Lemming’s Tavern

Chicago, Illinois

Field Note

Lemming’s Tavern, sometimes referred to as Lemming’s on Damen, is a comfortable bar in the most generous sense of the word, a holdout in an otherwise increasingly upscale Bucktown neighborhood otherwise filled with less down-to-earth options. Though Lemming’s proudly embraces the term ‘dive bar,’ the space is more an old-fashioned, welcoming neighborhood pub rather than anything particularly rough or worn down.

Lemming’s Tavern opened in 1992 and occupies a structure first erected as a tavern in 1920. The ownership group behind the bar owns a handful of other businesses in the area (Green Eye, Blind Robin, Underbar) and has overseen a handful of updates, most regrettably including the swap out of the once iconic opaque glass block window in front to a more basic set of floor-to-ceiling windows. What was once a single Schlitz sign in the middle of clouded glass is now a three-sectioned bay of windows filled by a wide array of beer signs.

Kept intact, however, is the stamped tin ceiling inside, and a handful of glass blocks can still be found within the bar’s back wall. The amenities here revolve around catering to regulars and locals, including a bring-your-own-food policy and the allowance of dogs. Local art lines the walls of the bar’s main area, a collection sourced from the community that rotates every six weeks or so. A small vintage nook of sorts can be found along the back wall, an array of Schlitz memorabilia (beer trays, mugs, signs) displayed here as a nod to the bar’s more dive bar-like days.

The Lemming’s Tavern back room houses a central pool table that benefits from free pool hours until 9 PM every night and all day Sunday. Seating is scarce in this back area, creating a communal environment with the pool table as its centerpiece. A pair of pinball tables can be found wedged into the corner of the room, the pinball selection supplied by a local collector rotated from time to time (John Wick and The Who options were available on a recent visit).

Supporting a view of Lemming’s Tavern as a polished dive bar is the craft beer selection that ranges from local favorites to some of the higher rated beer options around the world (Rochefort 10 anyone?). The bar itself matches the slightly refined look of the space, a towering, polished fixture with a mirrored back and a few additional nods to Schlitz. Some of the bar’s best seating can be found on the way to the pool table, a reclaimed church pew and pair of low tables offering relaxed seating and full view of the space.