The Map Room: User Reviews

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 Alpha_Beta_Gaga 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.

Very Bad Experience
By Zonny from West Suburbs, February 3, 2008

Overall rating:

Map Room has been a stop on our annual pub crawl 16 years. Always Saturday of Super Bowl weekend. Always in the early afternoon. Sent an e-mail to them through their site on Jan 12 to inform them we would be there again on Feb 2.

After walking through the slush from Piece to Map Room, we were greeted by a bartender who refused to serve our group. I asked what had happened that he was denying service. He said "owner's policy is not to serve unannounced pub crawls." I explained we had announced our visit weeks ahead of time and that we came every year on the same weekend. He shrugged and said "no one told me." He did not offer to call anyone to check this out.

Our group moved onto the next stop, Lemmings, and spent double the time and money there, having a great time. Map Room apparently has some miscommunication issues or now feels it does not need any business beyond its regulars.

Needless to say, we will find a more customer-friendly establishment next year to replace Map Room on our pub crawl.

Will be better now without smoking
By vinogirl from Bucktown, January 9, 2008

Overall rating:

Love this place for variety of beers and chill atmosphere. Can't wait to check it out again now after the smoking ban. Used to get way too smoky.