Whiskey Road

Dear bar at 1935 Damen,
Please stop changing your name.
Love Heather

FREE BACON… just to make sure you get the point of this review.
I was hankerin for some free bacon last night… so I headed down to a bar I’d heard about, but had to see it for myself… The Whiskey Road Bar in Bucktown was my destination for cheap beer and more importantly free bacon… yes, free. God I love this country!!!
The bar is small and one may miss it walking by if it wasn’t for the huge sign outside the building with lettering spelling out the free bacon.
Once inside the establishment you’ll find it is compact and a little dark. Continue to walk further into the place and you’ll find a back seating area with folks play on a Wii… again something else that is free… did I say I love this country already?!
Once you’ve made it all the way to the back, you’ll see the kitchen window to the right. Just ask the cook for a basket of bacon and they’ll serve it right up too you… for free.
Head back to the bar, order a $ 3 mystery beer or a few others at that price and eat away.
I honestly have to say I couldn’t eat the entire basket… I felt like my heart was going to stop.
FYI: This free thingy is a Monday night only deal.

this place eats me.
awesome turkey burgers, good fries, okay beer selection, but not necessarily the best prices.
mystery beer for $ 3 is still $ 3 beer, and life’s too short to waste on yellow water that pees out yelllow in 13 minutes.
give me some hoppy goodness already!
staff can be nice when they know you
guitar hero… how many times can you listen to the same freakin songs?!
drunken chalk art, lots of dick art, which probably explains the chalk on my penis in the morning
i don’t know. can you love a place that advertises bottomless bacon only to discover that fatass santa ate the whole pig before your chance to burp bacon bubbles in your beer?
whatever, I may be back, or not, or maybe.

Stopped by here the other night to grab a beer. Interesting place. Located in the former Darwin’s space (wish someone had told us that as we walked down Damen looking for where it was) Whiskey Road is that little, low key neighborhood bar where all are welcome.
The walls are graphically arrayed with the patron’s skills with chalk on a huge chalkboard. Also adding to the low key feel are exposed brick walls and what can only be recovered wood accents. A huge CASH ONLY sign hangs above the bar. And don’t forget to ask for the «mystery beer» as it changes and it’s kind of fun to test out your taste buds to determine what you are drinking.
I wish it had been warmer out as we were sitting at the tables up front by the windows that, on a nice day, would have been flung open to the street (one of my favorite things about bars in the city). I like that inside/​outside feeling.
If there is a showman in you– then go to the back room and try out your skills at the guitar hero stage. There is a huge screen against the back wall and the stage, while a bit distant from the screen– allows you to be a silly as you want while the crowd cheers you on.
I probably wouldn’t go out of my way to stop by this place– but it definitley will go on the list of places to grab a beer when I am hanging with my friends who live in neighborhood.

To avoid the craziness of «the intersection» on Saturday night i checked out Whiskey Road with a few friends. Great laid back atomosphere. $ 3 mystery beer was definatly MGD, but fun to try and guess. A great place to start out an evening, nice seating, movies and guitar hero in the back and friendly people. no trixies ifrom Lincoln Park here! Just a chill crowd and nice bartenders!
I will be back for Kevin Bacon night! on Mondays sounds like a good time!

My go-​to answer for the Mystery Beer is usually Allagash White. I’m always wrong. (Fun beer to say though.) However, just the fact that they have a $ 3 Mystery Beer is awesome enough. How many other bars do you know that has this feature? I don’t know either. Plus, your inner creativity can shine (or not) by writing on the walls in chalk.
In the back room they play movies or Guitar Hero. I have yet to do either. Last time I was there, though, a couple was playing Guitar Hero and the girl was eliciting these moaning sounds every time she missed a key. So be forewarned that other people can hear you making sounds back there and will make fun.
A great bar, with good bartenders. And some interesting tricks to keep you coming back for more.

I’ve driven by Whiskey Road countless times and didn’t give a second thought to trying it out. The sign out front screamed «YUPPIE FERN BAR» and I didn’t try to prove or disprove my hypothesis. I just kept driving.
Stupid, stupid!
As it turns out, Whiskey Road is not a fern bar. It may be a yuppie bar on some nights, but on Monday night’s $ 10-​all-​you-​can-​eat fried bacon night, its beer-​swilling, bacon chugging neighborhood folk who just want to watch Grease and sing along with ‘Beauty School Dropout’.
There are lots of silly and fun details around Whiskey Road. Of course there’s the chalk. And then there’s the burger menu. Under extras, you can add, for $ 1 each, Hair, Love, or Spit. That’s $ 3.00 for ingredients that you usually get for free. And who can resist the Mystery Beer? A Terminator Doll marks the Mystery Beer tap, which at $ 3.00 a mug is $ 2.00 less than the other drafts.
My Turkey Burger — a double — was a work of art. It was so massive I was unable to fit it in my mouth. That’s my fault for asking for tomatoes (thick cut) and pickles AND cabbage AND whatever else they felt like throwing on. I went through a lot of napkins. It was as good a turkey burger as I’ve had anywhere in Chicago. I wasn’t a fan of the battered fries (though they were perfectly served, piping hot from the fryolater). A for effort, though.
Whiskey Road is what Street Side (at Armitage and Kedzie) should be. Simple. Fun. Collegial.

Whiskey Road is a small, neighborhoody place with lots of charm. They have a separate room with free Guitar Hero (it was my first time — so much fun!). I didn’t try the whiskey (not as a large of a selection as I thought would be there) but am looking forward to returnng for all you can eat bacon.

I’ve got to agree with my girl, Colleen. Whiskey Road was a bit off it’s game last night…
I arrived for my eagerly anticipated Monday night Guitar Hero + All-​You-​Can-​Eat-​Bacon extravaganza ready to rock out with my pick out and gorge on hot bacon and cold brew. I’m sad to say the Whiskey Road genie only fulfilled one of my three wishes because:
— Something was apparently «off» with the kegs that night and the beer was pouring warm and flat. Apparently the bartender already knew about the blunder, yet was pouring them anyway with no forewarning. I segued to bottled Amstel Light which was also pretty warm and the last bottle left (at 8:30pm). Ouch. I switched to Tsingtao (where are my egg rolls please??) because there was no Stella, Heineken, Sam Adam’s, Hefe… you get my drift. I laughed aloud when I saw my friend Kris pseudo-​enjoying a Red Stripe… I think the last time I saw him with one of those it was Spring Break ’96.
— All You Can Eat Bacon almost sounds too good to be true, right?! Well, apparently it is because they ran out of bacon by 8pm which was when we all arrived. Hindsight is ²⁰⁄₂₀ and I should have been more proactive to warn them we were coming, but our group was small and I really thought they’d be stocked up to the gills in pig with a namesake like that.
The utmost in redeeming factors was the Guitar Hero… that backroom is perfect for rocking out with your friends and small groups. I loved the little stage and dimly lit surroundings… definitely beats my living room! I’d be back any night of the week for that and that alone.
I’ve heard really great things about Whiskey Road, and being so close in the neighborhood I’ll definitely give it another shot. Let’s all bow our heads and pray for warmer temps, colder beer and the fastest fret fingers this side of the Mississippi…

Sniff Sniff… I can only reiterate the disappointment at this place running out of bacon at 8:00PM! When you offer a good deal like all you can eat bacon you need to be prepared! Unfortunately they were not well prepared at all. I did not get any! :-(Sniff Sniff! I did get a burger instead of the bacon feast and it was pretty darn good though.
I liked the atmosphere of this place. It was a very fun crowd although I think the majority of the people there were from Unilocal which would explain it. I was also introduced to guitar hero here too. I ended up jamming to Rock You Like a Hurricane! The bartender was very attentive too. I would like to give this place another try though, most likely on a bacon night!

Truly, I think Whiskey Road was just having an «off night.»
You can’t run out of bacon on «All-​you-​can-​eat» bacon Mondays, it’s illegal. Seriously…
The tap was broken, and for a «beer» bar this is somewhat catastrophic. Not only was it furiously foamy, but warm. Bad combo. I ended up drinking $ 3 cans of Tecate (yep). They weren’t that cold, either.
Besides the bacon snafu, the other food looked superbly fried and tasty. (ask Nikki C, his turkey burger was sent straight from the gods). Double deep fried french fries? genius.
The bartender Juan was a gem. Despite all the problems he still managed to keep us all relatively happy. I almost wanted to just drink the warm mug ‘o foam just to make him feel better. *almost.
My good friends live across the street and swear by this place, so I will be back on a better night, and have faith that Whiskey Road can prove itself… I’ll edit then.
Oh, and I want to draw on the walls. I think I’d be better at that than Guitar Hero. Fo sho.

Thanks to Brett D. some fellow Unilocalers and I had a piece of the «All you can eat bacon & Guitar Hero» pie. This place is really cozy, and warm. It is a bit dark, especially the back area where the big screen television lays for the Guitar Hero challenges.
It was really cool that most of the walls were covered with chalkboards. I just was wondering where all the chalk was, so I could pretend to be a little chalk painter. Oh well, maybe next time.
I didn’t eat anything, but looks like Zak O. and Dave S. enjoyed their burgers, even if they didn’t they sure look like they did.
This place is awesome, I love the atmosphere. Especially living in Wicker Park it is hard to find a warm cozy comfortable place. I will definitely be back for those yummy smelly looking burgers, oh yes with a side of Guitar Hero please!

Went here mainly for Bacon Mondays! I just have to say I think I have had my fill of fried foods for at least a month. If you are looking to eat here and want something that isn’t fried I don’t think it could happen.
Some of the best bacon I have had… so I know it wasn’t good for me. I was a little confused on how the $ 10 special worked and wish the bartender would of explained it better. I don’t think I’ll go back for the bacon, one time is enough. But I might stop in some night for drink.

I had my most recent birthday here after reading on Metromix that they have Guitar Hero ready and available to anyone with an ID. Just be forewarned — This is a cash only bar!
When you walk in, there are classroom chalkboard walls with chalk at your disposal. They have a special beer of the night that is über cheap, but they won’t tell you what it is. It was out of the Terminator tap (yes, it looked like the Governator himself dressed all in black!)
I asked how we play Guitar Hero — the female bartender asked for an ID and handed me a guitar. It was that simple. GH is set up in the back room with about 4 tables and a stage to rock out on. They encourage sharing, as their policy is «Everyone plays, or no one plays.»
NOTE: If you’re having a large amount of people come to join you for a party, they may have problems. I had several friends that were stuck in line. Some of them waited it out, others left — it was cold and January! By 10pm, it was one in, one out.
I did see on their exterior sign that they have AYCE bacon Mondays. Never seen that one before.

This place is good, I like it.
The draught beer selection is pretty small but decent and covering a good number of bases so far as variety goes, and the mystery beer ($ 3) has been good most times I’ve opted for that.
The Kevin Bacon movie night (with bottomless basket of bacon) I’ve heard nothing but good things about, and is no doubt a treat I will indulge in myself one of these days (though an excuse for bacon goodness which didn’t involve having to endure early Kevin Bacon movies would be nice.) Personally I’m pushing for a Lance Bass night in addition.
Another nice touch — the blackboard walls with complimentary chalk! And nicely in keeping with the laid back and primal, basic feel of the place. Plus the Guitar Hero set up is no doubt great for anyone into the game (never played it myself). Seems to keep the punters happy.
All in all, a positive experience and perfect for a regular, local bar, attracting a nice crowd with no real drawbacks.
EDITED TO ADD:
Upon another visit, the bartender informed me that they are accepting playlists from customers into their jukebox, you just have to burn your tunes onto a CD and give an accompanying track list, which made me inordinately excited, for one. This is something I’ll be agitating over the next few days.

It took me a while to get over the passing of Darwin’s. Especially their tasty Buffalo Burger. Frown! I guess the only good thing was waiting to see what would come next.. .
Don don donnnn.. . cue up Whiskey Road. Same space, edgier feel. When I first stepped on in, the Chalkboard wall read, «No (rhymes with Koosh Tags)!’»
«OK,» I thought, «I have been called a lot of things but never that.
I think I’m safe.»
It was extremely smoky when I came here so I am sure the smoking ban bumps this review up a notch. The bartender was really nice but no one else seemed to give a sniff that we were there. This is fine with me because I didn’t come to see them anyway.
Major props for the «Mystery Beer» selection. I like surprises. Other than that, this place reminds me of the typical Wicker Park Bar — chalkboard menu with a great beer selection at not-​so-​great prices. Shoot for the specials is my advice here.
I would like to come back for some smoke-​free Guitar Hero action. Since my bro and my best buddy live close by, I am sure one day I will.

Very cute bar. It’s all true. Nice ambiance, friendly service, yummy brews, whiskey, free jukebox and GUITAR FUCKING HERO YO (all flavors)! I stopped in for a quick belt and a few rounds of GH. Alotta the walls were blackboarded for chalk fun. Didn’t try the food but they had a noisy kitchen in the back (next to the GH area *WTF?!*).
I’ll definately come back and shred a bit longer next time. :)
ROCK!

Went into this bar because it’s a few doors down from my job. I’m sucker for winter brews and the one i had but sadly cant remember the name was great! they also have a mystery beer for $ 3 which is always fun, i didnt try it this time around but next time for sure.
they also have a free juke box and guitar hero in the back that some of my guy friends would enjoy.
oh heads up… its cash only
*update*
went last friday with my best guy bud and i had the christmas brew again and something else the bartender had me try and i liked.
anyways, this time we ordered food. they only have burgers, i just got a turkey burger. they give you a list you check what you want etc. try the juan sauce, its good.
i also got the fried pickles, HELLO! the first time i tried them was when I went to Violet Hour and loved them there. They were really good here, nice thick slice and i dipped it in the juan sauce.
one day when its empty im going to attempt to play guitar hero… someone has to teach me.
**1/12/08**i’ve learned how to play in rock band so i’m ready!

Dare I say it?
Best Bar in Chicago?
Basically.
I stumbled into this place on a Bucktown barcrawl and boy, I am glad I did. I didn’t remember much from that night other than the back room of this place. It is maybe a 20 – 25 foot long x 10 feet wide room with a 6in platform in the back (with a little table for your drinks or ashtray) and a big projection screen in the front. You give the bartender two IDs — you get two wireless PlayStation 2 guitars. You then get to shred to a variety of heavy metal/​hard/​classic rock hits with your buddies (the ladies really like this game too) as either lead or rhythm guitar, or bass. In between you and the screen are 3 or so round tables where a crowd can gather and cheer you on. I’m not exaggerating here when I say it fucking rocks!
As for the rest of the bar, it is fairly typical — aside from the chalk board wall where you can leave your temporary mark, and the tables, which are kind of really cool (they’re artsy, i.e., they have one with a phrase from The Wall. I wish I had one).
As it has just recently opened as Whiskey Road (used to be Darwin’s)they only serve hamburgers, and they only accept cash.
They also have a $ 3 mystery beer on tap — I could tell I’ve had it before I just couldn’t place it. It comes in a glass, frosty mug — perfect for a quick slam in the middle of one your face melting solos.
Although I’m doing my best to keep it going myself — please frequent this place so it doesn’t close!

nice. friendly place. use to be darwin’s but i think this version is better. went in with my roommate and the owner and bartender were very welcoming. the wall is a huge chalkboard so you can drunkenly express yourself artistically (there are some nice drawings by a professional on the top, so we mostly get the bottom of the board). also there is a huge screen and stage to play guitar hero in the back. so everyone is a rock star for about 5 minutes. like i said, a nice place. i will make it a regular place if they have daily specials.
free jukebox for the time being!