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Jake Melnick's Corner Tap
Master Critic Reviews (4 Lists)
Jake Melnick's Corner Tap
8.9
Jake Melnick's Corner Tap is a Near North sports bar best known for its long-running, competition-tested wing program, from Firecracker and Poncho wings to the XXX heat challenge. Since 2002, it’s been a go-to just off the Magnificent Mile for big game days, tap beer, and shareable wing platters.
Must-Try Dishes:
Firecracker Wings, Poncho Wings, XXX Wings
Scores:
Value: 8.5
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 9.1
Food Quality: 9.2
Atmosphere: 7.2
Cultural Relevance: 8.8
What makes it special: A longtime Magnificent Mile sports bar where an award-winning wing program is the main draw.
Who should go: Wing fans who want TVs, beer, and big portions.
When to visit: Evenings and game days when the room is fully buzzing.
What to order: Firecracker Wings, Poncho Wings, XXX Wings sampler.
Insider tip: Ask for a mixed-sauce combo to try multiple wing styles in one order.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Downtown location — street parking is limited; most guests use nearby paid garages or rideshare.
Dress code: Casual — jerseys, jeans, and game-day attire are totally fine.
Noise level: Loud during games; conversational but active at off-peak times.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes on busy game nights; faster if you’re flexible with seating.
Weekday lunch: Usually minimal wait except during major events or conventions.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Some options — salads, sides, and select non-wing items depending on specials.
Vegan options: Very limited — best to confirm ahead if strict vegan dining is required.
Gluten-free options: Yes — some sauces and wings can be prepared gluten-conscious; ask staff for guidance.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if you’re both into sports or casual bar food — it’s energetic, social, and wing-focused rather than intimate.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — walk-ins are common, but expect waits during big games and weekends; bar seating is often easier to snag.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes during daytime and early evenings — casual seating, sharable food, and a lively environment; later hours skew more bar-centric.
Best For
Better for: Large groups, sports viewing, big-portion wing platters, and variety across heat levels and sauces.
Skip if: You want a quiet meal, upscale dining, or a menu that isn’t centered around wings and classic bar fare.
Jake Melnick's Corner Tap
8.8
Jake Melnick's is a Magnificent Mile-adjacent sports bar where crispy hand-cut fries and wings are as much of a draw as the TVs. Garlic fries, loaded fry baskets, and generous portions make it a go-to for fry lovers before or after downtown events.
Must-Try Dishes:
Garlic Fries, Buffalo Wings with Fries, Loaded Fry Basket
Scores:
Value: 8
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 8.7
Food Quality: 8.8
Atmosphere: 6.6
Cultural Relevance: 8.4
What makes it special: Downtown sports bar where garlic fries and wings headline the menu.
Who should go: Fry-obsessed groups wanting beer, wings, and TVs.
When to visit: Evenings and game days for peak bar energy.
What to order: Garlic Fries, Buffalo wings, loaded fry basket.
Insider tip: Sit at the bar for the fastest fry refills and beer service.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: No on-site lot; paid garages along Ontario/Ohio nearby, with limited metered street parking that fills quickly on game nights
Dress code: Casual — jerseys, jeans, and hoodies are common
Noise level: Loud during games — conversation can be difficult at peak times
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes during major games or events; shorter waits earlier in the evening
Weekday lunch: Usually little to no wait except during convention rushes
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — fries, salads, and some appetizers can be ordered meat-free
Vegan options: Limited — a few sides and salads may work with modifications
Gluten-free options: Partial — some wings and fries can be prepared without breading, but cross-contact is possible
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if you’re both sports-bar people — it’s lively, crowded, and built around TV energy rather than quiet conversation.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — they accommodate walk-ins, but expect a wait during big games or downtown event nights; bar seating often turns over faster.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes during daytime and early evenings — booths, sharing plates, and fries work well for families, though it can feel rowdy late on game nights.
Best For
Better for: Large groups, sports viewing, generous fry portions, and casual hangouts before/after downtown events
Skip if: You want a quiet meal, refined cocktails, or strictly health-forward or vegan dining options
Jake Melnick's Corner Tap
7.9
A sports-bar mainstay just off Michigan Avenue, Jake Melnick’s is best known for wings but backs them up with smoker-driven BBQ ribs, brisket, and pulled pork at approachable prices. It’s where downtown workers, tourists, and game-day groups pile into booths and the patio for ribs, beer, and big-screen sports.
Must-Try Dishes:
KC-Style BBQ Ribs with coleslaw and fries, Pulled Pork Sandwich with Jake’s BBQ sauce, Sliced 17-Hour Smoked Brisket
Scores:
Value: 8.2
Service: 7.2
Consistency: 7.6
Food Quality: 7.9
Atmosphere: 6
Cultural Relevance: 7.5
What makes it special: Wing-famous sports bar that also turns out solid smoker-style ribs.
Who should go: Groups wanting ribs, wings, beer, and lots of TVs.
When to visit: Afternoons or early evenings before big-game crowds descend.
What to order: KC-style ribs, sliced brisket, a wing sampler to share.
Insider tip: On busy game days, order ribs and wings ahead via online waitlist.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: No valet; closest option is nearby paid garages along Michigan Avenue — street parking is limited and competitive, especially during events
Dress code: Casual and game-day friendly — jerseys, jeans, and comfortable layers are common
Noise level: Loud during big games; moderate at off-peak times — conversation is easier on non-game weeknights
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes during game nights or peak tourist weekends
Weekday lunch: Usually little to no wait outside convention rush periods
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Some options — salads, fries, and a few meat-free starters, but the menu is barbecue- and wing-leaning overall
Vegan options: Limited — 1–2 possible customizations; best for groups with mixed diets rather than strict vegan diners
Gluten-free options: Gluten-free friendly — several items can be prepared GF on request; confirm sauces and fries with staff
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for casual, activity-style dates than romantic ones — the energy is sports-bar lively and can get loud during games.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — walk-ins are common, but join the waitlist early on game days or large-event weekends to avoid long waits.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes during daytime and early evenings — high-top seating and TVs keep older kids entertained, though late game crowds can feel rowdy.
Best For
Better for: Large groups, wing-and-rib combos, casual beers, and sports-watching near the Mag Mile at approachable prices
Skip if: You want quiet conversation, chef-driven barbecue, or a more formal sit-down dining experience
Jake Melnick's Corner Tap
8.5
A few steps off Michigan Avenue, Jake Melnick's runs as a wings-first sports bar where smoked, fried, and sauced wings headline happy hour alongside long tap lists. Locals and visitors lean on it for game-day crowds, big portions, and reliably crispy wings from afternoon into late night.
Must-Try Dishes:
Smoked Buffalo Wings, Whiskey BBQ Wings, XXX Ghost Pepper Wings
Scores:
Value: 8.2
Service: 7.2
Consistency: 9.1
Food Quality: 9.3
Atmosphere: 7.6
Cultural Relevance: 8.7
What makes it special: High-volume downtown sports bar where smoked and sauced wings are the main event.
Who should go: Wing obsessives who want TVs, drafts, and big portions.
When to visit: Weekday happy hour or game days for max buzz.
What to order: Smoked Buffalo dozen, Whiskey BBQ wings, local draft beer.
Insider tip: Ask for a mixed platter of two sauces if you’re splitting wings.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited; most guests use nearby paid garages along Superior and Huron Streets.
Dress code: Casual — jerseys, jeans, and game-day attire are common.
Noise level: Loud during games and peak happy hour; conversation is easier earlier in the afternoon.
Weekend wait: 20–45 minutes during major games or peak sports weekends.
Weekday lunch: Usually little to no wait, except during conventions or large events nearby.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — salads, appetizers, and some non-wing items are available.
Vegan options: Limited — a few sides and customizations, but wings are the focus.
Gluten-free options: Yes — some sauces and wing styles can be prepared gluten-free on request.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for casual dates or sports-loving couples — the vibe is energetic and TV-forward rather than intimate.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — walk-ins are common, but arrive early on game days to avoid longer waits.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes — families are common earlier in the day; evenings during big games skew louder and more adult-focused.
Best For
Better for: Large groups, sports viewing, big wing portions, and sauce variety at happy hour pricing.
Skip if: You want quiet dining, upscale ambiance, or a menu centered on entrées beyond wings and bar fare.