Monday 21st of December 2009 10:14:20 AM

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Located on an unassuming stretch of Ashland Ave., The Ashland sets itself apart with a colorful, elaborate graffiti mural on the north side of it's façade.

Inside the lighting is low, with older wood floors and high tables set around the room. The bar seats maybe twelve, with a large central tap tower, and another cluster next to it. On the end of the bar is a trivia game. There were a few flatscreens around. A few beer signs were hung around with holiday decorations here and there. There were 4 french doors along the north wall, that open to patio seating in warmer months. In the back there was a more loungey area with low tables and sectional booths. On a late saturday night there was a dj, and it wasn't especially crowded. There seemed to be a few large groups there for the night.

Beer-wise the selection was good, with mostly standbys like Alpha King, Gumballhead, and Two Hearted. I had an ST Old Man Winter on tap. Noticed a couple seasonals, Goose Mild Winter, and Bells Winter White. Not a huge selection, but some quality options in there. This is more of a local neighborhood pub than beer destination. There are a few other places nearby that could be included on a pub crawl: Paddy Longs, Delilahs, Shire, etc.

Tuesday 21st of August 2007 04:04:05 PM

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This is a moderate tavern amidst a few other sports pub taverns near the corner of Diversey and Ashland. I offer that it tries to distinguish itself by its more extensive beer menu. Yes, you could espy a banner for a megabrew on an exterior, but at least it is Pabst Blue Ribbon. Inside, the taps are divided between a few megabrews, some English beers, the ubiquitous Blue Moon and Goose Island, and some surprises like Berghoff, Lagunitas, and Great Lakes [Cleveland].
The tavern also presents its food menu. Depending on the weeknight you might visit, the deal could be on pizza puffs, hamburgers, corn dogs, or tacos. The deals are good. Otherwise, you're going to spend $6 for something to eat.
It is a nice place, suitable for a quiet first date with somebody. The thought that resides in the rear of my mind (at least) is that _Delilah's_ is five blocks away from it; and that could cause me to curtail my visit here in order to go over there.