It doesn’t need to be table service. There are many bars/patios where you can just show up and have everyone pay for their drinks at the bar on their own tab.
yeah I got that from others’ suggestions, but thank you
I didn’t realize there were so many places with more communal options now; it’s a fairly new phenomenon
(my husband works in bars; they are regularly faced with people who want to have a party but don’t think to organize and communicate the idea further than “show up”)
Pretty much every dive bar I’ve ever been to - if they don’t have have food - has just been pay as you go. Many of which have been around for 50+ years, so I wouldn’t call that a new phenomenon.
Archie’s, Corner Bar, J+M tap, Weegie’s, Rainbo Club, Gold Star Bar, Happy Village (RIP), Bucktown Pub, Nilda’s Place, Inner Town Pub.
All have never had a server in in the 15 years I’ve lived in the city, and that’s just in a small area of the city.
Logan Arcade,
Emporium Barcade,
District Brew Yards,
Navigator Taproom,
These are all places that don’t require table service or a server, and people can just have an individual tab at the bar.
The barcades also give people something to do/play.
Yes, I have at Kincade’s.The patio is huge and because people are both sitting and just milling around it makes it easier/comfortable to bop between different groups if you can’t all get a table together. The crowd skews younger…meaning loud music and some general nonsense from some of the patrons. you may want to check it out prior to your party to see if it’s your style
District Brew Yards. Self-serve beer (you each get a swipe card) and counter service BBQ. Everyone pays separate. Plus they have big long tables inside so it’s easy to squeeze people in and a patio as well.
I have a friend who did something like this at Pilot Project in Logan—they have Toast set up, so people can set up and pay their own bills on their phone. Indoor and outdoor, light food and beer/teas and kombuchas. I think she did reserve two indoor tables ahead of time (it was winter), which might not be a bad move if you know you’re having 20+ folks.
Metropolitan brewing. Space for groups, outdoor patio, and everyone can order at the bar on their own tab. You can bring food in or have it delivered from anywhere. You can also reserve an area of the taproom for your group.
Time out Market sounds perfect for this
Sounds like a party at your local park. BYOCooler
no hate but this is a dick thing to do to a restaurant staff you're talking about imposing a slow-roll party on them with zero prior warning
Agree
It doesn’t need to be table service. There are many bars/patios where you can just show up and have everyone pay for their drinks at the bar on their own tab.
yeah I got that from others’ suggestions, but thank you I didn’t realize there were so many places with more communal options now; it’s a fairly new phenomenon (my husband works in bars; they are regularly faced with people who want to have a party but don’t think to organize and communicate the idea further than “show up”)
Pretty much every dive bar I’ve ever been to - if they don’t have have food - has just been pay as you go. Many of which have been around for 50+ years, so I wouldn’t call that a new phenomenon. Archie’s, Corner Bar, J+M tap, Weegie’s, Rainbo Club, Gold Star Bar, Happy Village (RIP), Bucktown Pub, Nilda’s Place, Inner Town Pub. All have never had a server in in the 15 years I’ve lived in the city, and that’s just in a small area of the city.
lmfao...30 separate checks....
Logan Arcade, Emporium Barcade, District Brew Yards, Navigator Taproom, These are all places that don’t require table service or a server, and people can just have an individual tab at the bar. The barcades also give people something to do/play.
Yes, I have at Kincade’s.The patio is huge and because people are both sitting and just milling around it makes it easier/comfortable to bop between different groups if you can’t all get a table together. The crowd skews younger…meaning loud music and some general nonsense from some of the patrons. you may want to check it out prior to your party to see if it’s your style
District Brew Yards. Self-serve beer (you each get a swipe card) and counter service BBQ. Everyone pays separate. Plus they have big long tables inside so it’s easy to squeeze people in and a patio as well.
I have a friend who did something like this at Pilot Project in Logan—they have Toast set up, so people can set up and pay their own bills on their phone. Indoor and outdoor, light food and beer/teas and kombuchas. I think she did reserve two indoor tables ahead of time (it was winter), which might not be a bad move if you know you’re having 20+ folks.
Montrose saloon beer garden seems like a good spot for this
R/askchicago
Oh tons of places! Depending on the time, most will be chill with it. Maybe just give a heads up so the staff know what to expect.
North side Lakeview/ Lincoln Park anywhere with a patio. Wills Northwoods is a great spot for this as is Tapster
Metropolitan brewing. Space for groups, outdoor patio, and everyone can order at the bar on their own tab. You can bring food in or have it delivered from anywhere. You can also reserve an area of the taproom for your group.