As Pitchfork Music Festival attendees flood Union Park this weekend, the Near West Side becomes the center of the city’s universe for three days and nights. For those unfamiliar with the neighborhood’s dining and drinking establishments—out-of-towners, those who rarely venture off Milwaukee Avenue—we’ve assembled a diverse list of spots to sip and sup within a 15-minute walk of the festival grounds. It’s definitely worth noting Pitchfork Fest’s draconian reentry policy: there is, um, no reentry. So you’ll have to hit up these locations before heading into the park or once you leave.
“I need a drink as refined as my music taste.”
Mahoney’s Pub & Grille Maybe it’s because you really wanted Lolla tickets instead, but your approach to Pitchfork has been to go hard when you can and boot and rally when you must. There’s a bar for that. Mahoney’s has the vibe of a place overtaken by former Sig Eps—guys anxious to extend their college primes and who just want to rage, brah. If you want to keep the party going after Chance the Rapper clears the stage on Sunday night, this is your place. 551 N. Ogden, Fri 4 PM-3 AM, Sat 11 AM-3 AM, Sun 11 AM-2 AM
“I wish someone would play ‘Wagon Wheel.’”
- Andrea Bauer
- Au Cheval
