A few years ago, I spent a week at a buddies place in Chicago. A short walk from his place is the Gold Coast and Michigan Avenue, at that juncture of these two areas sits Butch McGuire’s. This classic bar in the most classic of places is a must stop for any weary traveler to the Windy City.
The place has a great bar menu (sliders, nachos and the best Rueben in Chicago), an awesome brunch (order a Bloody Mary) and owner Butch McGuire is rumored to have invented the Harvey Wallbanger back in the seventies.
The bar is also famous for it’s annual holiday display. The entire place is festooned with holiday characters, lights and holiday cheer. My favorite (pictured here) must be Santa after a hard nights work.
In addition to the great food, friendly staff and Chicago tradition, Butch McGuire’s is also a great place to meet some real Chicagoans. This is exactly what happened to me; I had a full belly and met some great folks.
