Pippin’s Tavern — Restaurant in Chicago

If you have fond memories of Pippin's from 10 years ago, this is going to unfortunately disappoint. This new version of Pippin's is a seemingly high-end place to order raw oysters, crab legs, or a $20 burger with a view of a homeless encampment and the police presence on Chicago Ave.

For some background, Pippin's was a neighborhood local staple pre-pandemic. The bar somehow smelled of spilt beer the second they opened in the morning. The jukebox played ACDC one moment and Jay Z the next. The floors felt like they were about to crumble into the basement. But it was perfect for what it was. Charm in droves. It's where everyone knew your name.

The pandemic claimed the old Pippin's, but somehow it re-emerged across the street in a shiny new form... and the only thing it appears to have in common with the old Pippin's is the name. Don't get me wrong, the fit out is nice... I just don't understand who this new form appeals to.

From a price point, it's closer to Au Cheval than it is to a pub, and it can't compete with Au Cheval on food. The new form factor feels more like Bavette's, but it's not as cool and there's a permanent group of hustling homeless people in front of the 7-11 next door that ensure the Bavette-goers don't enter. The upstairs bar is really nice, but the downstairs bar is depressing when it's empty.

But the food is where I'm most confused. There's a big focus on chilled seafood, which is often displayed right at the bar. This is a polarizing move, as those who don't like the smell of shellfish will think of nothing else throughout the meal. The rest of the menu seems to be going for an "oh, this is a high end place" reaction, but that doesn't match Tavern word stuck in the name.

Here's the sad part: The food is actually great, and there isn't another good pub in a 5 block radius. I'm guessing there's a ton of people who walk past this new Pippin's, peer inside, shake their head and quietly wish it was a little more down to earth.

Suggestion to management: Compete with the Kerryman or Centennial in menu (both style and price point). I'm willing to bet you a Devil Dawg that you'll have a loyal contingent of...

I have been going to the Old Pippin's for years (50 now and have been going there since before I could legally drink with my dad. It would be the perfect spot for passing the time while waiting for shoppers on the Mile. Loved the coziness of the old location and that you could get an affordable drink. It was great people watching. Having not visited downtown Chicago since Covid began I was shocked to find the place closed. Had to look up new location. I only had time for a quick drink so i cant speak to the new food that is offered. The staff was friendly, TV's are at somewhat awkward positions if you went in for a game, would be even harder if it was busy, but i was there when they opened so it wasnt a problem. The place is beautiful but when you go expecting the "dive" bar you will be in for a big surprise. I wish them lots of success but nothing about the new Pippin's feels like the old one. Good location. Clean. Roomy. One thing I hope they change is the Credit Card only. There is an up charge for using your card there and its the only way to pay. The bartender was nice enough to break a 20 out of his own wallet so i could tip in cash. Not what i was expecting for an already expensive pint. I hope they do well but I miss the old Pippins. Do not let this deter you from checking it out because the staff was great. It is not their fault I love dive bars better. Their prices are in line with the other bars in the area as well. I will probably be back on future visits. It hit differently when you were looking for the nostalgia of the...

We made a reservation for 12 people and were immediately seated in the back. After 45 minutes of no service-I went to the front and informed the hostess that the waiter hadn’t come to take our order.

Immediately the waiter showed up and was ready to take our orders. One of the people in the party asked what salad dressings they had? The waiter said loudly: “I am only going to say this once so you better listen…” He started listing the dressings and it was very off-putting.

Another person in the party asked what came on the $5.00 burger? The guy said, “It’s written in the menu.” The person in the party replied, “I don’t have my glasses and can’t see the tiny print.” The waiter then said, “I am only going to say this once so you better listen….” He listed things about the burger and no sides or substitutions.

We ordered our food and people who came after us were getting their food. Once our food arrived at the table-the three people who ordered burgers didn’t get theirs. We asked what happened with their food and how other people who came after got burgers? The waiter said that oh the other waiter must have picked up their food and gave it to another table. We’re like, what?? The manager came by and was very pleasant and helped us out. The waiter was just terrible and unpleasant. I won’t be coming back...