0 Followers
Kirkwood Bar & Grill
Master Critic Review
Kirkwood Bar & Grill
8.0
Kirkwood is a sports bar where big screens and a beer garden meet better-than-average bar food, including house-seasoned fries and loaded tot-chos that show up on most tables. Itβs the move when you want game-day fries with wings, wraps, and fish tacos in a lively Lakeview setting.
Must-Try Dishes:
House Seasoned Fries, Loaded Tot-chos, Boneless Wings
Scores:
Value: 7.7
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 7.9
Food Quality: 8.1
Atmosphere: 8.4
Cultural Relevance: 6.2
What makes it special: A neighborhood sports bar where crisp fries and loaded tots are as important as the games on TV.
Who should go: Game-watch groups wanting fries, beer, and patio seating.
When to visit: Weekend game days or warm evenings on the patio.
What to order: House fries, loaded tot-chos, a basket of boneless wings.
Insider tip: Claim a beer garden table early on big game days; fry baskets move fast.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Primarily street parking with a mix of metered and residential-permit blocks; availability tight during major games and weekend evenings
Dress code: Casual and game-day friendly β jerseys, jeans, and layers for patio seating are common
Noise level: Loud during big games; conversational at off-peak hours or earlier in the evening
Weekend wait: 30β60 minutes during popular games or peak patio weather
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait; seating is usually open outside of major sports events
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes β fries, tots, salads, and a few bar snacks can be ordered meat-free
Vegan options: Limited β fries and a small number of sides may work, but options are not the focus
Gluten-free options: Some items can be modified (salads, select proteins), but shared fryers and bar-kitchen cross-contact are likely
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for a casual, sports-centric hang than a quiet first date β expect TVs, crowd energy, and patio chatter rather than intimacy.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes β seating is first-come most of the time, but arrive early for big games or warm-weather patio days to avoid long waits.
Is it kid-friendly? Generally fine earlier in the day or early evening; best for older kids and families comfortable with bar-style seating and game-day noise.
Best For
Better for: Game-watch gatherings, large-format patio hangs, and shareable fry and tot plates that travel well across the table
Skip if: You want quiet conversation, chef-driven food, or extensive vegan/gluten-free choices β a dedicated restaurant or gastropub may be a better fit