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Pippin's Tavern
Master Critic Review
Pippin's Tavern
8.0
Operating since 1974, Pippin’s Tavern now pairs its neighborhood-pub DNA with a modern American menu and weekday happy hour. It’s a relaxed option just off the Mag Mile where office groups lean on beers, cocktails, and bar food instead of a high-concept scene.
Must-Try Dishes:
Pippin's Smash Burger, Char Broiled Burger, $1.50 Oyster Happy Hour
Scores:
Value: 8.6
Service: 7.5
Consistency: 8.2
Food Quality: 7.9
Atmosphere: 6.4
Cultural Relevance: 8.7
What makes it special: A nearly 50-year-old pub that now layers legit gastropub food onto classic happy hour structure.
Who should go: Groups wanting casual drinks and burgers near the Mag Mile.
When to visit: Mon–Fri 3–6 p.m. when oyster and drink specials run.
What to order: Pippin’s Smash Burger, $1.50 oysters, a rotating draft beer.
Insider tip: For a quieter experience, aim earlier in happy hour before the post-work rush.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: No valet; most guests use nearby paid garages off Michigan Avenue. Limited metered street parking can be available on side streets but fills during peak after-work hours.
Dress code: Casual to smart casual — jeans and sneakers are fine; office-casual attire is common during happy hour.
Noise level: Moderate to lively during happy hour — conversation is possible at tables, but the bar area can get loud as groups arrive after work.
Weekend wait: Typically minimal wait for small parties, but expect 20–30 minutes during prime evening windows.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait; seating is straightforward outside of convention or event surges.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — a handful of options such as salads, appetizers, and some bar bites can be ordered meat-free.
Vegan options: Limited — a small number of items can be modified, but expect only 1–2 clearly workable choices.
Gluten-free options: Partial — several dishes can be prepared without bread or buns; ask staff to confirm substitutions.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better suited for casual, low-pressure meetups than a formal first date. The pub atmosphere is relaxed and conversation works best at tables rather than near the bar during happy hour.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — most visits are walk-in friendly. Arrive early in the 3–5 p.m. window for the best shot at a booth before the post-work rush.
Is it kid-friendly? Generally fine for older kids during daytime and early evening, but the vibe skews adult and bar-forward as happy hour fills up.
Best For
Better for: Casual group meetups, approachable pricing, and a relaxed historic-pub feel without a high-concept scene.
Skip if: You want a quiet, fine-dining environment, a broad vegan menu, or polished cocktail-bar service over pub-style energy.