The Red Lion Pub
Chicago
Visit during winter for a cozy experience by one of the three fireplaces.
The Red Lion Pub, located on North Lincoln Avenue in Chicago, offers a unique blend of tradition and modernity. With its dark oak planked bar and Tudor beams, the pub retains the ambiance of a classic British pub while embracing contemporary touches. Book shelves filled with volumes on British history and literature adorn the walls, creating an intellectual atmosphere that invites conversation and contemplation.
The establishment is more than just a pub; it is a tribute to history and family legacy. Various rooms honor the experiences of the proprietor’s family, with spaces such as 'The Africa Room', 'The War Room', and a wall featuring exploits from World War II. These elements add layers of storytelling to the pub's character, giving patrons more than just a place to enjoy a drink.
The Red Lion Pub is known for its locally sourced menu, offering a variety of dishes that cater to an array of tastes. Beer enthusiasts and spirit lovers alike will appreciate its selection of 14 unique drafts and an extensive array of single malts, bourbons, and ryes. The pub is an ideal setting for both quiet contemplation and lively debate, promising a space where ideas can be freely exchanged.
With an open-air dining room available during the summer months and cozy winter options with three roaring fireplaces, The Red Lion Pub caters to all seasons. It is well-suited for both small gatherings and group events, featuring a private balcony room that accommodates 10-20 people. This venue allows patrons to immerse themselves in a setting rich with historical significance while enjoying the culinary and spirited aspects of the establishment.
Reviews
May 2026 What an amazing find for a relaxing glass of wine in the hot afternoon! Great place to relax!
We had a phenomenal experience here last weekend! I went in with my parents, Aunt and Uncle before we had a show at the Apollo theater just down the street. We were supposed to get to the theater around 7 and had reservations for 6, but the traffic was terrible and didn't end up getting there until 6:30. I called them to let them know we would be late and they held our table for us despite it being a friday night and our server, Claire, took our order quickly and had the kitchen expedite our order so we would be on time for our show. They were incredibly accommodating! The food came out great, the vibes were still relaxing although we were rushed, and their service was amazing. Thank you again, Claire!
We had some very nice snacks and drinks here! We tried the Red Lion pilsner and Goose Island IPA, which were really nice. There were some good deals at the happy hour too. Then there was really nice live music. It was a great place to sit, nice options for drinks, helpful service, and all around great atmosphere! Would come again.
This place is fantastic! It has a great homey atmosphere full of WWI and WWII memorabilia. The owner Colin is a true host, and sat with us for a little while telling us stories of his Dad who served and other historical fun facts and events. We could have sat there and picked his brain all night! The food was also next level. I highly recommend getting the Scotch Egg appetizer for the table. It’s two eggs cut into 4 portions, with bruschetta and a salad. I also got the house special they were serving that night which was the beef stew in a red wine sauce over mashed potatoes. My only critique is that the bowl it came in could have been a little bigger, as I licked it clean wanting more lol. My mom and her friend both got the Shepherds Pie and loved it. For dessert we ordered a bread pudding for the table. I’m usually not a bread pudding guy, but it was lighter yet packed with flavor covered in a caramel drizzle. If you’re looking for a one-of-a-kind pub with great service and food, look no further. Come to The Red Lion Pub.
