A group of us went to Dharma Garden for a BYOB get together, and then headed over to Fuller’s Pub, which was only a block away west on Irving. We had a wonderful time — the band(Johnny Butane and the Rhythm Flames) were super great, and everybody at the bar was nice and friendly. We danced and had a really fun time. I totally plan on going back — I think they have live music on Fridays and Saturdays. There was no cover, but of course we tipped the band!
Bruce Alan B.
Rating des Ortes: 1 Chicago, IL
Do NOT go here. I spent most of a Friday evening there(8 — 12), enjoying my friend’s band. In truth, it’s a great little dive place — tacky furnishings, local crowd, cheap-but-good drinks. The staff was even really friendly. Unfortunately, the same cannot be said of the Regulars at this bar. My friends’ band was headed by a regular himself and the crowd of band friends that showed up outnumbered the«regulars» by at least 4 to 1. We also spent much more money than the«Regs». The Regulars spent the entire evening making it very very clear that we were not welcome, despite spending liberally. The rude, offensive behavior of the Regulars got worse as the night wore on. It was so bad that one of them accosted my wife on our way out of the bar 12:30 a.m. with the clear intent of starting a fight. So, it’s very clear to me, despite all of the things that could be good about this bar, that the Regular clientele DONOTWANTNEWPEOPLETOCOME. So, unless you are looking to pick a bar fight with a fat drunk — do not go to this bar. In particular if you are a woman, do not go to this bar, unless you are looking to be publically humiliated by fat drunks.
Lisa M.
Rating des Ortes: 4 Chicago, IL
Yes, I’m a fan. I went here because my friend and I wanted to have some daytime drinks and Fuller’s was open! Pleasant surprise… great service, excellent prices! The old timer regulars were friendly. I’m glad I stopped in!
Rahshonda K.
Rating des Ortes: 3 Chicago, IL
Fullers was exactly what I expected when we walked in. A dive bar simple and plain. My bff and I went to see a play that was being put on at the bar about the election of 1985 here in Chicago. It was an awesome play I might add. The bar is certainly old school and the bartenders took their time. I saw them at one in of the bar, They noticed I was standing there at the other end but never came that way… ok… I figured I better go to that end to get service, and wouldn’t you know they went down to the end of where I was originally at. I smiled and eventually got my order placed. This place is definitely for the regulars. I’m feeling that play brought a lot of diversity that night and it may be a long time for it sees more days like that. Fullers was great for that moment but do not think I will be back.
Jen K.
Rating des Ortes: 4 Chicago, IL
Let me start off by saying, a family friend owns Fuller’s, so I may be a bit biased. By family friend, I mean my aunts, uncles & mother went grammar school with him. Jimmy has played host to just about every one of my family members’ 21st birthday’s first legal drink. Most recently, including my little sister’s last night. It’s kind of a right of passage, in our family. With that said… Last night I noticed new flat screen tv’s & an internet jukebox. I was surprised. Fuller’s hasnt changed a thing since I was little. Yes, the same dirty, old, green carpet is still there, but it gives it character. Every St. Patrick’s Day, bagpipers come & play a few tunes, which is usually where you’ll find my family that day, every year, waiting on them. I enjoy visiting family & friends here. Anytime I walk in I know someone. It’s like Cheers, where everybody knows your name.
Michael H.
Rating des Ortes: 3 Chicago, IL
This joint is Old School… In business since 1976 and the«Regulars» look like they’ve been there since opening day! Inside it’s big and has everything you would want in a dive bar… Including a Popcorn Machine and an ATM! My only complaint would be that it’s too damn bright inside… Other than that, pretty standard joint with average character level. Liked the Sunday Night Bartender/super cool! GTFJD
Nick A.
Rating des Ortes: 4 Chicago, IL
I’ve only been here once, but intend on going back. I’d classify this as a «local bar» and what most would call a «dive bar»…however, sometimes beauty is in the eye of the beholder. This is the kind of place where one goes to drink not necessarily to be seen. If you need more than a drink and conversation with the regulars to have a good time, then you’re not going to have a good time. If you want to get to know your neighborhood, the characters that live in it, and drink at reasonable rate… this is your place. We intend on going back!
Caley R.
Rating des Ortes: 3 Chicago, IL
A group of friends and I were walking around my neighborhood on st. patty’s day and decided to check Fullers out. We walked in to a 40+ crowd while my group are all 22 – 21. But as soon as we stepped in a few of the regulars(I assume) greeted us, most of them were very friendly. The place is a total dive bar but as soon as we stepped in it felt like a homey place. The old men were loving us young girls for sure. ;) The bar tender was kind of dumb but she was super friendly! The bar is a decent size but could use more tables. I loved that they are dog friendly, the dog I met inside, Calvin, I believe, was well trained and adorable. The one big draw back was the music. They were blaring old school traditional Irish music. Which is fine in rotation but after 40 minutes of listening to this I had to leave. It was way too loud and obnoxious. The prices were good but I don’t think I’ll keep this as my hang out. Maybe every so often i’ll stop in but it’s more of an older crowd.
Manda C.
Rating des Ortes: 1 Chicago, IL
I love dive bars but not this one. I was out with a friend looking for a spot to have an after dinner drink before we headed home. I thought of Fullers since it’s near my house. I loved the parking lot in the back but as soon as we walked in we were hit in the face with an awful smell not your typical dive smell it was the smell of cat hoarder. We walked right out. I doubt I’ll be stopping in there again.
Andy M.
Rating des Ortes: 1 Elmhurst, IL
Pretty much had to wait five minutes for the bartender to appear. The guy seemed more interested in cell phones than in the crowd of losers that half filled the joint. One of the worse bars I have seen in the city proper. Not really much here and their televisions are very small and far away.
Lorna S.
Rating des Ortes: 1 Cook, IL
A BARWITH A CARPET?! Come on people!!! This is truly a dive bar where you are accepted if you are a neighborhood regular. I was there for a late night St. Paddy’s Day celebration. It was outdated, and… HADCARPET!!! No, you will not be judged here unless they think that you are judging them(even if you’re not). Well, if you live in the neighborhood and you know people, you might be comfortable here. Otherwise, I wouldn’t go. No offense to the regulars, I just didn’t feel particularly welcome.
Ting A.
Rating des Ortes: 4 Chicago, IL
when i think about it, i have a lot in common w/true dive bar professionals. i reek of broken dreams and fried food. i don’t mind having a seat at the bar and drinking by myself. in fact, i sometimes prefer it. …the other day, i walked into fuller’s w/a few of my friends… sigh. …little did i know that this would be the closest i’d get to reciprocated love. it is here that i am not judged. it is here that i wash away all of my hope and positivity w/the ebb and tide of grey geese. my life is a crestless wave of… …ooh. damn. jack(the bartender) made some microwaveable popcorn. friends, do not despair. there is a silver lining. at fuller’s, you are graced w/top of the line juice brands. some may snicker at my delight, but, believe me, if i am to wallow in my murky abyss of anguish, i’d rather swallow gulps of ocean spray cran on my way down rather than the $.99 store bought filth. — - i may be hopeless, but i still have a rocks glass worth of pride. if the whitewashed jeans guy and the passed out-possibly on meth-fellow at the bar aren’t entertaining enough, take a gander at the wondrous foaming guinness machine! jack, also doubling as bill nye, the science guy, demonstrated that the magical guinness machine was only meant for guinnesses as the old style draft bubbled up and spilled onto the floor. if the guinness machine doesn’t do it for you, there’s a jukebox, a couple of arcade games, a dartboard, and a very, very small dance floor in the middle of the bar to keep you entertained. …oh, and the women’s bathroom has a revolving hand drying cloth towel and a full length mirror. pretty spiffy for a dive bar. to jack and unknown patron: thank you for offering to share your salad, ribs, fries, and popcorn w/us! notes: *bring your cubs ticket stub to fuller’s and get your first old style draft for a penny! *if you’re going to drive, avoid feeding the parking meter by parking your car in the lot behind the bar.
Victor A.
Rating des Ortes: 4 Chicago, IL
Great neighborhood bar with its own set of «professional» drinkers. definitely a blue collar joint, which is fine with me. Oldstyle on tap and microwave popcorn, always a good combination. Jim, the owner was behind the bar, and loved to talk sports. he even bought us a few rounds. I really think I went and did it this time, as this place is walking distance for me. I will definitely be back. At the very least to catch a Bears game or two…
Andy M.
Rating des Ortes: 5 Denver, CO
If you’re like me, you love carpeted bars. I’m generally not satisfied if an evening out doesn’t include at least one stop at a bar with carpet. The carpet has to be faded green, hard, and it’s got to be torn to shreds. This is one of my many treasured carpet bars. One night, without warning, a group of kilt wearing Scots came into Fuller’s with bagpipes and snare drums and hammered out some tunes. The regulars are the right amount of surly, and the three square foot dance floor has seen its fair share of fast feet!
Nancy T.
Rating des Ortes: 4 Chicago, IL
I love this little Dive bar. Its walking distance. the crowd is always friendly and on St. Patrick’s day they have little curly haired Irish dance res come in and put on a show… its quaint. fun. and completely not-pretentious.