Richard's Bar — Restaurant in West Chicago Township

I've been only been here once, just a few weeks ago, and I was convinced to continue returning in the indefinite future. Drinks were cheap, they only have bottles and cans and you're best off with 2-ingredient cocktails at most here. Expect more macro lagers and lights than the craft stuff, which is still offered, and some seltzers - this is how they keep the overall prices low, but any beer tastes good with a cigarette, and most places will still charge several dollars for Miller. I tried a shot of Richard's Gin, one of their in-house spirits, and it was almost like taking a shot of juniper berries - I loved it, but if you don't like London Dry-style gins and juniper, go for something else. They still serve hard-boiled eggs here, but I didn't try one. I will do so next time.

As others have said, you can smoke tobacco in here with abandon, doesn't matter what it is as long as it's tobacco. Cigarettes are available for 20 dollars at the bar counter if you happen to come in unprepared. Ask for an ashtray if you smoke. Ventilation was good; obviously the smell hangs in the air and it sticks to your clothes and hairs, but no stinging eyes or irritation to the mucosa that I would expect if there was too much smoke being left in the air. And yes, you can vape here, too - just make sure it's nicotine.

I didn't catch the names of the bartenders this time, but the one working Wednesday night on the right-hand side of the bar took care of me and he was a gentleman: understated, quick to serve, and polite, which I appreciated. Tip these men well, if only for the privilege to smoke inside a bar that is unavailable everywhere else in the city. The bar is strictly cash-only, but there's an ATM inside with a 3 dollar withdrawal fee, which I consider competitive for bars.

The decor is faded and old, but this works to the bar's advantage. It feels like a true "dive", warm and intimate, rough around the edges, a little brash and shabby, but not necessarily uncivilized. Personally, I don't think a "dive bar" is really a dive bar without the haze of tobacco smoke in the air, which really means the term has lost some meaning, but that's just me. Do behave yourself here, and photographs aren't allowed.

Lastly, please don't come here to complain about the smoke. You have every other damn bar in the city to go to instead. If you can't stand tobacco smoke, this place is not for you.

In conclusion: must-go if you're a smoker, but even if you're not, save some money, skip the deafening music at trendier spots for a night, and enjoy more intimate conversation here with friends, a date, or the bartenders, cheap drinks at hand, cigarette optional.

Post-revisitation addendum: The smoke can become physically irritating when the bar is completely full and enough people are smoking. You'll start to feel it after an hour or so. Step outside for fresh air or deal with it (I did the latter).

Additionally, some negative reviews mention bad clientele. I've been here a handful of times now, and each time I've seen plenty of young people here, or at least people in their 30s. Some of them are dressed casually, others in business casual or even more formal suits. I certainly wouldn't expect an early 20s crowd, but I consider that a plus...

San Dimas High School Football Rules!!!

I've been coming to Richard's Bar for almost two (consecutive) decades. I love this drinking establishment more than I love your pudgy, unruly, and infectious children.

They say, "The more things change, the more they stay the same." Who are these people? Why are they? Richard's Bar doesn't have any people like this there.

Most importantly are the hours of operation. Monday through Friday one of the door bursts open at exactly seven (7) am along with streamers, screamers, and teamsters.

Of course, we all have our secrets, Richard's Bar is no exemption. Regulars know there's one anachronistic treasure left that delights those of us who were never quitters.

But wait? Richard's is not only a tremendous bar, but they also have package goods. Stock up on your way out so you can make it through the dreary, dark, dehumanizing overnight hours until sunlight breaks. Hopefully, it's not a Saturday morning; then, they don't open until the ungodly hour of nine (9) am.

Richard's Bar (and his magical Mead) have often given me the gift of deep insight, an ability to drop-trou at the perfect time, and the wonderful power of removing my most embarrassing memories (unfortunately, I still wake up with the guilt).

I've romped. I've frolicked. I apologized!

I've forgotten more Richard's-related-rumpus than could fill an above-average elephants cranium. I do recall, quite vividly the nights I heard 'alarms and excursions.' "Who goes there?" It was as if the exultation came from around The Globe.

So next time you're sitting alone, scratching parts we (thankfully) can't see, and pondering whete it all went wrong (6th or 8th grade), remember there are people outside who want to meet you, greet you, sweet you.

But where?

Where you know what you want. Where you know where to get it. Where you know you belong. And you'll even be met with a smile (smile not guaranteed).

Richard's Bar is the place to be when you're glad you've got no...

We were taken to Richards bar when we visited friends in Chicago. At one point the bartender was very busy so she put my wife to work behind the bar. I passed 4 bud bottles to a gentleman in a very expensive suite he passed me a $100 bill and when I went to give him his change which was if I remember about $80 he said it was for me. I told him I didn't work there he just repeated that it was for me. The bartender told me to just take it because if I didn't he would consider it an insult. It really was a strange experience that I wouldn't trade for anything! The bar was cramped but the atmosphere was second to none. If you are looking for a authentic dive bar experience without having to worry about getting onto a bar fight this is the place. Just make sure you respect the regulars and...