Stanley's

“I had a few days in Chicago this past week, and one afternoon my wife, and a good friend, and I...”

I had a few days in Chicago this past week, and one afternoon my wife, and a good friend, and I decided to do a little day drinking. I dug into my list of must-visit spots and we ended up on the South Side at Stanley’s on Ashland Ave. & 43rd, right across from the old Chicago Stockyards. From the outside it’s just a plain nondescript brick building with almost no signage—you’d drive right past it if you didn’t know where you were going. From the second we walked in, I knew we had found something special. Stanley’s has been around for 100 years, and stepping inside feels like stepping back in time: dark wood bar, vintage Old Style Beer signs, mid century furniture an old classic jukebox, and a spotlessly clean, no-frills vibe that feels like your grandma’s kitchen turned into a tavern. Shout out to Laura, was our bartender, who knew the area’s history and gave us some great food recommendations. She also pours a pretty stiff drink! We didn’t eat this time (just missed the pork chop, au gratin potatoes and veggie special), but the menu is all hearty, homemade classics—burgers, patty melts, grilled chicken, steak sandwiches. With a view of the kitchen, I could picture my Grannie back there holding court and cooking. Drinks were strong, the service was friendly, and it felt like the kind of place generations of Southsider have been coming to for decades. History is everywhere. This was once part of “Whiskey Row,” a strip that served stockyard workers, and you can still feel the generations of Southsiders who’ve come here over the last 100 years. Today, it remains cash-only, with a well-stocked bar, great cocktails, and a friendly bartender. It’s not a dive bar, not a retro gimmick—just a real, old-school Chicago neighborhood tavern. Honestly, it was the perfect afternoon stop, and I’d go back in a heartbeat for lunch and more drinks.

Carl Graddy

Sep 2025

“Daily specials are not to be missed Homemade meals made by wonderful people Stop by on Bears game days..”

Daily specials are not to be missed Homemade meals made by wonderful people Stop by on Bears game days... Best group of folks you'll find, period Viva BOTY

Matthew Miller

Dec 2025

“Wonderful”

Jamie Ekx

Oct 2025

“Friendly staff and a vibrant atmosphere make this place great for casual dinners.”

Cairo Johnston

Aug 2025

“I attended the opening today with a group of friends.”

I attended the opening today with a group of friends. We were greeted by former Chicago Bear, Israel Idonije, who is also one of the partners of the establishment. The food was delicious, and the wings were a hit! The service was excellent. We look forward to making this one of our spots, whether before or after a game or just for happy hour with friends. I highly recommend this place.

Reginald Garrett

Jan 2025

“The last tavern left on Whiskey Row, where a dozen or more bars (all on the same block) quenched...”

The last tavern left on Whiskey Row, where a dozen or more bars (all on the same block) quenched the thirst and hunger of Stockyards workers starting in 1924. Park and enter in the rear, join the locals, and experience a little bit of old Chicago!

John Shostack

Aug 2024

“This place has the best homemade meals ever seriously I've never had a bar cook food that makes you...”

This place has the best homemade meals ever seriously I've never had a bar cook food that makes you feel like you're at home

Justin Waugh

Apr 2024

“Really cool place, friendly people and delicious homemade food that was generously portioned at an inexpensive price.”

Leo Kennedy

Oct 2023

“I rated this tavern a 5 because it is awesome.”

I rated this tavern a 5 because it is awesome. Wanda was the best. A Chicago Icon. It was so terribly sad of her passing 💔 but we all know someone has a new guardian angel 😇. I'm happy to see that Stanley's is going great with the love of the neighborhood and the family and friends of Stanley's. The food is delicious and the staff is awesome especially the one they call Darla the darling. She's as tough as nails but as sweet as she is nice. I love her dearly my very good friend of mine and my husband and we are very happy she is in our neighborhood 😊. Good luck Darla💋

Roxanne

Jun 2023

“Great neighborhood bar and home cook meals .”

Edward Cole

Aug 2022

“Love the place. The food and bartender are great. Be back there soon.”

mike vis

Mar 2021

“Great Bartender. (Darlene) great service.”

MARTHA MARTINEZ

Mar 2021