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Hopsmith Tavern - Chicago
Master Critic Review
Hopsmith Tavern - Chicago
8.1
A two-story Division Street tavern that’s best as a happy hour headquarters—cold beer, straightforward bar food, and enough space to keep a group moving. It’s more about volume and vibe than finesse, so order the crowd-pleasers and keep expectations in the tavern lane.
Must-Try Dishes:
Burger, Wings, Loaded fries
Scores:
Value: 8.3
Service: 7.9
Consistency: 8.2
Food Quality: 7.8
Atmosphere: 8.4
Cultural Relevance: 7.8
What makes it special: Big-space tavern energy right on Division for easy meetups.
Who should go: Groups who want beer and bar food
When to visit: Weekdays happy hour, then roll into late-night
What to order: Burger, wings, a draft beer
Insider tip: Stick to one food lane—burger or wings—for the most consistent win.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on Division and nearby side streets; can be tight after 6pm. Ride-share is common for groups.
Dress code: Casual bar wear — jeans, sneakers, and casual tops are standard.
Noise level: Loud during peak hours — built for energy, not quiet conversation.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes for groups during peak hours; faster turnover at the bar
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited — veggie burger and a few shareable sides
Vegan options: Very limited — fries and a couple of modifiable items
Gluten-free options: Limited — some salads and protein-forward options with substitutions
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for casual or group-first dates — the volume and sports-bar energy make it less ideal for focused conversation.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — walk-ins are common, especially during happy hour, but larger groups should expect a short wait.
Is it kid-friendly? Early evenings are workable for kids, but it skews adult and gets rowdy later at night.
Best For
Better for: Large groups, happy hour meetups, and watching games with beer and familiar bar food.
Skip if: You’re looking for a quieter, food-driven happy hour or an intimate setting.