The Green Door Tavern
Chicago
Operating since 1921 in River North, The Green Door Tavern is an unassuming historic pub known for its laid-back service and cheap beer upstairs. Downstairs, it houses The Drifter, a clandestine basement speakeasy featuring live burlesque performances every fifteen minutes. Together, the two levels offer both a classic historic Chicago watering hole vibe and lively subterranean entertainment.
While commenters enjoy roundups of historic Chicago taverns and River North nightlife, reaction to The Green Door Tavern specifically is mixed. Notably, some viewers have raised skepticism about the authenticity of the venue's speakeasy history. Otherwise, commenters largely pivot to debating broader neighborhood staples and alternate favorites.
- Grab a laid-back, cheap beer at the main tavern upstairs
- Head to the basement to visit The Drifter, the hidden speakeasy
- Catch burlesque performances staged every fifteen minutes downstairs
- Take the legendary speakeasy history with a grain of salt, as locals debate its authenticity
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