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Reggies Music Joint
Master Critic Reviews (6 Lists)
Reggies Music Joint
8.0
Since 2007, Reggies Music Joint has combined a wood-fired grill, craft beer, and live music in a multi-level South Loop venue with a rooftop deck. The Main Stage Burger and a roster of specialty burgers anchor a menu of bar food that fuels concertgoers and sports fans late into the night.
Must-Try Dishes:
Main Stage Burger with hand-cut fries, BBQ Bacon Burger, Mushroom Swiss Burger
Scores:
Value: 8.3
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 7.6
Food Quality: 8
Atmosphere: 8.4
Cultural Relevance: 6.2
What makes it special: A long-running bar-and-venue where char-grilled burgers, rock shows, and rooftop hangs share the spotlight.
Who should go: Groups wanting burgers, beers, and live music under one roof.
When to visit: Pre-show evenings or late nights after concerts and Bears games.
What to order: Main Stage Burger, BBQ Bacon Burger, wings or mac and cheese.
Insider tip: Time your burger order before a show so it arrives well before the band hits the stage.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking in the South Loop is limited and fills quickly around showtime and Bears games; most guests use nearby paid surface lots or metered street parking. No typical valet service.
Dress code: Casual and venue-friendly — jeans, concert tees, and game-day gear are common; no need to dress up.
Noise level: Loud during live sets and busy game nights; conversation is easier on the rooftop or before bands go on.
Weekend wait: Plan for 20–45 minutes before shows or major events; quicker if you arrive early evening.
Weekday lunch: Not typically a lunch destination (hours skew later); when open earlier, waits are uncommon.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Some options — usually a veggie burger, salads, and a few sides; confirm preparation with staff.
Vegan options: Limited — possible modifications to sides/salads, but dedicated vegan mains are rare.
Gluten-free options: Gluten-free friendly with modifications (e.g., bun swap or no bun), though cross-contact is likely in a bar-kitchen environment.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for casual, music- or sports-loving dates than quiet conversation — it shines if you’re both into live shows, burgers, and a lively scene.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — seating is generally first-come, first-served; arrive before showtime or during off-peak windows for the best chance at a table.
Is it kid-friendly? Earlier hours can work for older kids or teens when there’s no late-night show, but it leans adult-oriented once music and bar traffic ramp up.
Best For
Better for: Lively pre-show meetups, rooftop hangs, and char-grilled burgers in a music-venue setting with sports on TVs.
Skip if: You want a quiet meal, white-tablecloth service, or extensive vegan/gluten-free options.
Reggies Music Joint
8.3
Reggies Music Joint pairs hand-cut fries and loaded “garbage fries” with burgers, sandwiches, and a full slate of live music. Since 2007, it’s been a Near South Side hangout where plates of fries hit the table as often as pitchers and band merch.
Must-Try Dishes:
Hand-Cut Fries, Garbage Fries with Chili and Cheese, Main Stage Burger with Fries
Scores:
Value: 6.7
Service: 7.5
Consistency: 8.1
Food Quality: 8.2
Atmosphere: 8.9
Cultural Relevance: 8.3
What makes it special: Live music, late hours, and proper hand-cut fries served all night.
Who should go: Music fans wanting fries, burgers, and a loud bar scene.
When to visit: Show nights after 8 p.m. when bands and crowds build.
What to order: Garbage Fries, Hand-Cut Fries side, Main Stage Burger with fries.
Insider tip: Grab a table before the headliner; fry orders slow once the room fills.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Metered street parking on and around State Street; fills quickly on show nights. Several nearby paid surface lots are commonly used during event and game nights.
Dress code: Casual, music-venue attire — jeans, t-shirts, and sneakers are the norm; no formal dress code.
Noise level: Loud during live sets with limited ability to hold conversation; more manageable between bands and earlier in the evening.
Weekend wait: Show-night timing drives waits — expect ~20–45 minutes for a table near headliner time; earlier arrivals are usually quicker.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait; seating is first-come with open bar tables.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — hand-cut fries, loaded fries that can be ordered without meat, and a handful of bar-food items can be made vegetarian on request.
Vegan options: Limited — plain fries and select sides work, but toppings and sauces often contain dairy/egg; confirm with staff.
Gluten-free options: Partial — some items can be ordered without buns, but the kitchen does not operate a separate prep area and fries are cooked in shared oil.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if the date is built around live music and a high-energy bar vibe — it’s fun and casual but too loud for long conversation during sets.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — most seating is first-come. Arrive before bands go on or between sets for the best chance at a table without a wait.
Is it kid-friendly? Earlier hours can work for older kids on non-intense show nights, but late evenings are loud and bar-focused with no kids’ menu or quiet area.
Best For
Better for: Late-night fries, casual bar food, and live-music energy in one place — stronger than traditional pubs or restaurants if the goal is a show-night hangout.
Skip if: You want a quiet dinner, polished service, or strict dietary accommodations; choose alternatives if conversation and comfort take priority over music.
Reggies Music Joint
8.2
Reggie's Trainwreck Rooftop Deck caps a long-running South Loop rock complex with a casual roof bar serving burgers, wings, and pub snacks alongside TVs, games, and passing train views. Diners use it for pre- and post-show drinks, sports watching, and relaxed group hangs near McCormick Place.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chicken Wings, BBQ Bacon Burger, Loaded Nachos
Scores:
Value: 8.1
Service: 6.8
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 8.5
Atmosphere: 8.9
Cultural Relevance: 8.1
What makes it special: Rooftop extension of a South Loop music bar with games, TVs, and pub food.
Who should go: Concertgoers and sports fans wanting casual rooftop beers and bites.
When to visit: Warm evenings before shows or weekend games for full energy.
What to order: Saucy Chicken Wings, BBQ Bacon Burger, Loaded Nachos.
Insider tip: Head up early on game or concert nights; rooftop tables fill fast.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking in the surrounding South Loop blocks is limited on event and concert nights; nearby paid garages around McCormick Place are the most reliable option.
Dress code: Casual — jerseys, jeans, and relaxed rooftop wear are common; layers recommended for cooler evenings.
Noise level: Loud during games and shows — conversation is possible at off-peak times but expect music and crowd noise.
Weekend wait: 20–45 minutes on warm evenings or before concerts/games, especially for larger groups.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait when the rooftop is open, with faster seating earlier in the afternoon.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Some options — expect bar snacks, salads, and a few meat-free items depending on seasonal menus.
Vegan options: Very limited — most dishes are pub-style and may require modifications.
Gluten-free options: Limited — some items can be ordered without buns or breading, but no dedicated gluten-free prep area.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for casual hangouts than intimate dates — the vibe leans lively, social, and sports-oriented rather than quiet or romantic.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — seating is first-come, first-served on the rooftop; arrive early on event nights or warm weekends to avoid long waits.
Is it kid-friendly? Generally casual and family-tolerant during daytime and early evenings, but the atmosphere shifts to bar-focused and louder late at night.
Best For
Better for: Pre-show hangs, rooftop beers with friends, and game-day energy where casual food, TVs, and music are the main draw.
Skip if: You want a quiet meal, upscale cocktails, or a food-centric rooftop experience with refined dining.
Reggies Music Joint
8.0
Reggies Music Joint pairs a laid-back bar-and-grill menu with a dog-friendly front patio and a separate rooftop deck above its music complex. Since opening in 2007, it’s been a go-to for burgers, wings, and beers before games, shows, or Rock Club concerts next door.
Must-Try Dishes:
8 Jumbo Sized Award Winning Wings, Main Stage Burger, Baked Mac 'n Cheese
Scores:
Value: 7.3
Service: 6.5
Consistency: 8.1
Food Quality: 8
Atmosphere: 8.8
Cultural Relevance: 8.2
What makes it special: Music-forward bar and grill with both street patio and rooftop deck.
Who should go: Fans pre-gaming for shows, games, or convention events nearby.
When to visit: Evenings before concerts or Bears games for peak buzz.
What to order: Award-winning jumbo wings, Main Stage Burger, baked mac and cheese.
Insider tip: Head up to the rooftop for TVs, games, and breezier seating.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on State St. and surrounding side streets is usually available but tight before concerts and Bears games; several nearby paid surface lots and garages along Michigan Ave. and Wabash offer event pricing.
Dress code: Casual and music-venue relaxed — jerseys, jeans, and hoodies are common; no need to dress up unless you’re headed to a show afterward.
Noise level: Lively to loud during games and show nights — conversation is easier on the patio or rooftop earlier in the evening.
Weekend wait: Typically minimal wait for small groups, but can back up 20–40 minutes before concerts or Soldier Field events.
Weekday lunch: No wait most days; service is usually quick and walk-in friendly.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Several options such as salads, veggie apps, and customizable sandwiches; ask staff for ingredient swaps.
Vegan options: Limited — a few items can be modified, but the menu leans bar food and grill-centric.
Gluten-free options: Select items can be prepared without buns or breading; no dedicated gluten-free fryer or prep area.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for a casual, activity-forward date (games, music, rooftop drinks) than an intimate conversation spot — fun if you both enjoy live music or game-day energy.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — it’s primarily walk-in; arrive early on event nights or head to the rooftop or patio if the main room fills up.
Is it kid-friendly? Generally kid-friendly during daytime and early evenings with casual food and outdoor seating; later hours and show nights skew adult-oriented and louder.
Best For
Better for: Pre-show meetups, rooftop and patio hangs, game-day groups, and casual bar food with live-music adjacency.
Skip if: You want quiet conversation, refined dining, or a menu with extensive vegan or gluten-free accommodations.
Reggies Music Joint
8.6
Reggies is a South Loop institution where a full bar-and-grill menu runs alongside one of the city’s liveliest music calendars. Dog-friendly front patio tables and access to the rooftop deck make it a rare spot where you can pre-game, catch a show, and keep your pup with you. High review volume over more than a decade signals a consistently reliable stop before Bears games, concerts, or Wintrust events.
Must-Try Dishes:
8 Jumbo Sized Award Winning Wings, Main Stage Burger, Garbage Fries
Scores:
Value: 7
Service: 8.3
Consistency: 9.2
Food Quality: 8.8
Atmosphere: 9.1
Cultural Relevance: 8.7
What makes it special: A long-running South Loop music venue where a bar-and-grill menu meets a dog-friendly front patio and rooftop deck.
Who should go: Music fans and dog owners pre-gaming before games or shows.
When to visit: Warm evenings before concerts or Bears games for lively energy.
What to order: 8 Jumbo Sized Award Winning Wings, Main Stage Burger, Garbage Fries.
Insider tip: Head up to the rooftop for TVs, games, and a breezier dog-friendly experience on warm nights.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Metered street parking on State, Wabash, and surrounding side streets plus several paid surface lots nearby; spaces tighten significantly on Soldier Field and Wintrust event nights, so plan extra time or use rideshare.
Dress code: Casual concert-bar attire — jerseys, jeans, and hoodies are common; no formal dress code.
Noise level: Loud to very loud during shows and big game nights; patio and rooftop areas are the easiest places for conversation.
Weekend wait: Often walk-in friendly on non-event nights; expect 45–60+ minutes or standing room only before concerts or Bears games.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait with quick seating or immediate patio availability, weather permitting.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Some options — salads, loaded fries, appetizers, and occasional veggie sandwiches; core menu leans meat-forward.
Vegan options: Limited — fries and a few sides may work; ingredients and sauces should be confirmed with staff.
Gluten-free options: No dedicated gluten-free kitchen; salads and bun-less burgers are possible but cross-contact is likely.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for a casual, activity-driven date than an intimate one — the patio or rooftop works if you want fresh air and lighter noise, but show nights can be loud and high-energy.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — it’s primarily walk-in; arrive early on event nights or choose the patio or rooftop to improve your chances of finding a table.
Is it kid-friendly? Earlier hours and patio seating can work for older kids and teens; late evenings and live-music crowds skew adult-oriented and may be too loud for younger children.
Best For
Better for: Pre-game meetups with dogs in tow, rooftop and patio hangs, and nights where live music, sports viewing, and a casual bar-and-grill menu all happen in one place.
Skip if: You want a quiet sit-down dinner, refined cocktails, or a menu with strong vegan/gluten-free coverage — choose a calmer, more food-focused option instead.
Reggies Music Joint
8.6
Part of the long-running Reggies complex, Reggies Music Joint is a South Loop bar and grill where jumbo, “award-winning” wings share the table with burgers, beers, and nightly live music. Locals lean on it for pregame happy hours and weeknight wing specials before shows or Sox games.
Must-Try Dishes:
8 Jumbo Sized Award Winning Wings, Mac-N-Cheese, Pulled Pork Sandwich
Scores:
Value: 8
Service: 7
Consistency: 8.5
Food Quality: 8.7
Atmosphere: 8.6
Cultural Relevance: 9
What makes it special: A 2007-opened music bar where jumbo wings, beer, and nightly shows anchor pregame happy hours.
Who should go: Wing lovers wanting beers, bands, and TVs under one roof.
When to visit: Weekday late afternoons for wing specials before shows.
What to order: Jumbo award-winning wings, mac-n-cheese, pulled pork sandwich.
Insider tip: Ask about wing-night pricing and grab a seat near the TVs if you’re catching a game before heading to the Rock Club or rooftop.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Metered street parking on surrounding South Loop blocks; availability tight during concerts, conventions, and game days, with a few paid surface lots within a short walk.
Dress code: Casual — jerseys, hoodies, and jeans are common; no need to dress up unless you’re heading to a show afterward.
Noise level: Lively to loud during bands and peak games; conversation is easier earlier in the afternoon or on non-show nights.
Weekend wait: 10–30 minutes before shows or Sox games; typically no wait outside of event rushes.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait, with plenty of bar and table seating available.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Some options (mac and cheese, salads, a few bar snacks), but the menu leans heavily toward wings and pub fare.
Vegan options: Limited — may be able to build a meal from sides, but there aren’t many dedicated vegan entrées.
Gluten-free options: Select items can be adapted (sauced wings without breading, salads), but the kitchen is shared and cross-contact is possible — ask staff before ordering.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for a casual, activity-focused date — think wings, beers, and live music — rather than a quiet, conversation-first setting.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — it’s primarily walk-in friendly. Arrive before showtime or big games for the best seating and faster service.
Is it kid-friendly? Earlier hours can work for families, especially for food-focused visits; late evenings during shows or busy bar service skew adult-oriented.
Best For
Better for: Pregame hangs, casual group meetups, and jumbo wings paired with live music or sports on TV.
Skip if: You want a quiet dinner, upscale cocktails, or a menu with extensive vegetarian/vegan or gluten-free choices.