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Simone's Bar

960 W 18th St, Chicago, IL 60608
$$

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Master Critic Reviews (5 Lists)

Simone's Bar 7.7
Pilsen
A Pilsen bar that works as a hangout first and a burger stop second, but that’s exactly the appeal—order something solid, post up, and let the room do the rest. Best when you treat it like a burger-and-beer night with a little edge and late-evening energy.
Must-Try Dishes: House Burger, Chicken Sandwich, Fries
Scores:
Value: 7.6 Service: 7.5 Consistency: 7.4 Food Quality: 7.8 Atmosphere: 8.3 Cultural Relevance: 7.9
What makes it special: A Pilsen bar where a burger order fits the night perfectly.
Who should go: Friends who want burgers with drinks
When to visit: Later evening for full bar energy
What to order: House Burger, fries, a beer or cocktail
Insider tip: Treat it as a bar meal—order early, then ride the vibe.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only; can be tight later at night and on weekends. Budget extra time or use rideshare if arriving after 8pm.
Dress code: Casual bar attire—jeans, sneakers, and relaxed night-out fits all feel appropriate.
Noise level: Loud later in the evening—conversation is possible early, but expect raised voices once the bar fills.
Weekend wait: 15–30 minutes for a table during peak evening hours; bar seating turns over faster.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait or very short wait.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited—there is usually at least one non-meat option, but burgers are the focus.
Vegan options: Very limited—best for drinks; food options may require modification.
Gluten-free options: Limited—some items may be adaptable, but no dedicated gluten-free program.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, if you want a casual, low-pressure bar vibe rather than an intimate dinner—better for drinks and shared food than long conversations.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Usually yes—walk-ins are standard here, especially if you’re flexible with timing or willing to start at the bar.
Is it kid-friendly? Not really—this is a bar-first space best suited for adults, especially in the evening.
Best For
Better for: Late-night burgers with drinks, group hangouts, and casual bar energy where food supports the night rather than leads it.
Skip if: You want a quiet meal, a food-driven burger destination, or strong vegetarian/vegan accommodations.
Simone's Bar 7.8
Pilsen
A long-running Pilsen bar where wings make sense as game-day fuel: saucy, salty, and best paired with a pint and a booth. Come for the atmosphere and late hours, then keep the food order classic—wings and one side—so it lands consistently.
Must-Try Dishes: Buffalo wings, Fries, Pizza
Scores:
Value: 7.6 Service: 7.4 Consistency: 7.3 Food Quality: 7.2 Atmosphere: 9 Cultural Relevance: 8.4
What makes it special: A Pilsen staple where wings fit the bar-night rhythm.
Who should go: Friends doing drinks with food
When to visit: Later evenings for full energy
What to order: Buffalo wings, fries, a beer or cocktail
Insider tip: Order food early, then settle in—this is a hangout bar.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Metered and unmetered street parking nearby; can be tight during weekend evenings and events. Allow extra time or plan to walk a few blocks.
Dress code: Casual bar attire—jeans, sneakers, and casual tops all fit right in.
Noise level: Loud during peak hours—music, TVs, and crowd energy make extended conversation harder late at night.
Weekend wait: 15–30 min during busy nights, longer if a game or event is on
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait, but hours and kitchen availability can be limited earlier in the day
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited—fries and a few bar sides, but not a vegetarian-focused menu
Vegan options: Very limited—mostly snack-style sides if available
Gluten-free options: Limited—no dedicated gluten-free menu and shared fryers likely
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for casual, low-pressure hangouts than intimate first dates—the vibe is lively and loud, which works if you want drinks and energy over conversation.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—this is a walk-in bar. Arrive earlier in the evening for easier seating, especially if you want a booth.
Is it kid-friendly? Not really—this is primarily a late-night bar environment and best suited for adults.
Best For
Better for: Late-night drinks with wings, group hangs, and game-day energy where atmosphere matters as much as the food.
Skip if: You want quiet dining, dietary-specific options, or wings as the sole focus rather than a bar-first experience.
Simone's Bar 7.9
Pilsen
A long-running Pilsen bar where fries show up as dependable late-night fuel—especially the sweet potato version when you want something crisp but not heavy. Come for drinks and hang time, then keep the food order simple so it stays consistent.
Must-Try Dishes: Sweet potato fries, Burger, Bar pizza
Scores:
Value: 7.9 Service: 7.6 Consistency: 8.1 Food Quality: 7.8 Atmosphere: 8.4 Cultural Relevance: 8.2
What makes it special: Sweet potato fries that match the bar-night rhythm.
Who should go: Friends doing drinks with food
When to visit: Later evenings for full vibe
What to order: Sweet potato fries, burger, bar pizza
Insider tip: Order fries early—kitchens slow down when the bar fills up.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only; availability drops sharply after 7pm, especially on weekends.
Dress code: Casual bar attire—jeans and sneakers are standard; no need to dress up.
Noise level: Loud later at night—easy conversation early, shouting over music after peak hours.
Weekend wait: 15–30 minutes for a table; bar seating turns faster.
Weekday lunch: Not applicable—primarily an evening and late-night spot.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—fries and a few bar-friendly vegetarian items.
Vegan options: Limited—sweet potato fries are the safest option; confirm preparation details.
Gluten-free options: Limited—no dedicated gluten-free setup; cross-contact likely.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for a casual, low-pressure hang than a focused date—great energy, less intimacy once it gets loud.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—reservations aren’t typical here; arrive earlier in the evening or grab bar seating if it’s busy.
Is it kid-friendly? Early evenings only; later hours skew adult and bar-centric with no kid-specific amenities.
Best For
Better for: Late-night fries with drinks, especially sweet potato fries that feel lighter than standard bar food.
Skip if: You want a quiet meal, refined fry execution, or a food-first experience—this is a bar before it’s a fries destination.
Simone's Bar 7.6
Pilsen
A funky, patio-friendly Pilsen bar that earns happy hour points by offering a full hang—drinks, music, and legit bar food that can become dinner if you lean in. It’s strongest when you order one house cocktail plus one comfort-food plate (fries or a burger lane) and settle in for the room’s event-driven energy.
Must-Try Dishes: Burger, Sweet potato fries, Empanadas
Scores:
Value: 7.6 Service: 7.3 Consistency: 7.5 Food Quality: 7.4 Atmosphere: 8.7 Cultural Relevance: 7.8
What makes it special: Event-heavy neighborhood bar with standout patio energy and real food.
Who should go: Friends who want drinks plus music and a meal
When to visit: Happy hour, then stay for the night’s event
What to order: Burger, sweet potato fries, empanadas
Insider tip: Check the event calendar—some nights shift the vibe fast.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only on surrounding Pilsen blocks; generally manageable before evening events, tougher once shows start.
Dress code: Casual and expressive—jeans, sneakers, and night-out outfits all fit the room.
Noise level: Variable—moderate during early happy hour, loud once live music or DJs begin.
Weekend wait: Usually no formal wait, but seating can fill quickly on event nights.
Weekday lunch: Not applicable—this is primarily an evening bar.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—snack and comfort options like fries and some appetizers work.
Vegan options: Limited—mainly sides; not a destination for vegan dining.
Gluten-free options: Limited—no dedicated gluten-free menu or prep.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? It can be, if you like energy—early happy hour works best before the music ramps up.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—it's a walk-in bar; arrive earlier if there’s a scheduled event.
Is it kid-friendly? Early evening patio visits can work, but later hours and events skew adult.
Best For
Better for: A full hang—drinks, food, and music in one stop, especially patio-driven nights.
Skip if: You want a quiet, conversation-first happy hour or a food-focused dining experience.
Simone's Bar 7.7
Pilsen
A Pilsen bar-restaurant that works for wings happy hour when you want a full hang—drinks, music energy, and wings that come in classic buffalo lanes. It’s best as a simple plan: wings + one cocktail, then decide if you’re staying for another round.
Must-Try Dishes: Buffalo Wings (buffalo, BBQ, or habanero), Simone’s Wing Platter, Loaded Buffalo Chicken Fries
Scores:
Value: 7.6 Service: 7.4 Consistency: 7.7 Food Quality: 7.9 Atmosphere: 8.4 Cultural Relevance: 7.2
What makes it special: Wing-night energy with a real bar vibe and easy ordering.
Who should go: Friends who want wings, drinks, and a lively room
When to visit: Happy hour or Wing Wednesday for the best value
What to order: Buffalo wings, wing platter, loaded buffalo fries
Insider tip: Order wings first—kitchen timing is best early in the night.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only; generally manageable earlier in the evening but can get tight later at night or during events.
Dress code: Casual; jeans, sneakers, and relaxed night-out attire all fit comfortably.
Noise level: Loud later in the evening due to music and crowd energy; conversation is easier during early happy hour.
Weekend wait: 15–30 minutes during peak hours, shorter if you arrive early.
Weekday lunch: No wait typically; happy hour seating is usually easy before evening events.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited but available; fries and a few bar snacks work, but wings are the focus.
Vegan options: Very limited; best suited for drinks rather than food.
Gluten-free options: Limited; wings may work depending on sauce choice, but cross-contamination is possible.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? It can work if you want a casual, energetic vibe, but it’s better for relaxed hangs than intimate conversation.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—walk-ins are the norm. Arrive early during happy hour for the easiest seating.
Is it kid-friendly? Earlier hours are more flexible, but the bar-forward atmosphere and music make it better suited for adults.
Best For
Better for: Wing nights paired with cocktails, music, and a full bar hang rather than food-only focus.
Skip if: You want quiet dining, extensive dietary options, or wings as a serious culinary destination.