0 Followers
Farm Bar - Lakeview
Master Critic Reviews (6 Lists)
Farm Bar - Lakeview
8.6
Farm Bar’s menu leans hard into Midwestern comfort, and its hand-cut fries are treated like a core part of the burger and fish-and-chips playbook rather than an afterthought. The cozy wood-lined room and sidewalk patio make it an easy neighborhood choice when you want fries with actual potato flavor plus sturdier mains and local beer.
Must-Try Dishes:
Hand-Cut French Fries, Farmhouse Burger, Fish and Chips
Scores:
Value: 8.1
Service: 8.3
Consistency: 8.8
Food Quality: 8.7
Atmosphere: 6.7
Cultural Relevance: 8.4
What makes it special: Farm-to-table tavern fare where properly salted, skin-on fries anchor burger and fish plates.
Who should go: Neighborhood groups craving hearty comfort food and fries.
When to visit: Early evenings or weekend brunch for relaxed pacing.
What to order: Hand-cut fries, Farmhouse Burger, fish and chips.
Insider tip: On nice days, request the patio and pair fries with a local draft.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking in Lakeview can be limited in the evening; allow extra time and expect metered spots along Southport and nearby side streets.
Dress code: Casual to smart casual — jeans and sweaters or relaxed button-downs are common.
Noise level: Moderate — conversational at most tables, livelier during peak weekend hours.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes without a reservation during peak hours.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait, with easy same-day seating.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — several vegetarian plates and sides, including salads and fries.
Vegan options: Limited — some items can be modified, but offerings are primarily vegetarian rather than fully vegan.
Gluten-free options: Yes — select dishes and modifications are available; ask staff for guidance on substitutions.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — the cozy tavern setting and patio seating make it comfortable and low-pressure, better suited to relaxed conversation than a formal night out.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often, yes — walk-ins are common, especially early evening or weekday nights, but expect waits during prime weekend hours.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes — it works well for families with older kids and casual group meals; high-energy peak times may feel crowded for toddlers.
Best For
Better for: Hearty Midwestern comfort plates, hand-cut fries with real potato flavor, and a neighborhood-style patio experience.
Skip if: You’re seeking cutting-edge fine dining, strictly vegan options, or a very quiet, special-occasion setting.
Farm Bar - Lakeview
8.4
Farm Bar Lakeview is a neighborhood farm-to-table tavern where Wisconsin cheese curds, burgers, and brunch plates meet Midwest craft spirits. With well over 2,000 combined Google and Yelp reviews and a warm, wood-forward room, it’s a go-to for casual but of-the-moment comfort food.
Must-Try Dishes:
Wisconsin cheese curds, Farm Bar burger, Fried chicken sandwich
Scores:
Value: 7.8
Service: 6.7
Consistency: 8.7
Food Quality: 8.8
Atmosphere: 8.3
Cultural Relevance: 8.3
What makes it special: A farm-chic tavern where responsibly sourced comfort food and local spirits anchor one of Lakeview’s busiest neighborhood bars.
Who should go: Groups wanting modern comfort food with good cocktails and draft beer.
When to visit: Weekend brunch and early dinner for peak buzz without the latest-night crowds.
What to order: Cheese curds, Farm Bar burger, fried chicken sandwich.
Insider tip: If you’re eyeing brunch, reserve and request the booths along the wall for the most comfortable long sit.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Primarily street parking on neighborhood side streets and nearby metered spots; availability tight during peak dinner and weekend brunch hours. No regular valet service reported.
Dress code: Casual to smart-casual; jeans and sweaters are common, but many guests lean slightly polished for dinner and dates.
Noise level: Moderate to lively — conversation is possible at booths and wall tables, but peak weekend hours can feel buzzy.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes without a reservation during peak hours, shorter earlier in the evening.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait or short wait, depending on weather and event traffic in the area.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — several salads, veggie-forward starters, and customizable mains; staff is generally accommodating.
Vegan options: Limited — a few items can be adjusted, but fully vegan entrées are sparse.
Gluten-free options: Several dishes can be prepared gluten-free on request; cross-contamination controls are not guaranteed.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — it works well for relaxed, conversation-friendly dates with a cozy, wood-toned room and approachable cocktails. It’s better for casual-comfortable chemistry than white-tablecloth formality.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often, yes — walk-ins are seated at the bar or dining room during off-peak hours, but expect a wait on weekend evenings and brunch. Arriving early or joining the waitlist helps.
Is it kid-friendly? Generally yes for families during brunch and early dinner; the menu has approachable comfort dishes and a relaxed room. Later evenings skew more adult and bar-forward.
Best For
Better for: Cozy neighborhood comfort food with Midwest ingredients, strong fried-chicken-and-burger staples, and a lively but grounded tavern atmosphere.
Skip if: You want cutting-edge fine dining, a quiet special-occasion room, or an extensive vegan/strictly gluten-free menu.
Farm Bar - Lakeview
8.5
Farm Bar Lakeview is a neighborhood tavern built around produce and meats from the owners’ Brown Dog Farm, turning Midwestern comfort food into a seasonal, farm-driven menu. Locals lean on it for grass-fed burgers, cheese curds, and hearty plates paired with a strong cocktail list and a busy covered patio.
Must-Try Dishes:
Michigan Harvest burger, Wisconsin Cheese Curds, Lavender Honey Half Chicken
Scores:
Value: 6.8
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 8.8
Atmosphere: 8.4
Cultural Relevance: 8.3
What makes it special: A true farm-to-table tavern where Brown Dog Farm produce, grass-fed beef, and Midwestern comfort dishes share the table.
Who should go: Groups and families craving hearty farm-sourced comfort food and cocktails.
When to visit: Weekend brunch for patio energy or early evenings for relaxed tavern pacing.
What to order: Michigan Harvest burger, Wisconsin Cheese Curds, Lavender Honey Half Chicken.
Insider tip: Target earlier reservations for the covered patio; it fills quickly on nice-weather nights and prime brunch slots.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking in the surrounding Lakeview blocks; availability varies and can be tight during peak dinner and weekend hours. No valet service.
Dress code: Casual to smart casual — jeans, sweaters, and casual button-downs are common.
Noise level: Moderate — conversation is comfortable at most tables, but patio and peak dinner hours can feel lively.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes without a reservation, longer for patio seating during warm weather.
Weekday lunch: Typically little to no wait; walk-ins are usually fine.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — several salads, veggie starters, and customizable plates depending on seasonal menu rotations.
Vegan options: Limited — some dishes can be modified, but it is not a vegan-focused menu.
Gluten-free options: Several gluten-free friendly options and modifications are available; ask staff for guidance on substitutions.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — the warm tavern setting and patio make it comfortable and low-pressure, especially for casual, conversation-friendly dates.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often yes for early evenings and weekdays, but reservations are strongly recommended for weekends and patio seating.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes — it works well for families with school-age kids; high chairs and roomy tables make group dining manageable during earlier hours.
Best For
Better for: Hearty Midwestern comfort dishes made with farm-sourced ingredients, relaxed group outings, and patio meals with approachable cocktails.
Skip if: You’re looking for fine-dining farm-to-table, a very quiet dining room, or a menu with extensive vegan or gluten-free specialization.
Farm Bar - Lakeview
8.2
Vibes:
Business Lunch Power Players
Comfort Food Classics
Group Dining Gatherings
Happy Hour Hotspots
Farm Bar Lakeview is a farm-to-table tavern where Midwestern comfort dishes, cheese curds, and salads land alongside local beers in a wood-and-brick room. Daytime service on select days and a neighborhood feel make it a good fit for relationship-building lunches rather than high-stakes negotiations.
Must-Try Dishes:
Wisconsin Cheese Curds, Farmhouse Burger, Seasonal Farmer's Salad
Scores:
Value: 8.3
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 8.2
Food Quality: 8.6
Atmosphere: 6.4
Cultural Relevance: 7.9
What makes it special: Neighborhood farm-to-table tavern that balances hearty plates with a relaxed, professional-friendly atmosphere.
Who should go: Small teams wanting comfortable, local-feeling working lunches.
When to visit: Midday on days with lunch service for the calmest pacing.
What to order: Wisconsin Cheese Curds, Farmhouse Burger, seasonal salad or veggie plate.
Insider tip: Share an order of cheese curds for the table, then keep mains reasonably light if you’re heading back to the office.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Primarily neighborhood street parking and nearby metered spots; availability varies and can be tighter during peak evening hours.
Dress code: Business casual to smart casual — jeans are fine, but many guests lean slightly polished for work lunches.
Noise level: Moderate — generally conversational at lunch, with a livelier tavern feel during evenings and weekends.
Weekend wait: 20–40 minutes without a reservation during peak hours.
Weekday lunch: Typically little to no wait, especially for smaller groups.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — salads, veggie-forward plates, and a few mains can be made vegetarian on request.
Vegan options: Limited — expect a small number of modifiable items; confirm details with staff.
Gluten-free options: Yes — several items can be prepared gluten-free, but it is a shared kitchen without a dedicated prep area.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better suited to casual dates than intimate ones — the relaxed tavern vibe works if you want comfortable conversation without a formal atmosphere.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often yes, especially at weekday lunch; for larger groups or peak evening times, a reservation is recommended to avoid waits.
Is it kid-friendly? Generally kid-friendly for families with school-age children; the menu leans approachable, but it is not designed as a dedicated kids’ venue.
Best For
Better for: Relationship-building business lunches, relaxed team meetups, and Midwestern comfort dishes in a neighborhood-forward setting.
Skip if: You need a quiet, white-tablecloth setting for high-stakes meetings or are seeking a wide range of vegan or strictly gluten-free options.
Farm Bar - Lakeview
8.6
Farm Bar - Lakeview is a neighborhood farm-to-table hangout where Brown Dog Farm produce drives a menu of burgers, comfort plates, and seasonal cocktails. Locals lean on it for relaxed happy hour rounds of cider sangria, shareable snacks, and cozy booths that work as well for dates as for small groups.
Must-Try Dishes:
Farm Bar Burger, Crispy Fried Chicken Sandwich, North Road Salmon
Scores:
Value: 8.1
Service: 6.5
Consistency: 8.3
Food Quality: 8.6
Atmosphere: 7.4
Cultural Relevance: 8.1
What makes it special: Farm-driven comfort food and cocktails anchored by a serious neighborhood bar.
Who should go: Lakeview locals wanting elevated pub fare and strong drinks.
When to visit: Weekday late afternoon for relaxed, uncrowded happy hour.
What to order: Farm Bar Burger, Crispy Fried Chicken Sandwich, seasonal cocktail.
Insider tip: Ask about Brown Dog Farm features for seasonal off-menu specials.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: No dedicated lot or valet; mostly metered and residential street parking that can be competitive after 6pm — allow extra time on weekends.
Dress code: Casual to smart casual — jeans and sweaters are common; slightly dressier is fine for date night.
Noise level: Moderate — conversational at weekday happy hour; can get lively during peak dinner and weekend evenings.
Weekend wait: Typically 30–60 minutes without a reservation during peak hours.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait or short wait outside of busy game days and neighborhood events.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — several salads, veggie-forward starters, and occasional seasonal mains.
Vegan options: Limited — some sides and salads may be adaptable; ask staff for modifications.
Gluten-free options: Yes — a number of items can be prepared gluten-free on request, but no dedicated prep space.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — the cozy booths, relaxed service, and approachable menu make it a comfortable first-date setting without feeling formal or high-pressure.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often yes, especially on weekdays or earlier in the evening — expect a wait at prime weekend dinner times and consider the bar area as a backup.
Is it kid-friendly? Generally yes for families with school-age kids — casual seating, familiar comfort dishes, and an easygoing vibe; evenings can feel louder and more adult-focused later at night.
Best For
Better for: Neighborhood happy hour, farm-leaning comfort plates, and a relaxed, local-regulars atmosphere rather than a high-end cocktail scene.
Skip if: You’re seeking late-night nightlife energy, a large vegan menu, or fine-dining precision over cozy, pub-style comfort food.
Farm Bar - Lakeview
8.4
Farm Bar - Lakeview is a cozy farm-to-table tavern highlighting Midwestern ingredients, house cocktails, and hearty plates a short walk from Southport. Their menus call out gluten-free dishes and modifications, and celiac-focused guides regularly recommend it, so GF diners can lean on roasted veggies, composed salads, and mains that avoid the fryer.
Must-Try Dishes:
Roasted Savoy Cabbage (VG, GF) with apple-soy glaze and tahini, Pot Roast marked gluten-free on seasonal menus, Winter Roasted Half Chicken (GF) with seasonal sides
Scores:
Value: 8
Service: 8.3
Consistency: 8.7
Food Quality: 8.5
Atmosphere: 6.5
Cultural Relevance: 8.2
What makes it special: Neighborhood farm-to-table tavern that explicitly accommodates gluten-free and celiac guests.
Who should go: Gluten-free diners wanting comfort food, cocktails and a tavern feel.
When to visit: Weekend brunch or early dinner before the bar fills up.
What to order: Roasted Savoy cabbage, a gluten-free-marked main, seasonal salads.
Insider tip: Flag gluten-free needs early—servers can steer you to GF-safe daily specials.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Mostly street parking — metered spots along Southport and residential side streets; can be tight after 6pm and during Cubs games.
Dress code: Casual to smart-casual — jeans and sweaters are common; no need to dress up unless it’s a night out.
Noise level: Moderate — conversational at early dinner, becomes lively and buzzy during peak hours.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes without a reservation during peak (6:30–8:00pm).
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait or short wait depending on patio weather.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — salads, veggie starters, and a few mains can be ordered vegetarian.
Vegan options: Limited — some salads and veggie sides can be modified; confirm with server.
Gluten-free options: Strong support — many items are clearly marked GF and staff can advise on cross-contact risks.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes if you want a cozy, relaxed tavern vibe rather than a formal setting — it’s comfortable, warm, and conversation-friendly earlier in the evening.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often yes for early dinners and weekdays; on busy weekends, expect a wait unless you arrive before the rush or are willing to sit at the bar or patio.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes — approachable comfort food, friendly service, and a relaxed room; best for families with kids 6+ during early dinner hours.
Best For
Better for: Reliable gluten-free labeling, approachable Midwestern comfort food, and a neighborhood-tavern atmosphere that works for groups and families.
Skip if: You want an entirely gluten-free kitchen, cutting-edge tasting menus, or a very quiet, upscale date-night environment.