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Timothy O'Toole's Pub
Master Critic Reviews (4 Lists)
Timothy O'Toole's Pub
8.5
Open since 1992, Timothy O'Toole's is a basement-level Streeterville pub with dozens of TVs, a long tap list, and wings that regularly appear on local best-of lists. Bone-in and boneless wings come with sauces like traditional buffalo, Irish Ghost, and garlic parmesan, making it a dependable choice for late games and casual meetups.
Must-Try Dishes:
Buffalo Wings, Irish Ghost Wings, Garlic Parmesan Wings
Scores:
Value: 8.3
Service: 7.9
Consistency: 8.8
Food Quality: 8.4
Atmosphere: 6.8
Cultural Relevance: 8.2
What makes it special: A long-running Streeterville sports pub where big-screen games and customizable wing baskets define the experience.
Who should go: Sports fans and groups chasing wings with plenty of beer.
When to visit: Busy game nights or late evenings when the bar is packed.
What to order: Buffalo Wings, Irish Ghost Wings, Garlic Parmesan Wings.
Insider tip: Order a large wing basket and split sauces across the table to sample multiple styles.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: No on-site parking; expect paid garage or limited metered street parking in Streeterville (plan extra time on game nights).
Dress code: Casual — jerseys, jeans, and bar attire are common.
Noise level: Loud during games — conversation can be difficult near TVs; quieter earlier in the day.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes on major game nights; shorter waits outside peak sports schedules.
Weekday lunch: Typically little to no wait except during convention or hospital rush periods.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Some options (salads, sides, a few bar bites) — menus skew meat-heavy overall.
Vegan options: Very limited — plan to confirm ingredients with staff.
Gluten-free options: Select items and sauces can be adapted; cross-contact possible in a busy pub kitchen.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for casual, sports-focused hangs than a quiet first date — TVs, crowds, and noise dominate the experience.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — it’s mostly walk-in friendly, but arrive early for big games or be ready to wait at the bar.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes during daytime and early evenings; it skews adult- and bar-focused late at night and during major sporting events.
Best For
Better for: Watching big games with a crowd, large-group seating, and a wide range of wing sauces and heat levels.
Skip if: You want a quiet meal, fine-dining service, or extensive vegetarian/vegan options.
Timothy O'Toole's Pub
8.5
A basement sports bar institution with dozens of TVs, late-night hours, and a menu built around wings, burgers, and pub staples. Locals use it for game nights, post-shift hangs, and reliable kitchen service until 2–3 a.m. in the heart of Streeterville.
Must-Try Dishes:
Garlic Ginger Wings, Boneless Wings Basket, Hummus of-the-Day Platter
Scores:
Value: 8.7
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 9.1
Food Quality: 8.6
Atmosphere: 7
Cultural Relevance: 8.6
What makes it special: A true downtown sports bar with a full late-night kitchen until 2–3 a.m.
Who should go: Fans wanting wings, beer, and wall-to-wall sports.
When to visit: After 9 p.m. for peak game-day energy.
What to order: Garlic Ginger Wings, boneless wings basket, hummus platter.
Insider tip: For big games, reserve ahead and ask for a table near the main screen wall.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Closest options are nearby paid garages in River East / Streeterville; street parking is limited and tougher on weekends and game nights.
Dress code: Casual — jerseys, jeans, and hoodies are common; no need to dress up unless coming from an event.
Noise level: Loud during big games and late night; conversation is easier earlier in the evening or on non–game days.
Weekend wait: Expect 30–60 minutes during major sporting events; shorter waits late night after crowds thin.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait, though seating can fill quickly during marquee daytime games.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — a handful of options like salads, veggie-friendly appetizers, and customizable bar plates.
Vegan options: Limited — some sides and salads may be adapted; best to confirm ingredients with staff.
Gluten-free options: Partial accommodation — some items can be modified, but cross-contact is likely in a busy pub kitchen.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if you’re both into sports and a lively bar scene — the energy and noise make it more fun than intimate.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — most seating is first-come; arrive early for big games or late night, or expect to wait for a table.
Is it kid-friendly? Earlier hours can work for families, but it skews adult-centric, loud, and bar-heavy at night; not ideal late evening.
Best For
Better for: Late-night food service, big-screen sports viewing, and group hangs where wings, burgers, and beer are the priority.
Skip if: You want quiet conversation, upscale dining, or strict dietary control — choose a calmer sit-down restaurant instead.
Timothy O'Toole's Pub
7.8
Open since 1992, Timothy O’Toole’s is the classic subterranean sports bar where happy hour means big beer lists, strong drink specials, and a scratch pub menu. It’s the move when colleagues want to watch a game with wings, burgers, and discounted drafts instead of a polished cocktail lounge.
Must-Try Dishes:
Irish Nachos, Buffalo Wings, Big Timmy Burger
Scores:
Value: 8.3
Service: 7.4
Consistency: 7.8
Food Quality: 7.6
Atmosphere: 6.1
Cultural Relevance: 8
What makes it special: A decades-old basement sports bar where happy hour is all about beer, wings, and televised games.
Who should go: Fans prioritizing screens, taps, and rowdy game-day energy.
When to visit: Weekdays 3–6 p.m. for drink specials before big games.
What to order: Irish Nachos, Buffalo wings, Big Timmy Burger with a local draft.
Insider tip: Book tables for major games; regulars fill the room fast on Bears and Blackhawks nights.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: No valet; several nearby paid garages in River East and limited street parking that fills quickly during events and game nights.
Dress code: Casual — jerseys, jeans, and team gear are common; no need to dress up.
Noise level: Loud during big games with crowd reactions; conversational only in quieter corners outside peak sports windows.
Weekend wait: Varies by sports schedule — 30–60 minutes during major games; minimal wait on non-game nights.
Weekday lunch: Typically little to no wait except during conventions or large office rushes.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Some options (salads, appetizers, a few sandwiches), but not a dedicated vegetarian menu.
Vegan options: Limited — expect 1–2 modifiable items; best to confirm with staff.
Gluten-free options: Several items can be modified or served without buns; cross-contamination precautions are limited in a pub kitchen.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if you both enjoy sports-bar energy — the vibe is rowdy and screen-focused rather than intimate or conversation-driven.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes, but arrive early for major games — walk-ins are common, and large events can fill tables well before kickoff or puck drop.
Is it kid-friendly? Generally yes during earlier hours; evenings and big game nights skew adult-oriented and loud — better for older kids or teens.
Best For
Better for: Large groups, sports viewing, big beer lists, and value-driven happy hour food and drink specials.
Skip if: You want a quiet conversation, craft-cocktail focus, upscale ambiance, or strict dietary-control kitchens.
Timothy O'Toole's Pub
8.3
Timothy O'Toole's is a long-running Streeterville basement pub known for award-winning wings, 70-plus TVs, and one of the denser beer lists near Navy Pier. After-work regulars and sports fans use happy hour for discounted drinks before settling into baskets of bone-in and boneless wings through the night.
Must-Try Dishes:
O'Toole's Famous Wings (Buffalo), Boneless Wings Basket, Tater Tots with Ranch
Scores:
Value: 8.5
Service: 6.8
Consistency: 8.7
Food Quality: 9
Atmosphere: 7.8
Cultural Relevance: 8.3
What makes it special: A subterranean sports pub where TVs, taps, and wings drive the happy hour crowd.
Who should go: Game-day groups chasing big screens and big wing platters.
When to visit: Weekday 3–6 p.m. happy hour before major games.
What to order: O’Toole’s Famous Buffalo wings, sampler of sauces, local IPA.
Insider tip: Sit deeper in the back bar for easier game viewing and faster refills.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: No dedicated lot — expect paid garages in Streeterville and limited metered street parking, especially during events and game nights.
Dress code: Casual — jerseys, jeans, and sneakers are common; no need to dress up.
Noise level: Loud during games and peak hours — conversation can be difficult near the main bar and TV clusters.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes during major games or peak sports nights; shorter waits outside game windows.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait except during convention or event surges.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — salads, some appetizers, and customizable bar plates, though wings remain the focus.
Vegan options: Limited — a few sides and modified salads; core menu leans heavily toward bar fare and wings.
Gluten-free options: Partial accommodation — some sauces and proteins can be adapted, but cross-contact is likely in a busy pub kitchen.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if you both love sports — it’s fun and energetic but loud and TV-forward, better for casual hangs than intimate conversation.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — it’s largely first-come, first-served; arrive before big games or happy hour if you want a booth or larger table.
Is it kid-friendly? Earlier hours can work for families, but evenings and major game times skew adult-focused with louder bar energy.
Best For
Better for: Large groups, sports viewing, late-night wings, and beer variety — especially during game days.
Skip if: You want quiet conversation, upscale dining, or extensive vegan/health-leaning options.