sometimes be modified, but traditional pies use standard pastry.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for a casual, low-pressure daytime meet than a romantic first date—the pub energy is friendly and efficient, not intimate.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes, especially at lunch. Walk-ins are the norm midday; reservations help more for dinner and weekends.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for older kids—simple pies, fries, and a relaxed room—but it’s more adult-oriented than family-focused.
Best For
Better for: Fast, decisive business lunches where everyone can order quickly and eat well without stretching the meeting.
Skip if: You want a long, exploratory meal or need extensive vegan or gluten-free accommodations.
Pleasant House Pub 8.6
Bridgeport
A pie-driven pub that wins on savory, gravy-forward comfort with a menu built for decision speed. The pies are the point—order one per person and you’ve basically solved lunch—then add one sharable side for table energy. It’s casual, but the kitchen lands consistently and the room handles groups without turning chaotic.
Must-Try Dishes: Steak & ale pie, Chicken balti pie, Curry chips
Scores:
Value: 8.2 Service: 8.4 Consistency: 8.7 Food Quality: 8.7 Atmosphere: 8 Cultural Relevance: 8.3
What makes it special: Savory pies that eat like a full meal without a long wait.
Who should go: Teams and comfort-food lunch meetings
When to visit: Weekdays at open for the smoothest service
What to order: Steak & ale pie, chicken balti pie, curry chips
Insider tip: If you’re splitting sides, add curry chips—best return on one extra item.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on nearby residential blocks; generally manageable midday, tighter evenings and weekends. No valet.
Dress code: Casual to smart casual—jeans and sneakers are fine; business-casual fits right in.
Noise level: Moderate—lively room but conversation-friendly at lunch, louder during peak dinner.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes without a reservation during peak hours
Weekday lunch: Little to no wait if you arrive near opening; short waits during noon rush
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—at least one dedicated vegetarian pie plus vegetable-forward sides.
Vegan options: Limited—usually side dishes only; not a strong vegan destination.
Gluten-free options: Limited—no gluten-free pies; some sides may work, but cross-contamination is likely.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, if you want something relaxed and unfussy. It’s casual, food-forward, and easy to order, but not intimate or quiet.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often yes, especially at lunch or early dinner. Peak weekend nights can back up, so arriving early helps.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for older kids who like savory food. The menu isn’t tailored to picky eaters, but portions and service are accommodating.
Best For
Better for: Fast, filling comfort-food meals with minimal decision-making—especially strong for group lunches and pie-driven satisfaction.
Skip if: You need vegan or gluten-free mains, a quiet romantic setting, or a long, lingering dining experience.
Pleasant House Pub 8.4
Pilsen
A pie-driven British pub that’s built for a clean happy-hour decision: one savory pie, one pint, done. The room has enough space for groups without feeling like a sports bar, and the menu lands best when you treat it as comfort-food utility, not a long multi-course hang.
Must-Try Dishes: Steak & ale pie, Chicken balti pie, Curry chips
Scores:
Value: 8.4 Service: 8.1 Consistency: 8.5 Food Quality: 8.6 Atmosphere: 7.6 Cultural Relevance: 8.1
What makes it special: Savory British-style pies that eat like a full, fast meal.
Who should go: Pub people who want food with their drink
When to visit: Weekdays right after work for easy seating
What to order: Steak & ale pie, curry chips, a draft beer
Insider tip: Order one pie per person—sharing slows everything down.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only; generally manageable on surrounding blocks, but fills up after 6pm on weekdays.
Dress code: Casual pub wear—jeans, sweaters, and workday casual all fit comfortably.
Noise level: Moderate—easy to hold a conversation, even with groups in the room.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes during peak hours without arriving early
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait or under 10 minutes
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—at least one dedicated vegetarian pie is typically available.
Vegan options: Limited—occasionally available via specials, but not guaranteed daily.
Gluten-free options: Very limited—pies are not gluten-free; some sides may work, but this is not a strong fit.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, especially if you want something low-pressure—the pie-and-pint format keeps decisions easy and avoids awkward pacing.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Usually yes on weekdays and early evenings; arriving right after work improves your odds significantly.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes during daytime and early dinner hours—pies are approachable, but it’s more adult-focused later in the evening.
Best For
Better for: Quick, filling happy-hour meals where you want real food with your drink, not just bar snacks.
Skip if: You’re looking for lighter fare, extensive dietary accommodations, or a long, lingering multi-course hang.
Pleasant House Pub 8.4
Bridgeport
A Bridgeport-area pub that’s unusually family-friendly because the food is hearty, the ordering is straightforward, and the room works for groups without feeling precious. The signature move is to split one classic pie, add fish and chips, and finish with dessert so everyone leaves satisfied.
Must-Try Dishes: Steak & ale pie (crowned), Fish and chips, Sticky toffee pudding
Scores:
Value: 8.1 Service: 8.2 Consistency: 8.6 Food Quality: 8.7 Atmosphere: 7.4 Cultural Relevance: 8.3
What makes it special: British-style pies that eat like comfort food done seriously.
Who should go: Families who want hearty sit-down dinner
When to visit: Weeknight early dinner for calm pace
What to order: Steak & ale pie, fish and chips, sticky toffee pudding
Insider tip: Order the pie “crowned” for the full experience.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Free street parking on surrounding residential streets; generally manageable, with more availability a block or two away during peak dinner hours.
Dress code: Casual to smart-casual; jeans, sweaters, and casual layers fit right in.
Noise level: Moderate; lively pub energy but still easy to hold a full-table conversation.
Weekend wait: 20–40 minutes without a reservation during peak hours
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — vegetarian pie options and sides make a full meal possible.
Vegan options: Very limited — sides only on most days; not ideal for a full vegan meal.
Gluten-free options: Limited — some naturally gluten-free mains and sides, but pies are not gluten-free and cross-contact is possible.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for a casual or low-pressure first date than a romantic one—the vibe is relaxed and food-forward, not intimate or flashy.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes on most weeknights and lunches; weekends are busier, so arriving early improves your odds.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes—best for school-age kids who enjoy hearty food; the menu and pacing work well for families, though it’s not a play-focused environment.
Best For
Better for: Hearty, comforting sit-down meals that feel special without being fussy—especially for groups and families.
Skip if: You want a light meal, a vegan-focused menu, or a high-energy bar scene.