After the great fire of Chicago, but before the new ordinance was passed saying no more wooden commercial structures, the building that is now the Green Door Tavern was erected. That was waaaaay back in 1872, and the place is still alive and kickin’. The name comes from Prohibition times, when establishments that turned a blind eye to the ban had green doors, so as to designate their unsavory (or savory rather) practices. The building even sports a bit of “lean” to it, due to its age. (If you partake in the Prohibition-era drinks, you’ll also have a bit of lean upon departure.) In today’s world of spotless countertops and mood lighting, the Green Door Tavern is nothing but the bare bones of the city’s history. The food is good old-fashioned pub fare, and the drinks are beer and cocktails. Various events, from live music to costume parties, celebrate the time of gangsters and the like. So, while some may eschew going to a simple bar, know that this place is steeped in history and lore. If only the walls could talk...
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The Original Speakeasy of Chicago
After the great fire of Chicago, but before the new ordinance was passed saying no more wooden commercial structures, the building that is now the Green Door Tavern was erected. That was waaaaay back in 1872, and the place is still alive and kickin’. The name comes from Prohibition times, when establishments that turned a blind eye to the ban had green doors, so as to designate their unsavory (or savory rather) practices. The building even sports a bit of “lean” to it, due to its age. (If you partake in the Prohibition-era drinks, you’ll also have a bit of lean upon departure.) In today’s world of spotless countertops and mood lighting, the Green Door Tavern is nothing but the bare bones of the city’s history. The food is good old-fashioned pub fare, and the drinks are beer and cocktails. Various events, from live music to costume parties, celebrate the time of gangsters and the like. So, while some may eschew going to a simple bar, know that this place is steeped in history and lore. If only the walls could talk...
