Red Lion Pub

Colin Cordwell and his team are the best. Good banter and great food.

Reviewed on Facebook

The food was phenomenal and the staff was friendly. The owner made sure our large group had everything we needed and helped make our experience wonderful.

Reviewed on Facebook

awesome friendly staff, great shepherd's pie and love the military memorabilia!!!

Reviewed on Facebook

Gorgeous pub with the most perfect & kind staff to accommodate. Highly recommend this spot for any event, whether a quick drink or an evening out! Cheers!

Reviewed on Facebook

A very cool chill authentic British Pub. It is a virtual shrine to those who served in both World War I and II. History buffs, and those who like museums, without a doubt, this is your pub, so belly up to the bar and order your drink. Also, as an aside, it also has a reputation for being haunted, being that the this part of Lincoln Park used to be a cemetery. There is a plethora of photos and memorabilia from both wars. Most of the photos and memorabilia are from the owner's personal collection. Some are relatives (his father and/or grandfather,) relatives of friends and/or regular customers. Artwork from his father, who served in WW II  adorns the wall in the alcove closest to the kitchen. These works of art were created when he was a prisoner of war in a German stalag. The ambiance definitely takes you back to a period in time when jazz was the popular music of the day, but at times the Beatles and the Rolling Stones reign supreme here, as well as blues,classic rock, and rythym and blues. Service is friendly, yet professional and the food is hearty and satisfying, and without pretense. Bourbon and whiskey/whisky list is comprehensive without being intimidating. Beer selections are are well curated and surprisingly the wine offerings are astoundingly well thought out. Be it a evening of drinks and food or one or the other you cannot go wrong. Sunday brunch is not afterthought and they offer the traditional Sunday roast every Sunday. Food and drink are stellar. With so many good reasons to drop on by please do as they will welcome you with open arms and will not disappoint as they aim to please and only have the best intentions towards their guests. More...

Reviewed on Yelp

Awesome pub, great bartender (woohoo Jordan from Iowa!), delish food. Highly recommend the English Benedict for brunch.

Reviewed on Yelp

I had a business meeting here, I come here all the time with my best friend, and I took my fiancee here before I proposed (and we even did some of our engagement photos upstairs). This place is the best. Colin is the best. And the burger is one of the best in the city. Good fish and chips, too. And mac and cheese.I love you, Red Lion Pub. Never change. More...

Reviewed on Yelp

This place is wonderful! Great atmosphere, great food and intelligent conversation. Highly recommend!

Reviewed on Facebook

Always have a good time here.

Reviewed on Facebook

great English pub, fabulous bar, beer, good food

Reviewed on Facebook

Red Lion Pub is the original Red Lion in Chicago. Colin and his staff give you quite a treat. It's like a step back in time. Service is outstanding. I'm be back! More...

Reviewed on Facebook

Great atmosphere! It had a very cozy vibe! The food was great and the beer was cold. Perfect date night with my husband! I will definitely stop in again when I'm in the area! More...

Reviewed on Facebook

We stopped in after a long day of work, and had the pleasure of sitting with some locals and chatting up with the owner.  We are a huge fan of local haunts, and this pub has a great history to explore!  I was looking for a nice Italian meal later on in the evening, and the owner directed us to the best Italian restaurant in the area.  We felt at home a the Red Lion, and highly recommend you visit when you  are in the area! More...

Reviewed on Yelp

the owner is a font of information and has a story for every situation.

Reviewed on Facebook

Everyone must visit Red Lion when in Chicago. It's an institution. It's old English motif is inviting and the food their food is over the top. Crazy number of beers on tap.

Reviewed on Yelp

What a great bar. First of all, I love that there are thousands of books, and every single one is about the British Empire. And I think the owner Colin has read just about every one. Drinks are great and food is authentic. I love their Scottish egg, and they make a really great perfect manhattan. More...

Reviewed on Yelp

Excellent fish and chips!

Reviewed on Facebook

First off - this place is breathtaking. You walk into the front room and it's like walking into a different place. We were incredibly lucky to arrive before anyone else so we had the room to ourselves for a moment. Which of course meant mini photo shoot by the fire. Second off - our server Andrew was very friendly, and only judged a little bit when he walked into our makeshift photo shoot. It's cool Andrew, we get it.Lastly off - the food was really stupid good.EXCEPT - the brussel sprouts. I mean, they were fine, we were starving so we ate them up, but definitely not a dish I'd return for. BUT - the bangers and mash were MIND BLOWING. Quite literally finished the entire dish in a record setting time as Andrew walked by and once again judged a little bit. I mean, I did put down that dish in like 4 minutes. I'd judge me. However the BFF also greatly enjoyed her shepherd's pie. Though ate her dish in a more reasonable speed.  We'll be back! More...

Reviewed on Yelp

Wow wow wow, authentic, charming, fantastic atmosphere. Every beer is served in its brewers glass, ambiance is unparalleled in the United States. Every "English" pub you have ever been to was trying to recreate what the Red Lion Pub is. The sign above the bar should read "there is nothing by which so much happiness is produced as by The Red Lion Pub" A true Lincoln park treasure. Food is authentic and unparalleled, each beer is perfectly curated and served with a smile. A perfect place to spend your Wednesday, your date night, or your Friday evening. More...

Reviewed on Yelp

My husband and I highly recommend the Red Lion Pub ! The service and food were beyond excellent ! We had the great fortune of meeting Colin, the owner. He’s an amazing host, wonderful storyteller and made us feel like a regular ! Kudos to you Colin for your spectacular establishment !!! We will be coming back before we head home this Monday !!!! More...

Reviewed on Facebook

The owner Colin is a wealth of information about history related to the first and second World War. The Africa room was closed but he let us hang out there which was very cool. Good food and great beers. Will be back on our next trip to Chicago. More...

Reviewed on Yelp

It seems strange I have not reviewed RLP before. I have frequented this lovely establishment more than any other in Chicago. The food is good, sometimes great, and occasionally amazing. Additionally, Red Lion Pub has the capacity to change your life in the same way that The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe changed your life as a child. There is magic here. If you don't sit at the bar and talk to Colin, keep coming back and sit at the bar until you know Colin. If you cannot quote at least 3 things he says, keep coming back until you can. It may change your life. More...

Reviewed on Yelp

it was just ok....it was bar foods

Reviewed on Facebook

Great place to talk and drink

Reviewed on Facebook

The best atmosphere for dates and small groups in the area! Not too loud, not too quiet. They have a great beer selection, and the staff offers great recommendations if you ask for them. Try the irish nachos!

Reviewed on Yelp

Atmosphere. Amazing food. And a most engaging and friendly host and server named Chris.  We stopped here at the brilliant suggestion of my wife while we, along with a very picky teenager, were checking the city out.  What a great idea she had.From the moment we were greeted by Chris, it appeared we were in for a treat.  We sat down and relaxed as we took in the smart English decor and perused the interesting menu.We ordered the Poutine, Pretzel, Reuben and Chicken Sandwich.  While we ate, Chris came by a few times and told us some interesting stories about the history of this pub and some of its uninvited guests over the years. Before we left, Chris shared an amazing Scotch with my wife and me as a nice little treat.  I now have a favorite new Scotch and we have a great go to pub in the city. Plus a new friend we look forward to seeing again soon.And, yes, the picky teenager loved her food as well.  Go here.  You will not regret your visit. More...

Reviewed on Yelp

Excellent food, but it’s the comfortable atmosphere and conversations with staff and other guests that keep us coming back.

Reviewed on Facebook

Feels like home. What makes it is the atmosphere and the amazing staff, not to mention the charming owner. The food and drink are the oh so tasty icing on the cake.

Reviewed on Facebook

I love the atmosphere and the owner is a great guy.Its a nice neighborhood pub that makes you feel welcomed

Reviewed on Facebook

Came here for a nice little dinner on a Wednesday. It was a great evening with really great food too. It was a very cozy and warm establishment. The inside was like I was transferred to an old time English Pub, I really enjoyed the space. I have never had classic English fare so this was a great first experience. We had the Scotch Eggs as a starter, these were fantastic. I want another as I write this. We then had our mains of bangers & mash and fish & chips. Both were outstanding. I was really fond of the gravy and potatoes. Also, my first go around with HP sauce and I am a changed man now. Usually I am an A1 guy but this HP may have replaced it as my savory condiment of choice. I definitely plan on coming back in the future. More...

Reviewed on Yelp

Always a favorite spot in Chicago! The owner proprietor Colin Cordwell has stories to tell and drinks and great food to serve. Sit at the bar or a cozy table and take in history in this incredibly charming place! More...

Reviewed on Facebook

I've been here a few times for some beers with friends.  The decor is beautiful, the beer is well cared for and poured, and the host/owner is a great guy.We will definitely be back!

Reviewed on Yelp

Really cool British-themed pub in the heart of Lincoln Park. We hung out with some friends and had a good time. Menu is also themed United Kingdom, with a menu full of items such as:Scotch EggPoutine (good stuff, get if you can! )Fish n Chips (a safe bet)Irish NachosEnglish Mac n Cheese (basically Mac n cheese but x10 better)We easily had no wait on prime one Saturday 7:00pm. Not sure if normal or if we got lucky, going to have to see if we can pull that off next time we come back! More...

Reviewed on Yelp

My dad and I had lunch here and were recommended to get the Reuben and Fish & Chips. And wow am I glad we listened to our waiter! ! The food was outstanding, the prices were reasonable, the staff was friendly, and the interior of the restaurant was a cherry on top! I hope to be back soon! More...

Reviewed on Yelp

Good European beer and the bangers and mash was awesome! Has a very authentic Brittish pub vibe.

Reviewed on Yelp

Spending the night in the city and needed a place to chill for a few hours until the Blues venue opened for the balance of my evening. I stopped here at the Red Lion and found it to be a gem. Had a Pinot noir which was tasty and the ploughmans plate which was an assortment of cheeses with some peppered meat and bread. I wish this place was close to home Although the bar was full the bartender and I carried on quite the conversation and I felt welcomed. The establishment is a little dark and seemed reserved but that was perfect for me. Seemed like a locals pub More...

Reviewed on Yelp

Stipped in here while we waited for food that we ordered at a nearby restaurant.Great British themed pub that's friendly, cozy and takes me back to England! Bartender was super nice and informative. They have hundreds and hundreds of books in the walls with WW1 and WW2 inspiration. The decor and architecture is authentic and cool. There is a fireplace when you come in and nice seating spaces. Food is available if you want it. They do a traditional British Sunday roast which we will need to try! The beer is good and so is the Scotch! More...

Reviewed on Yelp

Every time we visit Red Lion it gets better! Very consistent with service and great food. Their grilled cheese is phenomenal! Scotch eggs are a must as is their pub cheese. Poutine, chicken sandwich, and as always, shepherd's pie. More...

Reviewed on Yelp

Stopped in here on our annual Christmas get together. WWI and WWII historical photos and letters throughout the pub. Also bits about older wars. Colon treated us to great storytelling. Just had drinks but will definitely be back for the food. Check out the other reviews. All good. A gem of a pub. More...

Reviewed on Facebook

This is one of those comfy cozy neighborhood spots, dark wood, books, candelabra chandeliers, and a fire place. Cozy for sure. Friendly bartenders too. What I like is this place will be able to pour or make whatever your little heart desires, a good wine and beer list along with a full bar. Speaking of the bar, it's one that you can grab a drink and even have your meal at the bar alone with no one hassling you. I spoke briefly to one guy at the bar for a few minutes, but he kept to himself. Also chatted with the bartender here and there. For a snack I ordered the Mac & Cheese, it has cream cheese in it. At first I did think this was a bit odd, but it works, really good. It was also just the right size, I can't stand when portions are huge especially when it's something that doesn't reheat well. Not a huge menu, but a well balanced one. I plan on returning soon. More...

Reviewed on Yelp

Knowledgeable staff, great owner!

Reviewed on Facebook

It's a cozy atmosphere here. The front room has a fire place with chairs right in front of it which lends itself to the lovely homey feeling. Andrew is a great manager, very efficient and welcoming. The food and beverages are good too. More...

Reviewed on Facebook

Where Harry would hang out as an adult, maybe come on tinder dates. Reminds me of what a bar would be like on Diagon Alley. Ample scotch selection, cozy space. One of these days we will have a meal here - I love a good Shepherds Pie. More...

Reviewed on Yelp

I've been coming here for a late-night snack and a drink for the last couple of weeks while doing a show down at the Greenhouse.  The people who run this place and the staff could not be nicer.  Unlike all the other places on this strip of Lincoln Avenue whose staff have the attitude of "Come in, you're lucky to be here so we don't care about your comfort", the staff at the Red Lion makes you feel welcome every time you walk in the door no matter who you are.  For that alone, I'd give it 5 stars.  But, except for the Irish Nachos (nice idea but ugh), I LOVE the food here.  The big Bavarian Pretzel-superb.  But my favorite is the Scotch Egg.  A perfectly cooked egg wrapped in a coating of sausage, yum!!!  The mustard that comes with it has just the right amount of kick and the toast points were perfect.  Plus there's a little bit of greens you can mix with your leftover mustard for a little salad!  All hail the Red Lion!!! More...

Reviewed on Yelp

Nice surprise. Picked this place simply because of it's location directly across from Victory Gardens Theatre and therefore convenient for the elderly folks that couldn't walk too far. Each of my parents had burger and fries and they both said that both were very good. Being a vegetarian I opted for the 4 cheese grilled cheese and fries- can't remember which cheeses (blue cheese ) but it was very good- perfectly made. The fries come with mayo and vinegar-yum. Portion sizes are a good size. The place was packed as there was a funeral wake which literally took up every table. There was not an employee in sight (no host or hostess) to let us know if we could be seated. We found the only waiter and explained our situation of wanting a bite before going to the theatre and the difficulty of going too far with my elderly parents and he kindly found us a table and was very attentive and helpful in spite of handling the crowd of wake attendees entirely by himself. Not sure how he hadn't lost his mind.Because of the crowds and tumult I didn't get much of a chance to admire the olde English decor, however, I did notice the extensive library. Bonus for the beautiful library More...

Reviewed on Yelp