Carol's Pub Reopens In Time For A Honky-Tonk Holiday

CHICAGO — After being closed for more than two years, the landmark dive bar Carol's Pub is reopening this week in Uptown. The bar held a 'soft opening' for a few hours on Tuesday night, but is officially scheduled to open on Thursday, its owner announced. The pub, at 4659 N. Clark, is one of the oldest honky-tonk bars in the city.

Upon reopening, it will continue serving its traditional menu of hamburgers, hand cut fries and its popular fried bologna sandwiches. Carol's will also serve its traditional beer collection, but will now offer draft options.

And for the most loyal of fans, the bar will be selling Carol's Pub T-shirts.

The bar underwent an extensive remodel, which includes a new sound system, a sound booth and new bay windows.

The North Side institution at Clark Street and Leland Avenue opened in 1973, but shut down in 2016 after running into financial trouble. For decades, Carol's Pub was known for its live country music and karaoke.

Many North Side residents voiced their disappointment when the local landmark shut down in 2016. Some even commented that the bar was the reason they moved to the neighborhood.

The band SunFallen will be the first performance of the reopening on Thursday. Doors will open at 4 p.m., and the music will begin at 9:30 p.m.

Diamondback will be performing on Friday night at 9:30, and the Lone Wolf Band will perform Saturday at 11 p.m.

The pub's opening hours will vary, but it will be open until 4 a.m. daily, and on Saturday nights the pub will be open until 5 a.m.

Top image via Google Maps Streetview