Old Town Ale House

CASH ONLY! Don’t let that message scare you away, just come prepared. There is also an ATM inside. Good selection of beer and drinks. Small, slightly stuffy but relaxing and nice atmosphere. This seems to be a classic hangout after second city so when you’re there keep an eye out for comedians. Nice place!

After nearly ten years of stopping in every few months, this remains one of my favorite bars in the city. Not necessarily for the beers or mixed drinks, you can get the same or better just about anywhere else. It’s the vibe. It’s the incredible jukebox with records ranging from Count Basie and Tony Bennett to Howlin’ Wolf and Tom Waits. It’s the crazy paintings on the wall, showcasing the heroes from across the street, and the criminals who permeate our government. It’s the kind of place that’s too few and far between, your classic watering hole filled with regulars, folks who know, and visitors from all over the country. The bartenders will happily strike up a conversation with you, and just as happily leave you alone. You’ll see people who might as well have their name on the barstool, folks who have probably been kicked out more than once, and people just having a really good time over a couple of beers. It’s always a pleasure to come in and feel like you’ve transported forty or fifty years back. This place isn’t trying to be trendy, and it certainly isn’t desperately trying to be cool or coax people in. But it doesn’t need to, like the owner himself, it wears who it is proudly on its sleeve and demands a little bit of honesty, humility, and for you to leave your bs at the door. Come in, have a beer, and enjoy the best jukebox and wildest decor in the city.

Great little dark bar that allows you to melt in the shadows if you like. Very interesting pictures everywhere, you won't get bored looking at them. They even have a bathroom that reminds me a little how a prison bathroom would look, lol. Great little place with a lot of history and worth checking out.

Fun and easy-going dive bar. Lots of paintings on the walls apparently created by the owner of the bar. Fair pricing, decent selection, chill vibes.

Very great place to drink great music yes cash only but there’s an ATM machine. Very friendly people and very friendly. Bartender definitely will be back.

Ale House is a staple of Old Town.. on weekends it can get packed with a mix of tourists & locals. It’s a popular spot for folks to stop by after a show at Zanies or Second City. It is CASH ONLY and it’s a 4am/5am spot so remember to be patient & courteous to the staff

Chris working the front entrance was abrasive and rude in is comments toward patrons upon entry. He proceeded of accusing customers of behavior which was inappropriate, vulgar and biased in bigotry. I found this defamation of character offensive and disrespectful. He needs a lesson in how to do his job or find something better suited for his abysmal attitude

Cash only, Old Town Ale House has a very dive bar feel but that's not a bad thing. Good price on pitchers, we came in the early afternoon and felt like we could have just hung out for hours. Plenty to look at while you're here, the owner has some of his hilarious artwork pinned up. If only it was for sale...

Great dive bar! Preston and the other staff were very friendly and gave quick, attentive service. Definitely check this place out if you’re in the area!

2.5. Quiet little bar with quirky, entertaining paintings all over the walls. Limited selection of brews. Service not exactly with a smile, but got the job done. Basically a dive bar. If not for the odd-ball paintings and being the only place not blasting football, would have passed it by.