Stocks & Blondes — Restaurant in Chicago

So to start off I NEVER leave reviews... That being said, Stocks and Blondes is my favorite neighborhood bar in Chicago! And yes I’m about to name drop the best bartenders who have made me feel right at home in this establishment.. Matty is the BEST, most entertaining and genuine bartender I’ve ever had. I can walk in at any time and if he’s behind the bar, I instantly get excited with a smile on my face. He’s funny and exciting and an all around good time! Be ready to cry from all of the laughter with Matty! ALL of the regulars LOVE him, and his fun sarcastic attitude! Jason is another bartender that is so attentive that you don’t even have to think about another drink before he is taking care of you! He is cool, fun and an all around AMAZING guy!! Even when the bar is slammed, Jason notices everything! Kelly, Aradia and Nestor add the best balance to this establishment!! It runs beyond smooth with those individuals taking care of you. And they are so fun and exciting during the process. If you want the BEST dive bar in The Loop, you’re welcome because you just found it! It’s my favorite place to hang out at. And it’s not just me, but every person who comes here on a regular bases understands the insanely great hospitality!! You can’t ask for more and I’m so beyond grateful this establishment is my go to bar in the...

Got charged auto gratuity on myself and 4 other people on February 3rd. Came for happy hour and turned into spending collectively at least $700 on alcohol when we all got beers, well whiskey that was on special, and $5 shots (malort) we got the bill a couple times since we closed out more than once due to the drinks we all had. The server/bartender said “we can only use one card so figure it out” after we got the bill she said “thanks” and hurried away before we could say anything. We tried stopping her multiple times but told us “I’m busy” and walked away. I DO NOT RECOMMEND THIS BAR EVER! Fix your staff as I worked in the industry for 3 years, IT IS NEVER LIKE THAT!! THE WORST EXPERIENCE IVE EVER HAD IN A BAR!!! will never be back!! couple of drinks were cocktails ( margs ) but I had to pay for them because she wouldn’t split the bill and they don’t have Venmo, cashapp, etc. very VERY disappointed as we work near this place and are trying to find our spot after work. One of the guys did not sign the bill. I have video and audio recording of the bartender never telling us about gratuity ( which you legally have to ) and the person not signing the bill (with gratuity added. You have to sign the bill or it can not be counted as an authorized payment) they are...

I typically hate dive bars, but this one isn't that bad. When I first walked in, I took a quick look at the crowd and was like EEK maybe we should have picked a different bar. I just saw a lot of scruffiness, but really I shouldn't judge.

I called ahead and booked space for 20-25 people at 5:30 and they were so pleasant about it and accommodated for us and didn't even require a deposit. We had four large tables in the back, and this wonderful server who was always around, always checking up on us to see if we needed more drinks. She was prompt and friendly, which is always appreciated. Food came out pretty fast two. The sweet potato fries went fast, so I had to order another one of those. The pizza puffs and chicken quesadillas were awesome as well-- everybody was grabbing at the quesadillas. I wish the nachos had guac on them--- or if they did, there was so little that I wasn't getting any.

Sitting near the windows is fun, because there's so much to see-- like drunk people puking at 6 PM on a Tuesday night in the street, or people walking back and forth and back and forth. What a show.

Prices are pretty reasonable here as well. If you want a dive bar in the Loop, you've...