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Big City Tap
Master Critic Review
Big City Tap
7.7
Big City Tap is a late-night bar where the kitchen quietly turns out hot baskets of regular and sweet potato fries long after many Lakeview kitchens close. It’s more about loud music, cheap drinks, and after-midnight snacks than chef-y technique, but it fills the specific need of fries at 2–4 a.m.
Must-Try Dishes:
Sweet Potato Fries, Classic French Fries, Buffalo Wings
Scores:
Value: 8.3
Service: 7.1
Consistency: 7.3
Food Quality: 7.6
Atmosphere: 6.1
Cultural Relevance: 6.5
What makes it special: A no-frills late-night bar where baskets of fries and sweet potato fries stay available almost until sunrise.
Who should go: Night owls needing fries with cheap drinks.
When to visit: Post-midnight weekends when other kitchens are closed.
What to order: Sweet potato fries, classic fries, a round of wings.
Insider tip: Order fries as soon as you sit; the kitchen can back up during peak late hours.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Primarily street parking; metered spaces on nearby corridors and limited neighborhood parking that becomes harder to find late at night
Dress code: Very casual — barwear, hoodies, and jeans are the norm
Noise level: Loud — music and crowd energy make conversation difficult during peak late-night hours
Weekend wait: Usually no formal wait, but seats can fill after midnight when bar traffic spikes
Weekday lunch: Not applicable — venue functions primarily as an evening and late-night bar
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited — fries are the primary reliable option depending on fryer practices
Vegan options: Very limited — fries may be suitable, but preparation cross-contact is likely
Gluten-free options: No dedicated gluten-free handling; shared fryers and bar food cross-contact should be expected
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if the goal is a casual, high-energy late-night hang — the noise level and bar vibe aren’t ideal for conversation-driven dates.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — it operates as a walk-in bar with open seating; arrive before peak late-night rush for the best chance at a table.
Is it kid-friendly? No — it’s a late-night bar environment best suited for adults, especially during overnight hours.
Best For
Better for: Late-night fries and bar snacks when most kitchens are closed, with cheap drinks and a lively after-hours scene
Skip if: You want quiet conversation, chef-driven food, or strict dietary accommodations