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Back at the end of August, Urban Velo visited Chicago for the NACCCs. While there we made a few trips outside the official events, one of which was for dinner at the Handlebar Bar and Grill. The promises of a bike-friendly establishment with good food, good beer and fair prices lured us in and did not disappoint. The menu is vegetarian/vegan/pescetarian friendly, with just about everything within a buck or two of $10 per plate, leaving some room on the bill for whatever craft beer is on special that day.
While the ample bar space and well lit front room is inviting, the true beauty of the place in good weather is the backyard beer garden and bike parking facilities. Of course, being expertly-trained journalists we failed to take any pictures and rather just sat out back and had a bite to eat. Fish tacos all around, highly recommended.
Indoors, the highlight is absolutely the large wood bar top with enough room to eat a sandwich without dipping your elbow in a neighbor’s drink. The walls will keep you informed of past and future shows and activist goings on around town with art and bits of bike culture throughout the interior. The bicycle rim bar stools are a particularly nice touch.
Surely worthy of a visit for travelers, Chicago residents should know what a gem they have in the Handlebar. 2311 W North Ave, Chicago IL.
Thanks for the write-up. I’m moving to Chicago in the Spring and I had read about this place but never seen a review for it. If it caters to bikers and serves vegan food, it sounds like a must visit for me.
The Handlebar is a restaurant with minimal reference to cycling/biking. Because it’s called the handlebar, the Wicker Park/Bucktown hipsters love it.
Jordan-
That’s not entirely true: The Handlebar does have “Messenger Mondays” which involves a booze discount for anyone on the job. However, most messengers I knew when I lived there drank at the Blue Frog or Cal’s Liquors.
i love the handlebar! sundays morning out back are amazing. its for bikers and everyone else i hate that because regular people go there people dont think bikers go there. i go there alot granted im not a “messenger”
I’ve eaten here for breakfast before and was quite pleased. Also, the better half gives their vegan french toast high marks.
i’m hungry.
this place is awesome, and yes, the vegan french toast is great.
Do they own the one in Denver as well?