ZipPicks Awards
Best American in Harwood Heights
Master Critic Review
The Heights Bar & Grill
7.7
A casual neighborhood bar built for TV sports, long hangs, and patio-friendly afternoons when the weather cooperates. The food plays best as straightforward bar plates—one hot item, one shareable, and a drink—so timing stays tight and the table stays easy.
Must-Try Dishes:
Tacos, Onion rings, Mozzarella sticks
Scores:
Value: 8.2
Service: 7.7
Consistency: 7.5
Food Quality: 7.6
Atmosphere: 7.3
Cultural Relevance: 7.4
What makes it special: A neighborhood sports bar with a patio setup and a simple, low-friction menu.
Who should go: Sports watchers and casual hangout regulars.
When to visit: Weekend afternoons for patio seating and games.
What to order: Tacos, onion rings, mozzarella sticks.
Insider tip: Sit outside when possible—patio time is the best version of this spot.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Mostly street parking nearby; easiest before peak game times and weekend dinner. If the main stretch looks full, check the side streets off Montrose for faster finds.
Dress code: Casual and sports-bar friendly—jeans, hoodies, team gear, and sneakers all fit right in.
Noise level: Loud during big games (TV-forward), moderate on off-hours—best for groups more than quiet conversation.
Weekend wait: 20-45 min when games or peak dinner overlap; shorter if you’re flexible on patio/bar seating.
Weekday lunch: No wait typically; quick seating with steady service.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Some options available—apps/sides and simple meatless builds; best move is to stick to shareables and confirm ingredients when ordering.
Vegan options: Limited—expect to piece together sides (and ask about sauces/dairy) rather than finding clear entrée-style vegan plates.
Gluten-free options: Limited—some items may work with modifications, but cross-contact risk is likely in a bar-kitchen setup; confirm prep details if sensitive.
Best For
Better for: A straightforward sports-bar hang: big-screen energy, quick bar bites, patio-friendly afternoons, and a simple order-and-chill rhythm that works well for groups.
Consider Alternatives If: You want a quiet dinner, elevated food, or strong dietary-specific menus—choose a calmer sit-down spot instead (or go here only on off-hours).