Simone's

Simone'sSimone's
Simone'sSimone's
Bar, Eatery

960 W 18th St
Chicago, Illinois, 60608-2312
United States

(312) 666-8601 | map
simonesbar.com
PLACE STATS
Average:
3.86
Reviews:
3
Ratings:
7
pDev:
6.48%
View: Place Reviews
Recent ratings and reviews.
Ratings by TmoNyc:
Photo of TmoNyc
Reviewed by TmoNyc from New York

4.2/5  rDev +8.8%
vibe: 4.5 | quality: 4 | service: 4 | selection: 4.5
This place was recommended by a local b/c it was close to where I was staying while in town.

It's a very neighborhood establishment that has a decor whose theme can be best described as recycling. The bar top looked like a former bowling lane, there were pieces of pinball machines everywhere, etc. It was a cool looking place w/a great vibe (good music & Taxi Driver followed by Road House as the movie selections). The kind of place I like hanging out in.

The beer selection was great w/all 10 taps given to domestic craft beers (Lagunitas, Metropolitan, Allagash, Two Brothers, Three Floyds, Etc.).

The service was good w/the cute blonde bartender freely admitting she's a beer geek in training.

Overall, I don't know if I would tell you it's a must visit while in Chicago. However, if you're in the neighborhood and looking for a solid beer selection & a chill vibe, this is the place to go. Definitely a hidden gem.
Sep 15, 2010
More User Ratings:
 
Rated: 3.99 by JColin from Illinois

Dec 17, 2017
 
Rated: 3.93 by cryptichead from Illinois

Apr 22, 2017
 
Rated: 4 by BKotch from Texas

Sep 17, 2014
 
Rated: 3.5 by Jordanmtate from Illinois

Jun 12, 2014
Photo of AJacob81
Reviewed by AJacob81 from Illinois

3.95/5  rDev +2.3%
vibe: 4 | quality: 4 | service: 3.5 | selection: 4.5 | food: 3.5
Simone's is the neighborhood bar for some friends of mine, so I've been there a few times now. I won't quibble with most of what emerge has to say above, but I do want to speak up for the surprisingly good selection here. First, the other stuff:

A - It's a neighborhood bar, but definitely geared toward the young professional/artistic crowd. Clean, eclectically decorated, and spacious, which I prefer in a joint.

Q - The taps here are very well maintained. I also wonder why they don't offer more variety on-tap considering the capacity, but I haven't had anything less than an excellent pour here yet.

Ser - Definitely not hardcore beer people serving, but they seem to be reasonably well-informed about what's on the menu, able to talk beer and make recommendations to non-BA types.

Sel - This where Simone's shines. Only craft brews on-tap, mostly local and regional. The bottle list is much more extensive than you'd expect in a place like this, and you'll even see somewhat hard to find gems like Hopslam and Behemoth here from time to time. Also a very good can selection, all craft except for the PBR tallboys.

F - Only eaten here once or twice, but it's decent bar fare. Good nachos and flatbreads.

V - The draft stuff and the cans are very reasonably priced, but the bottle list can get pricey, especially the bombers. I usually stick to drafts and cans when I'm here.

As I said, I always come here with friends, and it's a great place to hang out, so that may color my review a bit. However, I think the very good selection and great tap quality here make this worth a trip, especially if you're in the UIC/Pilsen area.
May 29, 2010
Photo of emerge077
Reviewed by emerge077 from Illinois

3.46/5  rDev -10.4%
vibe: 3 | quality: 4 | service: 3 | selection: 3.5
Hmmm, Simone's. I've been here exactly 3 times, and feel like I gave them plenty of time to improve since they opened. Some things they get right, and others they don't.

Three tap towers, all the same taps, never rotating. Why? Squandered potential.

Like loud music? It "goes to 11" all night.

This bar is in Pilsen, a neighborhood with strong cultural community, and this place sticks out like a sore thumb in some ways. The interior with deconstructed pinball machines is clever, if not overly designed, but it's unique to say the least. It feels like Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome in here. Prices on beer & food are generally high for the area. It doesn't seem to attract the locals, due to the trendy sterile vibe and relatively high prices. Service is tragically hip and hit or miss. Skylark is a much better beer bar in the area, with much more affordable beer & food. Maria's in Bridgeport is another nearby option that runs circles around Simone's.

But with all that said, they have a selection of good quality. Dark Horse, FFF, Founders, Bells, etc. Nicely varied bottle list. I've only had the fries here, so I can't comment much on the food, other than it's slightly upscale with a good variety.

I'd only go here if I was already in the area, and wouldn't make a detour for it.
If this all sounds like backhanded praise, it is.
May 21, 2010
Simone's in Chicago, IL
Place rating: 3.86 out of 5 with 7 ratings