Guthries: The Chicago Bar Where the Games Never Really Ended

If you know Chicago bars, you probably know Guthries.

Sitting at Addison and Southport in Lakeview, Guthries has been a neighborhood fixture since 1986 — but the building’s story goes way further back.

The corner started life as a grocery store around 1900. After Prohibition ended in 1933, it became a neighborhood tavern.

Then came Guthries.

For decades, the bar became known for its laid-back atmosphere, cheap-ish beers, colorful ceiling tiles — and something you don’t always find at a Chicago bar:

BOARD GAMES.

Yep. You could grab a beer, sit down with friends and settle in for a little friendly competition.

The bar changed hands in 2021, but the new owners promised to keep the Guthries vibe alive — giving the place an upgrade without turning it into something completely different.

And that’s really the charm of Guthries.

It’s not trying to be the trendiest bar in Chicago.

It’s a neighborhood bar.

The kind of place where you can grab a drink, play a game, meet a friend — and suddenly realize you’ve been there three hours.

Chicago has plenty of bars.

But Guthries?

That’s a piece of Lakeview history.

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