Monday 13th of December 2010 03:36:36 PM

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I stopped in here for dinner the night after we videotaped the 700th episode of "Chic-A-Go-Go!". It was a Sunday, and during gridiron season. But the Bears' game had ended, and I thought this venue would not be crowded. I was correct.
Some of you may not know that this is associated with the Hackney's restaurants in the northern suburbs. This was a venue to which I was taken a clutch of times, frequently with mom and dad, by friends and relatives. But that was years, if not decades, ago.

Hackney's is famous for its hamburgers and its onion-ring loaf. I did not order the onion-ring loaf, because I doubted my ability to eat it all by myself, and partial orders were rejected as not being the best value for the money. Here's another reason to meet me. [Have I mentioned all these Drink Deck cards, and Groupon certificates I have scrounged?]

I sat at the bar, which is directly in front of you as you enter. (The dining room is to your left.) I opted for the "famous Hackneyburger" - medium, on dark rye. It was properly cooked. I added ketchup. The beef was delicious. The french fries were slightly crunchy. They were good with or without ketchup. The cole slaw was OK.

While the food gets the top billing, I must relate that its selection of beers on draft are amongst the best to be found _anywhere_ in Chicago, much less downtown. I could understand you making this your 'local' pub venue, even if you live away from here. Hackney's regularly updates its beer selections on BeerMenus [http://www.beermenus.com/cities/chicago/bars/hackney-s-printers-row], where you may also discern pricing.

This was a challenging venue to review. I started considering each aspect of my visit here individually. Service was great. The food was very good. The selection of beers on draft was above average. It offers free wi-fi internet connectivity (via RCN Cable and SBC-Illinois). My original perception that pricing here was above average was faulty when I recollected that this is near downtown. Rents | real estate taxes are higher here than in other city neighborhoods. Lastly, when I realized that most of the beers on draft here are 19-ounce pours, this perception falls by the wayside. Hackney's earns a high-review rating on the sum of these aspects.

Transit options: This is easy. You just have to realize that the nearest subway station may not be in the direction from which you walked here (especially if you were shopping in the Loop). The Red Line "L"'s closest stop is Harrison, to your east (two blocks away - because Hackney's is in the middle of the block). The Loop "L" is three blocks north at State & Van Buren. The Blue Line "L" stop is LaSalle & Congress (two blocks north & two blocks west).

Friday 4th of June 2010 04:30:20 PM

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8/09
Excellent bar service here, they were chatting about beer the whole time, and didn't charge anything for a soda on the side. Bar is directly inside on the right, separated from a classy dining area suitable to bring your parents to. Patio seating outside on a quiet street. There was a chalkboard that grouped the beers by location and season... "Summer beers" "Midwest" West Coast, Belgian, East Coast, etc.

There were 2 Surly beers listed, also Metropolitan, Matilda, Golden Cap, A Belgian Wit, and a few others. Value was good, several options in a 19 oz. pub glass for $5 or less. The bar area was fairly small and cozy.

From what I hear everywhere, they have a killer burger, but I didn't have time for one today. Kasey's up the street may have a better selection, but this place is far more cozy and relaxing.

Monday 22nd of December 2008 04:44:10 PM

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This person needs 3 or more reviews on the site for their scores to start counting.

Nice beer selection. Small but excellent taps, plus some great bottles. Belgians on tap always make me happy, and they'll serve a Delirium Tremens in the right glassware. Good seasonal rotation.

I can't say a lot about the food, because even though I've been here multiple times, I only ever get the same thing -- the inside-out burger is yummy.

Decent pricing. Parking can be difficult, but that's common in the area, and there's a pay lot not too far away.