Maria's Packaged Goods and Community Bar — Restaurant in Chicago

I’m sharing this to echo a common and very unfortunate theme that is in the reviews for this place.

A large group of us went twice last night before and after a Sox game. The patio was stunning and the space is very fresh and homely. We understand the bar gets busy so we were very patient with our first bartender. Although 20 minutes is a while to wait for a drink, he was busy and our drinks were delicious. We had a nice time and decided to return since we had some time to grab a drink after the game.

Upon our return is when things really descended. The bar was busy so our same large group patiently found spots at to wait for a beverage. The bar back informed one member of our group that he could only serve beers due to the fact that the bartender was too busy to make drinks at the moment. While this isn’t ideal, the barback did attempted to provide us with a drink instead of no drink. Some of our guests were able to get cocktail and some were not. Not the end of the world. However, the female bartender, had one of the most off putting attitudes towards patrons that I have ever encountered. She was combative and dismissive every single time one of us would get a drink. My friend ordered a drink after waiting 15 minutes. The bartender began explaining loudly in front of my friend to another employee how annoying it was that she had to make a drink that was ON THE MENU! Incredible level of unprofessionalism to speak about a guest in front of them.

When we went to cash out our tab she said she couldn’t split tabs because she didn’t know how to work the Toast system. When my boyfriend asked if there was another option for splitting she immediately cut him off and replied “I don’t have time to listen to a customer try and press me to do something I don’t know how to do and if it’s because you don’t have any money, why don’t you let the other person pay you first instead of bothering me about splitting your tab.” She then walked away and began eating off of what must have been her friends plate who sitting at the bar. I was actually shocked that this came out of someone’s mouth who worked in this establishment. This is a disgusting way to treat patrons of your bar. This kind of attitude and treatment of guests will continue drive away any business that you might have. It’s absolutely unacceptable.

Again, the bar was busy but, it was the definition of poor service that warranted not just a one star, but a visitation to the management team as we left. We relied our concerns to a male manager who was manning the door. He was apologetic, however made no further efforts in the moment to see if there were any steps he could take to make the situation right. It’s a shame that this place we had just discovered holds their service standards this low. We always give places a second chance because sometime a place has an off night, unfortunately, the level of disrespect from the bartender makes it unlikely us or anyone from our group will...

A Hidden Gem in Chicago’s South Side

If you’re looking for a true hidden gem in Chicago’s South Side, Maria’s Packaged Goods & Community Bar is the spot to seek out. This neighborhood staple effortlessly blends a retro charm with modern craft cocktail culture, making it a must-visit for both locals and visitors.

From the moment you step inside, the amazing vibes set the tone for a memorable night. The atmosphere is warm, inviting, and always buzzing with energy—whether you’re posted up at the bar or nestled into a cozy corner with friends.

Maria’s is known for its craft cocktails, and they never disappoint. The bartenders here know their stuff, mixing up inventive drinks with high-quality spirits and fresh ingredients. Whether you’re into classic concoctions or adventurous new flavors, there’s something for every palate.

Another highlight? The great music. Whether it’s vinyl nights, live DJs, or an eclectic playlist, the soundtrack always complements the mood and keeps the good times rolling.

Overall, Maria’s Packaged Goods & Community Bar is an all-around good time—one that’s absolutely worth seeking out for a casual drink, a fun night out, or even just to experience a unique piece of...

I've been here a few times and I really like the "hidden away"-ness of the place. There's a store up front when you first walk in and then the bar is behind it. I guess that's not a really big deal but I like the feel of it.

The vibe of the bar is nice, kind of a mix of old-man bar and hipster (maybe leaning more toward the latter). Beer list is pretty good and the place is dimly lit and comfortable.

However, does it really need to be so loud inside? I mean, there's like 15 people inside and the music is blasting so loud I have to scream to the people across the table from me. Maybe I'm the old man but it just seems unnecessary and kind of unfitting to the vibe.

Last time I was there I got to enjoy the back-back bar, where there is outside seating. This time there was super super loud dance music back there that shook the entire place. I kind of don't understand that in the middle of the afternoon on a Sunday. Not exactly what I was looking to get into, but we stayed anyway because, hey, it's a bar and we came to drink.

When I'm down there it's basically the place that I go, but otherwise I'm not really making the trek to Bridgeport from Uptown to...