The Motel Bar: User Reviews

SERVICE WITH AN ATTITUDE
By chicagosusan from River North, August 26, 2009

Overall rating:

Marginal food at best, overpriced, and the city's service staff with the WORST attitude. Customers are treated as an inconvenience. I have witnessed waitstaff arguments, eye rolling, incredibly slow service (while they know you are there and waiting), and a service staff with a terrible horrible attitude. The bar is in a great location, but not run well and with some of the worst customer service in the city. Skip it if you can!

Bad Form
By AW126 from River North, July 14, 2008

Overall rating:

I've been a regular of Motel bar since it opened in spite of the slow service, so-so food and high-priced cocktails. I liked it for its atmosphere and convenience. The "like-affair" ended Saturday night when the doorman told me and and my group of friends that they were "full" and "you wouldn't be able to get a drink anyway." That's understandable - I respect that they follow fire code, etc., however as we were standing there planning on where to go instead, that same doorman let in 2 other groups of people. That was extremely bad form in my opinion - you're either full or you're not. I doubt we'll be back.

Overpiced!
By Notorious E from River North, April 17, 2008

Overall rating:

OK scene I guess... Drinks were very expensive and I was overcharged by the bartender for the overpriced drinks! I received some explanation about finding a printer to get the prices updated on the menu. Jukebox is eclectic with a few spikes on particular artists but not robust enough to keep up a solid vibe w/o repeating.

It just keeps getting better and better...
By vingewan from Gold Coast, January 4, 2008

Overall rating:

Seriously. The more times that I go to the Motel Bar, the more I grow to love it even more! This is a pretty big deal because I rarely find a place that I really like. See, I fancy myself a slight bar snob . I'm not really that into people all that much, my favorite places are those where I can easily find seating, I love it when the temperature is just right, and I absolutely try to avoid Trixie's as much as possible. Oh, and cute boys and good music are always a plus...

The Motel Bar is just right. Trixie's stick to Hubbard Street or Lincoln Park and it is proof that cute boys actually do venture this far east (hard to believe). I have never had to wait long for a seat, I'm never too cold or sweaty, and the music is always fantastic. Drinks are a good deal for the 'hood and the staff/proprietors are simply delightful... On only my second visit, Kate (a LOVELY server) remembered my name, and by my third, so did Charlie (the cute bartender) and Michael (the doorman) who greeted me with a high five. I've met Soks (the Manager) and Hubie (an owner) and they are both very rad.

If for some reason you're not having a good time, introduce yourself to any of these people or any of the other staff. I bet they will see to it that you do have a great experience.

Dear Metromix, Service left much to...
By Carla from Chicago, IL, August 21, 2007

Overall rating:

Dear Metromix,

Service left much to be desired. Mopey waitress indicated that we were getting in the way of her taskless evening at work.

Yours truly,

Carla

Extremely overrated. The vibe...
By Brendan S. from Chicago, il, June 1, 2007

Overall rating:

Extremely overrated. The vibe inside sucks. Unless you live in the area, this bar is not worth going out of your way to visit. It's trying too hard. Period. The only saving grace is the great food, and the out door patio.

Whoever said the drinks were...
By Melissa from Chicago, Il, May 22, 2007

Overall rating:

Whoever said the drinks were watered down...well they didn't have our bartender. Whoa. Strong drinks, but not necessarily a bad thing. Our server was amazing, the food was good (just aps, but they were great...) and the atmosphere was great.

Extremely overrated. Was there on...
By John from chicago, il, March 26, 2007

Overall rating:

Extremely overrated. Was there on a saturday. Unless you live in the area this bar is not worth going out of your way to visit. It's trying too hard to be too many things..need to make a choice between Miami style and hang out bar. (get rid of the pool table!! Would help with the vibe)

Motel is so convenient to...
By Beth from Chicago, December 23, 2006

Overall rating:

Motel is so convenient to my house. I love the mac-n-cheese, but I REALLY love the owner, John...He's hot!

Everything is awesome at this...
By Turd Ferguson from Chicago, il, July 13, 2006

Overall rating:

Everything is awesome at this River North Gem. Great decor, cool- friendly staff, and an amazing patio. My friends and i love to go and check out the hot "scenery"