Bridgeport Inn

Chicago, Illinois

Field Note

"The term “dive bar” can mean for some people the existence of a less-than-polished bar in a scenic part of town with affluent neighbors and slightly more affordable domestic beer. Bridgeport Inn on Chicago’s South Side is a dive bar in the truest sense of the phrase, a hole in the wall focused on neighborhood locals with barebones amenities and yes, extremely affordable domestic beer.

The Bridgeport Inn exterior sets the tone for the Chicago dive bar, an all-brick facade with little in the way of embellishment. Two large blue signs hang over the bar’s corner location inscribed plainly with the name of the bar, one on each street-facing wall. Three slim, horizontally-oriented windows peek out from the red brick, each with a small neon sign hinting that beer can be found within. "

"Inside, a mix of weathered, dive bar-like surfaces mix with obvious updates like the metal plating that runs along the bar counter or the modern flooring that transitions into faux wood planks near the rear of the space. Those modern touches are balanced by wall-to-wall wood paneling that adds a bit of warmth to the space, punctuated by stained glass-style lamps that hang over the bar. Bursts of neon beer signs dot the room, interrupted by a digital jukebox and gaming machine.

In addition to a long string of bar stools that follows the curve of the counter toward the rear of Bridgeport Inn, a handful of snug tables line the bar’s exterior wall. For what looks like a green door and not much else from outside, Bridgeport Inn is deceptively deep, providing ample room for weekend nights, White Sox games and any other occasion conducive to corner bar drinking. "

"It should come as no surprise that a dive bar of this description is inhabited almost exclusively by locals and regulars with favorite stools and built-in social networks. The conversation swirling around the pool table near the rear of the building feels like one that has probably crossed countless drinking occasions. Bridgeport Inn hosts a small set of events throughout the year supporting this sense of community, from chili cook-offs to Christmas celebrations.

But while that kind of vibe can in some spots feel unwelcoming, at least this reviewer never felt that way. Instead, the environment can best be described as straightforward. This is a corner, neighborhood bar with ample televisions, a reliable clientele and affordable pricing. Bridgeport Inn isn’t a spot to marvel at the decades of faded photos on the walls or scuffed floors under foot. This is a spot to watch the game and be about as bothered or as social as you like."