Stanley's
Roxanne · 137 Google reviewsStanley's — one of Back of the Yards's strongest bar & grill spots. It wears its years well. Quality product you can taste. Easy on the wallet, cash only. Abuelita Maco: "The breaded pork chops are my favorite, crispy on the outside and tender on the inside" [$]
What 104 diners keep saying
What 104 diners keep saying
verbatim, from Google
“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.”
“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”
“Friendly staff and a vibrant atmosphere make this place great for casual dinners.”
“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.”
“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!”
“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”
“Really cool place, friendly people and delicious homemade food that was generously portioned at an inexpensive price.”
Sounds like your kind of place?
Star it — your hit list is where dinner decisions get made.
One email a month — new openings, hidden gems, and where locals are actually eating.
More dining in Pilsen & Chinatown
See the ranking →
In the same lane · budget
If it's packed, walk to…
More good rooms in Back of the Yards, minutes away.