Second Story Bar

Yeah, my gin and tonic tasted as though the tonic was mixed with gasoline and Satan’s tears. The stairway up to the entrance literally looks like it was taken straight out of a horror film without a budget. The air smelled musty and it was so humid that you could barely breathe. (Or was it just the colognes from the older crowd in that night.) The bartender tried way too hard as well. He had an undeserved sense of arrogance that was really out of place in that disaster which was more like an armpit than a bar. So yeah, I didn’t have a good time.

Woah, what happened to this place? I used to come here a lot, but have since moved away. Decided to revisit for some casual drinks while in town. Bartenders were not friendly at all, and one seemed to be blazing drunk. Killed the music 4 times in succession to scream «who wants a shot?» To no response, again cuz I think he was drunk. He kept killing the music and screaming it until a bunch of people raised their hands. At which point he started singling out those in the bar with their hands raised, insulting them, and saying «ew, but not you bitch.» On top of that, my bf had his fresh drink spilled 5 seconds after ordering, we were given a filthy soaked rag to clean it up ourselves, and then charged for the replacement drink even after an original generous tip.
So you can insult customers, offer shots to an entire bar for free, but not replace a full drink spilled by accident? …gotcha, but I’ll go elsewhere. Really a shame, this used to be a very fun, friendly, chill place to go.

Used to live in Chicago and this was one of my favorite spots to go. Am in town and was very excited to come back. The charming friendly atmosphere is gone. Was in the bar for under 5 minutes and accidentally spilled my drink after only one sip. Bartender saw it spill and I cleaned it up myself which was no problem and was charged for my spilled drink. Seriously?!? They don’t even do that I’m fancy corporate places. What happened to my favorite hole in the wall bar. Horrible

Very good atmosphere good local people the owner and bartenders was great. I felt like I was among family and friends great place to relax and the drinks was inexpensive and good. Come to Chicago got to visit.

I watched the bartender turn in to a dictator while sitting as a bystander. Kicking people out for no reason, etc. Not a chill vibe at all. I do not recommend this place.

If you like a daddy bar this is the place for you. I went here before and it used to have a backroom which is now just another place for you to drink. Anyway Carlos started his shift and said I was cute he grabbed bottle and offered me a shot. Then we started to talk a bit. He asked me for my number numerous times. Now granted Carlos was the only hottie in the entire bar but from what I heard and read reviews on other online sites he is the biggest Hoe in the bar. That was confirmed when he kept asking for my number. I was there on two separate visits and the same thing just a dive bar.

Against my better judgement I decided to give this bar a second chance after we determined it was likely the person I was with was drugged by one of the bartenders several years ago. It was a terrible decision to make. I have never been treated so poorly at any place of business.
Not only is the bartender, Carlos, a drunk, but he openly insults guest that he finds imperfect in his eyes. After suffering a direct insult about my appearance and the beer I was ordering, I was denied service for what was a mixute of both apparent imperfections. When I talked to the manager the next morning I was told that I must have misunderstood him, which quickly turned into me being told «i can’t take a joke». It is apparent that this establishment, its staff, and its manager have zero respect for those that are not their own.
Since this time, it has become apparent to me that most of their patrons find it acceptable for a bartender to be obliterated, treat guest the way I was treated, say they don’t remember because we’re drunk, and move on with life. This leads me to an unfortunate assumption that their patrons are, indeed, just as terrible as the Carlos and his manager.

I’m not sure what happened. Total dive that’s cash only. What do you expect? Really small. It is what you make of it.

Worst bar ever. Met at the door by a rude greeting. Place is cash only (which I knew ahead of time). What decade are we in? Bartender was rude and deaf. Overall wouldn’t recommend it to anyone. Definitely not suited to the neighborhood it sits in as well. It’s kind of a blemish on the rather excellent Streeterville landscape.

I have been there twice and had a pretty good experience the first time. Good drinks, chill crowd, etc.
I went there last night (Tuesday), and things started ok. The bartender was playing his own music, and I requested he play Kylie. He said «I’m gay, but I’m not that gay» in a snarky manner. I stood up and told him I couldn’t believe what he said. My friend and I got up and left. Will definitely not go back there. I wish I remembered the bartender’s name.

Having a blast … With great drinks and awesome bartenders !! The Drinks are worth it with an awesome atmosphere:) we will be coming back

Omg this place was fun! Welcoming and the liquor TOP SHELF but affordable had a grand time and the BOYS loved me ladies get yo life if a gay man says you’re FAB you most certainly are! Baby Got Good Bar

You would probably never know it existed unless someone told you about it. That being said, I’m glad it was recommended to us during our recent trip to Chicago. It was within walking distance from our hotel (if you’re not looking to make the trip to Boystown), the bartender AJ was friendly and fun, and the drinks were strong and cheap. It is a very tiny bar, but obviously worth the visit.

Unless you want to pay $ 5 for a soda (yes, that $ 5 for a plain club soda) accompanied by terribly rude service, don’t go here.

Literally do not go here. About 90% sure it’s a 40 – 60 year old gay bar. If that’s your scene go for it, but as a 21 year old woman I felt sufficiently awkward. It’s one very small room, so if you want big and want to see females do not go here

Okay, before reading, note I have never actually been here.
So I was curious about their hours of operation, and was just calling in (1:30am, hours say 12pm-​2am). I wanted go with some friends for lunch, and was curious if they are actually open that early.
That being said, I gave a call. I was expecting atleast an answering machine recording with the hours; or get back office for a host/​manager to answer my question (like 99% of all bars in Chicago). Instead I just got an extremely rude employee who just kept hanging the phone up on me (only tried 3x, never again).
We live in an age of business where customer service is priority. Your product can suck, but as long as you have good customer service to represent you, people will stick with you. All restaurants train their employees to be satisfied from start to finish to ensure they have to most gratifying experience.
I have not been to 2^nd Story, and this alone is a reason why not to go. If they don’t have the time address me, I don’t have the time for them. I understand that it might be close to closing, and they don’t want to bother — then they can transfer me to an answering machine. Not hang up abruptly 3x in a row.
Second Story, doesn’t even deserve a ‘second’ thought.’

Well, after seeing many reviews on this place I wasn’t expecting anything since it seemed to be a hit or miss. But being that I went there mid afternoon (10÷25÷14) and left around 7, I was amazed.
So basically, once you make the turn around the extra fancy GAP store that’s located in michigan avenue, you walk for less than a minute until you get to the building that has a restaurant on the first floor and the sign on the second floor saying «Second Story» and an open sign. I went up stairs and right away I hear noise and i knew it was the big flashy metal door that has a sign that says «Have ID ready».
So I walked in and man was the place small. It’s around the size of my living room if not a bit smaller. The bar itself takes up most of the space. But it’s rather cozy and intimate since everyone is brushing up against everyone.
So I did not get asked to verify age which is a bit of a turn off since anyone can go in and ask for booze or it was just my lucky day although I’m already 21. Well I went to the back close to the window and sat in front of the bar (although everyone can sit in front of the place since it’s so small). I know. It sounds as if I’m bashing the place but I’m not. I actually liked it a lot.
Well, in less than 5 minutes, I already had my drink being made and I ordered a Gin martini up with a twist and the bartender shakes it instead which had me a bit bothered but it’s whatever.
Man was that martini strong. And for 7 $?! That’s a winner for me.
So i sipped on it until it was gone. In actuality I was craving a margarita. So I asked him if he could make one and to my surprise said yes. I was impressed. So he made it and boy did he put tequila in it. And again. Only for 7 $$!!!
I left the place with a good buzz and happy. I’ll definitely be going back. The only drawback which has me giving it 4 stars instead of 5 is that the music was a little too loud for my liking. Other than that, friendly people and a very friendly and cute bartender. They will be seeing me back again pretty soon.

I made a Unilocal profile just so I can write this review with the hope that the management would read this and take it seriously. Now, if you’ve read the negative reviews regarding a specific bartender that is frequently drunk off his ass and a complete jerk to customers, they are very true. There is a specific bartender that works almost every night (and anyone who works there or goes there frequently will know which bartender I’m talking about) who has blown my mind time and time again by how big of an asshole he can be. I have seen him be extremely rude — and sometimes just plain mean — to a countless number of customers, as well as several friends of mine that I have brought into this bar.
Normally a douchey/​bitchy bartender wouldn’t be such a big deal, but given how tiny this place is, the way the bartender acts is actually a very big deal to how good of a time you will have.
I used to adore this place. When I first moved to Chicago I thought this was the best dive/​gay bar ever. It is awesome because they are generous with their booze, everything is cheap, and there is a good clientele that likes to have fun with each other. Everything is good about this place except for that one bartender. And the worst part is that he works almost every single night!
This bar is a good place. I do like it a lot. However, the fact that nothing has been done to regulate the horrendous behavior of one of the main bartenders has forced me to give it only 2 stars. The fact that nothing has changed despite the numerous reviews by people with the same complaints is pretty pathetic as well.
I’m tired of feeling super awkward when I see the bartender be extremely rude to people that don’t deserve it. I’m tired of bringing friends into this place to have them leave agitated because they were disrespected for no reason. I should just stop going to this bar all-​together, but a part of me always hopes it goes back to the nice fun place that it was when I first moved here.
Something needs to be done about this bartender, and the management needs to address the issue. It is extremely unprofessional. And given that this bar is a hot spot for gay travelers/​tourists who are staying in the loop, don’t you think it would be a good idea to give them a good impression of your bar, and the Chicago gay scene in general? Please do something about this.

Very small and unobtrusive, I’ve walked past this place on Michigan Avenue for years and never knew it existed. A tiny spot — maybe 10 bar stools around the bar and a few more along the back counter is all the room you have here, and don’t even think about sitting (or even looking) at the ice machine — so the sign says.
Second Story definitely isn’t the biggest, the best, or even the newest, but I’ll be swinging by the next time I need to mingle with my own while shopping the day away on Chicago’s Magnificent Mile.

Wednesday evening. Bored, and nothing to do.
So I went back to the Second Story for the first time in a few months. Parked in front, walked up the steep stairs to the second floor as someone was coming down. Had to wait for them to pass; the stairs aren’t wide enough for two people. They passed, and I continued up the stairs.
Enter Second Story. Carlos, one of the best bartenders (and one of the cutest) was behind the bar. Now I KNOW I’m going to get wasted. He pours with a heavy hand and will not hesitate to give you a shot or… whatever.
The clientele hadn’t changed much since I’ve been there last… your typical guys there to have a good time, your overserved patrons (more on that in a moment), and then those individuals, like me, just there to chill out, have a drink and some conversation.
Usually they don’t have any issues there and most people know when to cut themselves off… HOWEVER, the last time I was there a certain individual was there «from St. Louis» (aka Uptown) decided he wanted to continue to put his hands on me and get in my face. Bad idea. It didn’t end very well for said individual.
I ended up buying a round of beer to some complete strangers… having conversation… and making new friends.
I’ll be back, soon.