ZipPicks Awards
Best French Fries in Lincoln Square
Best Happy Hour in Lincoln Square
Master Critic Review
Gideon Welles
8.2
A Lincoln Square craft-beer bar where fries land best as a pub-staple side: dependable, shareable, and strongest when paired with a burger or fish-and-chips rhythm. It’s a drinks-first room—order fries early, then lock in one main to keep the table moving.
Must-Try Dishes:
House fries (with aioli or ketchup), Fish and chips, Burger with fries
Scores:
Value: 7.8
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 8.5
Food Quality: 8.8
Atmosphere: 6.7
Cultural Relevance: 8.1
What makes it special: Beer-bar comfort food where fries work as the reliable, shareable anchor.
Who should go: Beer-and-bites groups
When to visit: Early evening for easier seating
What to order: House fries, fish and chips, burger
Insider tip: Order fries right away—kitchen timing stays smoother as the bar fills.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Metered street parking on nearby Ravenswood and side streets; availability drops after 6pm, especially on weekends.
Dress code: Casual bar attire—jeans and sneakers are standard; no need to dress up.
Noise level: Moderate to loud during peak hours—conversation is fine early, harder once the bar fills.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes during peak hours without a reservation
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes – fries, salads, and a few vegetarian-friendly pub options.
Vegan options: Limited – fries and a small number of modifiable items; confirm sauces.
Gluten-free options: Limited – some items can be modified, but cross-contamination is possible in a pub kitchen.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for casual dates than intimate ones—the bar energy is lively, which helps keep things easy but isn’t ideal for quiet conversation.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes, especially earlier in the evening; peak weekend hours may require a short wait or bar seating.
Is it kid-friendly? Earlier hours work for families, but the space skews adult and bar-focused later in the evening.
Best For
Better for: Group hangs, happy hour meetups, and pairing fries with beer rather than treating them as the main event.
Consider Alternatives If: You want a quiet meal, fries as the star dish, or a dining-first experience instead of a bar-first one.