The Map Room: User Reviews

Beer Heaven
By Reinaas from Logan Square, August 31, 2009

Overall rating:

Best beer list (tap and bottle) I've ever experienced. Dank bloody marry as well. Go early if you don't dig crowds though, it fills up pretty good at night. My bartenders have always been rad as hell with me too. I've had the delight of jaw jacking with the owner on a few choice topics as well and I can say I'm happy to know where my money goes to. The only reason its not a 5 star in my books is due to the high yuppie / hipster scumbag content when it fills up. I'm just kinda intolerant to those asses. But that is truly the only bad thing about this place in my book. If you are a beer lover the Map Room loves you and you'll love the Map Room.

Tasty Brew
By nep198567 from Saint Charles, IL, April 8, 2009

Overall rating:

I do admit the beer selection is amazing, but the service is strange. I went there on a Saturday afternoon and noticed there was a buffet set up in back. I didn't notice anyone standing around it so I enquired with one of the bartenders about how much the buffet costed. She literally said, "I don't know, it's over there". I should have said what the hell does that mean, but I guess I'm too nice. Turned out the food was free, which is great but it took the other bartender to tell us that. Very weird. Since I'm a beer geek this place kicks ass, but my experience was soured by that bartender. Go there for the food, but don't expect any congeniality from the bartenders, which only hurts them in the end.

Yes, please stay away from my bar
By City_Girl from Lakeview, September 22, 2008

Overall rating:

Maproom is crowded for a reason -- they have an amazing selection of beer! If you can't enjoy your beer in a crowd, yes please stay away. The bar staff aren't rude, they're just busy!! You try to serve a crowded bar with 2 servers -- and no, I don't think they should get any more -- if you don't have any patience for the barkeeps, please stay away. I have to disagree that any patrons there are rude, we're all waiting for our beer, just like you, but hey, if you can't do that with civility, please stay away (and make my bar experience that much more pleasant). As for the guys at the door, regulars know to have their ID out and waiting. It's your fault if you only go out in the burbs and don't get carded. When you go to the Maproom, know what you're getting into and enjoy it!

Horrible Service, Bad Atmosphere
By Terminum from Terminum, September 22, 2008

Overall rating:

Good luck trying to actually get a drink here - the bartenders are rude and slow. They also poor way too much head. Quite a rip for the price you pay. On top of that, the obnoxiously loud music makes it difficult to properly enjoy the quality beer selection. The menu looks nice, but I was very disappointed.

Worst Bar in Chicago
By happybirthday from River North, September 21, 2008

Overall rating:

I was really excited to take my boyfriend here for their extensive beer collection, but after the long trip we had to wait in line just to get in. Once inside, we couldn't find a server, and the bartenders ignored us. After 30 minutes without service, we gave up and left. Rude doorman, rude bartenders, rude hipsters, terrible atmosphere.

Best beer bar in Chicago if not the Midwest
By apmurphy from Bucktown, May 16, 2008

Overall rating:

If you're interested in trying something new, come here. I have likely tried a thousand different types of beer and there is always something I've never had on tap here. Tap lines and glassware are impeccable. Prices are reasonable for the quality and area. Staff is knowledgable and frinedly, so long as they aren't too swamped on a weekend night. Add to all that free food on Mondays, Tuesdays and most weekends? Count me in!

For beer snobs only
By karbi1981 from Wringleyville, April 3, 2008

Overall rating:

If you are a beer snob then this is right up your alley. otherwise stay away. Bartenders are rude, doorman is rude, and the wanna-be hipsters are rude. I was dissapointed because I was looking forward to taking my boyfriend here. Waste of time and money.

fun times
By JP from Wicker Park, March 12, 2008

Overall rating:

I loved the map room and I would go there again! I went on a weekend night and thought that everyone was friendly and the beers were great. I tried tons of different kinds of beer and people at the bar were nice and made suggestions of what to try. It was fun to go through all the national geographics too. The map room seems like a good week night place to hang out and catch up with friends. This place is definitely worth checking out.

This place is legit
By Lefs27 from Bucktown, February 18, 2008

Overall rating:

The Map Room has got to be the best place in the city for people that really enjoy beer. They have the best selection in town and even if you dont know what you want any of the bartenders will be more than happy to suggest something. They are knowledgable and some really great people. I do have to agree that some of the bouncers can be a little annoying with their power trip but its a small price to pay for what awaits you when you finish up with them. Free food on monday, tuesday and on the weekends cant be beat. Warning: if you do start your night out here just be prepared to blackout, some of those beers have an ABV in the double digits. How can you not love that?

Rude bartenders
By Apache_Rose_Peacock from Lincoln Park, February 11, 2008

Overall rating:

You will stand there at the bar for a half hour while you are ignored. Difficult to get a drink here. Also, not enough seating and it gets overcrowded easily.