Tavern review: Schaller's Pump
Welcome to the second installment of Southside Adventure's Tavern Review. Previously, we had the positive experience of enjoying some fine ale and atmoshpere amingst the brainy noble prize winners and socially awkward U of C students at Jimmy's Woodlawn Tap on 57th in Hyde Park.
Today, I'll give my delayed two cents worth on another southside institution - Schaller's Pump at 3700 South Halsted St.
My first and last experience at Schaller's came on a saturday night last summer after one of the Sox-Twins games. I didn't go to the game, but made plans to meet my pal who works for the Twins after the game for some drinks. I brought along some arm candy, and here's how it went -
The best thing about Schaller's is the front door - a gorgeous old rounded thing with all kinds of intricate detail. Unfortnatuly that's not where you enter the joint. You have to go around the side, by the parking lot and enter thru what looks like a trailer. Once inside, the first timer is confronted by a choice - go right or go left. There is nothing to point anyone in the right direction to where cold drinks are being served. I guessed correctly and went left.
The good news was that place was packed and jumpin to music. the bad news is that the music was a Mel Torme lounge singer, and the crowd was in their 50s. No open spots at the bar, so we made our way to the only open table, which was at the far end of the back of the bar. The waitress gave us some menus, and plently of cross looks. The table seated 6, but we were only two, going to be three, and not ordering food. So we ordered two beers, and moved to stand near the jukebox.
We quickly finished our beers, and waited outside for my friend. When he arrived, we got in the car and went to a better place - Jak's Tap on West Jackson, which has amazing food and great drinks, but I won't review, since its on the west side, not the south.
So, Schaller's Pump. It is what it is, and it ain't for me.
posted by EasyW @ 8:52 AM
5 comments
5 Comments:
No - hurry back.
What a wuss. You call one beer after the game lets out on a Saturday night a review? "We quickly finished our beers and waited outside." Yeah.. what a South Side Adventurer you are. Geez Louise dude, get a shot and chill your trendy butt.
Give me a break. Doesn't sound like this clown is much of an adventurer. Go Sox.
Well serves you right going into sox land with twins workers. It is a classic bar, not one of your trendy northside cubs fan bar. Stay out of southside you fake.
Holy sh** - the guy "reviews" a Chicago legend without a shred of mention of the significant history of the place. For all of you searching for info on Schaller's, consider this . . .
* They are, technically, the oldest restaurant in the city of Chicago!!
* Their liquor license number . . . 6!! (#'s 1 - 5 - destroyed in the great fire)
* You'll note the many doors and windows that were in use in eras bygone. Pay particular attention to one across from the bar. It still has a small sliding peep-hole door - Schaller's was a former speakeasy during prohibition! They used that peep-hole cover - if they didn't know who you were, no way you were getting in.
And, that's just getting started. I don't want to be mean - you seem like a nice fellow, but I think you and your Twinkie friend need to stay on the Northside where you can be served moquitos by hot waitresses that pretend to like you for big tips.
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