Long Room Chicago — Restaurant in Lake View Township

First … and last … time at Long Room

My wife and I recently moved-in, very literally, across the alley from the Long Room and decided to check it out Friday night. We love getting to know our neighborhood businesses, and since the weather was great for March, wanted to grab some drinks and food. The place was lively but not overly packed. Grabbed a seat at the bar about 7:00, asked the [male] bartender for a drink menu, and that was the last time he spoke to us.

Without exaggeration, he refused to acknowledge us after that moment. It’s not simply that the bartender overlooked us, he took drink orders from people to the right and left of where we were sitting. Each time we gave a nod or small wave to try and get his attention, it was obvious he chose to actively ignore us. It could have only been a conscious effort to take drink orders from people on either side, while purposefully ignoring us.

After wasting 20 minutes sitting at the bar with the bartender refusing to take our order - or even look at or speak to us - we decided to leave. I can’t imagine we could have done or said anything to deserve that treatment as the single interaction we had with him was to ask for the drink menu. After that, it’s like we didn’t even exist.

Reading other recent reviews, it seems like the Long Room has a problem with at least one person behind the bar consistently being rude to customers. I doubt we’ll be back.

We could have spent our time & money next door at a neighborhood watering hole. Instead the bartender decided we weren’t worth acknowledging as customers or as people. It’s a shame, really, since our windows overlook their outdoor patio … which can get pretty loud...

What a crazy place. I used to go here semi frequently with some friends when in the area, but recently an entitled bartender yelled at my friend and tried to intimidate us because he felt like she didn't give him enough of a tip. As soon as he stopped being dramatic and explained why he was upset she offerent to fix the issue after he told her how much he wanted. Truthfully his income isn't our problem, tipping IS optional. Especially since we weren't "served". No one brought our drinks, explained the menu, or even welcomed us in. He simply mixed drinks when ordered which I'm fairly certain he's paid to do. His aggressive demeanor is why me and my friends will never be back and I'll be sure to spread the word to other friends of mine who frequent the area. Especially since there was a fight that also broke our earlier that night and the bartender wasn't as mad at some random woman throwing glasses behind the bar but he felt comfortable acting tough when my friend didn't offer to pay his car note in tips.

Visually the place looks alright but the seats of the round booths in the back are absolutely falling apart. You can feel the broken wood under the cushion. Absurd to not have your ducks in a row but throw a fit over an...

Highlights: Uniquely shaped bar as the name suggests, attentive speedy and friendly bartenders, creative and tasty cocktails, fun pop up food offerings.

We specifically came because we wanted to support a friend’s pop-up. We ordered one of everything from Milo’s Market. It was delish!! Our fave was the Quesabeeria, we ended up ordering a second round. But don’t sleep on the salsa it was bomb. The quesadilla was fun as it was topped with a jalapeño honey. Really good!

Drink-wise we had a Smoke & Crystal and a Raviol. I’d give the Smoke & Crystal a 3 out of 5 stars. It wasn’t what I was expecting based off the description but it was good. I was anticipating more of the mezcal flavor to come through. One was plenty. The Raviol was the winner and a fun way to enjoy a cocktail. Def taking the inspiration home!

The space is cool, I especially love bars with dark lighting, and the patio looked like a nice place to chill. We came here around 6:30 on a Friday evening and found seats at the bar easily but most of the tables were taken by groups 4-8 people in size. It wasn’t crowded to the degree that it felt uncomfortable or too loud. Cool place! Excited...