The building at 2149 S. Halsted entered the historical record in 1910 as a Birk Brothers Brewing Company tied-house, cycled through life as Kaufmann's Tavern and later Cozee's Corner, before becoming Skylark in 2003. More than two decades in, it's still pouring more than two dozen beers on tap, mostly from local breweries, alongside a menu built around late-night bar food — the Tots here have their own small reputation, the kind of order regulars make without looking at a menu. Monday nights bring free jazz, a welcome anomaly in a city where dive bars and live jazz don't often share a room.
What makes Skylark's story genuinely remarkable is how it's survived into its third decade: in January 2024, six longtime employees pooled resources to buy the bar — and the entire building, apartments and basement included — from the original owners, at an asking price of $1.6 million, specifically so it wouldn't change hands to someone who'd change what it is. They threw a party called 'Grand Staying The Same' to mark it, which tells you everything about the ethos here. It's reportedly cash-only, so come prepared, and expect a crowd that treats the place less like a bar and more like a shared neighborhood institution worth protecting.
No photos yet — be the first to add one.
Have a photo from a recent visit? — customers and business owners both welcome.
Know about a deal here that's not listed? Add it below — we'll verify and publish it.
to suggest a special.
Think Skylark deserves Iconic/Notable or Super Gem status? Tell us why.
to nominate a gem.
Every restaurant, dive, diner, bakery, and beef stand that made its way onto the show — plus an interactive map of every stop.
The Chicago Specials Score: member votes plus our own editorial judgment, updated as new spots earn their place.
Every real, verified Chicago event worth planning around — browse month by month, from this weekend to next summer.
Chicago
