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No Vacancy
Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)
No Vacancy
7.7
No Vacancy is a sleek, sports-forward bar where the NV Burger, fried chicken sandwiches, and wraps all land with generous portions of curly russet fries. Open late with plenty of screens, it’s a modern hangout for game nights when you want bar food that treats fries as a core feature, not an afterthought.
Must-Try Dishes:
NV Burger with curly fries, Side Chick fried chicken sandwich with curly fries, Loaded curly fries with sauce
Scores:
Value: 7.8
Service: 7.6
Consistency: 7.4
Food Quality: 8
Atmosphere: 8.5
Cultural Relevance: 6.3
What makes it special: A new-school sports bar where curly fries anchor burgers, wraps, and late-night snacking.
Who should go: Groups watching games who prioritize curly fries and drinks.
When to visit: Evenings for games or weekend late nights with full crowd.
What to order: NV Burger with curly fries, fried chicken sandwich, loaded fries.
Insider tip: Grab a high-top near the bar for quickest fry refills during big games.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is scarce in River North; expect to use nearby paid garages within 1–2 blocks. No regular valet service reported.
Dress code: Casual and game-day friendly — jerseys, jeans, and sneakers are common.
Noise level: Loud during major games and weekend nights; conversation is easier earlier in the evening or outside peak events.
Weekend wait: 20–45 minutes during big games or late nights; shorter waits outside marquee events.
Weekday lunch: Typically little to no wait when open; check hours as daytime service may vary.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Some workable options (fries, select appetizers, salads); menus lean meat-heavy overall.
Vegan options: Limited — fries and a few sides may qualify depending on preparation; confirm ingredients and fry oil on arrival.
Gluten-free options: Limited — no dedicated gluten-free fryer and possible cross-contact with breaded items; ask staff before ordering.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if you’re both into sports-bar energy — it’s fun and lively, but the noise and big-screen focus make it better for casual hangs than intimate conversation.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — most seating is first-come, first-served. Arrive before kickoff or between game windows for the best chance at a high-top or bar seat.
Is it kid-friendly? Earlier hours can work for older kids and families, but late nights and game rushes skew adult-oriented with louder crowds and bar traffic.
Best For
Better for: Game nights with lots of screens, late-night bites, and hearty bar food anchored by curly fries and big portions.
Skip if: You want a quiet meal, refined cocktails, or chef-driven dining — choose a calmer sit-down restaurant instead.
No Vacancy
8.0
No Vacancy is an elevated dive-bar joint where strong house cocktails and a from-scratch bar menu anchor a nightly happy hour feel. Locals drop in for discounted drinks, a big burger, and sports-bar-level energy without losing River North polish.
Must-Try Dishes:
NV Burger, NV Wings, Birria Egg Rolls
Scores:
Value: 7
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 7.8
Food Quality: 8.3
Atmosphere: 8.4
Cultural Relevance: 6.3
What makes it special: Elevated dive with serious cocktails, an overbuilt burger, and nightly happy-hour energy.
Who should go: After-work crews wanting drinks, TVs, and hearty bar food.
When to visit: Early evening for drink specials before the music gets loud.
What to order: NV Burger, NV wings, birria egg rolls.
Insider tip: Grab high-top seating near the bar for faster refills and a good view of the game.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited in River North; most guests use nearby paid garages or rideshare, especially evenings and weekends.
Dress code: Casual to smart casual — jerseys and jeans are fine, but many guests lean slightly polished after work.
Noise level: Loud during games and peak evenings — conversation is possible at smaller tables but can be challenging near the bar.
Weekend wait: Often 30–45 minutes during big games or peak nights; bar space may open faster.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait — traffic is light outside game times.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Some options (salads, select appetizers); main dishes lean meat-heavy.
Vegan options: Limited — may require modifications; best to ask staff before ordering.
Gluten-free options: Select items and modifications available; cross-contact is possible in a bar kitchen.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for casual, activity-style dates or sports fans — the energy is lively and social rather than intimate.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — it operates primarily as a walk-in bar setting; arrive earlier in the evening or between games for the best chance at a table.
Is it kid-friendly? Generally adult-leaning — older teens may be fine earlier in the evening, but late hours and game nights skew loud and bar-focused.
Best For
Better for: Casual happy hour meetups, strong cocktails, big bar-food plates, and sports-focused energy without losing River North polish.
Skip if: You want a quiet dinner, formal service, or a reservation-driven dining experience with broader dietary flexibility.
Hours
Monday4:30pm - 2am
Tuesday4:30pm - 2am
Wednesday4:30pm - 2am
Thursday4:30pm - 2am
Friday4:30pm - 2am
Saturday4:30pm - 3am
Sunday4:30pm - 2am