Wolcott’s Bar & Grill

There was no reason to come here other than for drinks. And that is if they even had the drink you requested available. The main reason to come here was for their patio. I figured it wouldn’t last, and it has since been replaced by a much more upscale French wine bar (by the LM group) called Troquet.

Seems like they’re gone now… windows patched over with paper.
Did you go away, Wolcott’s?

New Year, new Wolcott’s it seems. As nearly everyone on here as stated, it was a place that was inconsistent at best and downright terrible at its worst. A rotating cycle of servers who had no clue what was on the menu, mediocre beer selection, and meh food.
Seems like a new sheriff is in town because they’ve made some major and minor changes. The lady and I went in there because it was open and Bad Apple wasn’t. That’s the truth. I personally wasn’t excited because of the previous times but turns out it was a great thing!
They’ve revamped the beer menu to focus on craft beers, which is a smart move. Yes, The Fountainhead is down the street but the food at Wolcott’s is more accessible and you can sit and watch a game. I mean, they have Firestone Walker so someone at least has some sense. And Robert the Bruce and Arrogant Bastard on tap? Good calls!
The food was pretty darn good and you can tell it wasn’t dumped out of a freezer bag. They batter their chicken tenders that incorporates Guinness, make their own chips in house, and have these super crunchy and perfectly seasoned potato chips! Is it high end? No, but they’re not trying to be.
And the service was spot on, though now I definitely want them to actively train their staff in pairing their beer with their food. I’m very much about the complete meal experience and that helps in a big way.
Random side story — a totally disinterested guy came in and ordered a Miller Lite, which they mercifully have ditched (yes, they still have Bud Light Lime but whatevs, the revolution won’t happen overnight) so the bartender said «I’ll get you something like it» and gave him a Metropolitan Krankshaft! Hilarious and super win for local breweries!
Keep up the good work Wolcott’s and you’ll see me and more friends much more often! Let’s turn those one and two star reviews into updates of four and five!

Great little neighborhood bar.
If you check in on Unilocal… you get a $ 10 off coupon… BONUS!
We stopped in here after dinner at Glenn’s. Nothing spectacular but it definitely hit the spot for a couple of beers, shots, etc after dinner.
The bartender was the server too. Surprisingly, he was on top of things… very impressed!

I’ve never seen a place go downhill so fast after opening. or at least my experience go progressively from great to terrible over the 4 – 5 times I’ve been there. Whe I first went to Wolcott’s in the spring, it was cozy, upscale yet casual, and with great specials — a perfect neighborhood spot that seemed to get it right. I even thought I had found my new spot to catch a game.
I was there last night and will never go back again. Three things of note:
(1) They seem to have turned up the lights… so rather than appear cozy, it’s got more of a dive bar feel to it. This is an easy fix, and I hope they do.
(2) The last TWO times I was there, I walked out smelling like a fry cook getting off work. They have terrible ventilation — there was literally a haze over the whole room emitting from the back kitchen. When I went to put on my jacket this morning, it still reeked of kitchen grease — yuck! Happens once? ok, bad night with flames on the grill. But twice? I think they clearly need to invest in a better ventilation system.
(3) The most annoying thing of all: this place seems to change up their specials more often than most people change their underwear. Their website advertises $ 10 domestic pitchers on Wednesday. When we got there, we were promptly told there were NO beer specials. What kind of a neighborhood bar can’t at least do a $ 3.50 pint on a Wednesday night??? Or. if not.then at least keep their website accurate (it takes 5 minutes to update) so as not to do a bait and switch.
I will say this: the bartender/​waiter was very cool: very friendly, nice and attentive. Got to give credit where credit is due.
I think if I were to go back, it would be next summer when their side patio is open. Bu tuntil they fix the lights and ventilation, there are better experiences to be had but a few blocks away.

This is the third time I’ve been to Wolcott’s and I’ve had 3 bad experiences. I won’t be going back, which totally bums me out because it’s so damn convenient to where I live!
A few of us went in around 7pm to grab food & drinks for Game 7 of the World Series before attending a Halloween party starting at 9pm. We thought this would be plenty of time. Boy were we WRONG.
After an hour of waiting for our food (during which the waitress kept saying, «Your order is next! It’s on its way!»), it turns out the kitchen only got part of our order. Not sure who messed up here, but you’d think they’d work quickly to correct the error. After an hour and a half, I went and found the waitress — who hadn’t been back to our table — to see what the deal was. Standing back by the kitchen, which opens to the restaurant area, it looked like the guys back there weren’t doing a darn thing. The nachos eventually came (they were burned and disappointing, but I was ravenous so I ate them anyway), but the other 2 appetizers didn’t. We ended up getting them to go so we could make our party, but this process took *another* half hour. Seriously. 2 hours for nachos, potato skins (which didn’t have the pico on the side, as requested), and an Italian beef sandwich.
The waitress apologized and said she’d «take care of everything,» which we took to mean we wouldn’t have to pay for anything. We were stunned when she brought out a check for the drinks. I appreciate her comp-​ing us the food, but honestly, we shouldn’t have had to pay for anything given how awful the service was.
Oh, and they were out of Heineken Light.
How hard is it, Wolcott’s? Really. A toddler could run a better and more courteous establishment.

This neighborhood bar is very cozy and quaint in size. Its covered with outside windows and the bar is very well lit during the day with flat screen televisions. I really loved the salad with vinigarette. The place is really nicely designed with wooden floors, stools, and bar layout.
I felt good sitting there for a Bears game, parking is easy around Wolcott street and Montrose and yet they didn’t have Bloody Mary mix the day I came in, and they don’t blend drinks there they only shake em up if you care for the difference.
Service is very nice letting you enjoy your time alone without too many servers or bartenders crammed all over the restaurant. This place is very customer service oriented probably because it is a small place quiet and snuck away between the brown line and Starbucks across the street.

Meh.
Hubby and I shared the fish and chips and the Wolcott burger (as in, I traded half my meal for half of his). We weren’t blown away. It was ok.
The chardonnay was on special for $ 4 and they filled my glass to the brim! You get one star back for that, Wolcott’s :)

We were excited when Wolcott’s finally opened up, but it wasn’t worth the wait. I’ve been here twice, and have had terrible service both times. The first time here, they were advertising a special on the sliders. My girlfriend and myself both ordered the slider special, to which we were told that it’s one order per table. A quick glance around the room told that this was probably a lie since the table next to us had two plates of sliders, plus it doesn’t specify that on the chalkboard outside. The waitress had to consult with the manager before she finally allowed us to both order the sliders, but was snobby to us for the rest of the night. The food was decent, but nothing special.
We came back a second time and sat on their newly made patio which obnoxiously takes up the majority of the sidewalk. While waiting for a server, a staff member came out panicked and asked us how long we had been waiting. It had only been about 5 minutes, but they then told us that they left a couple out on the patio unattended for 45 minutes earlier that day before the couple finally said something. We were hoping that that meant they learned from their mistake earlier, but we should have taken it as the warning I’m sure it was meant to be. Our food order was «lost by the cook» and we ended up waiting about an hour before our food arrived after sitting down. Our waitress appologized but said she couldn’t offer us a complimentary drink or discount off our bill because there’s no manager on duty. However, later after a drink order arrived 20 minutes later, she admitted she just forgot to pick the drink up at the bar and had the bartender make a fresh one.
With Fountainhead, Glenn’s and all the bars in Lincoln Square nearby, there’s really no reason to go here. If you do happen to go inside, see if you can see what’s missing on their mural of Wolcott’s on the wall.

Honestly, my boyfriend and I wouldn’t be such regulars here if it wasn’t right across the street from us and if the specials weren’t so amazing.
The food is so-​so for a place that has «& Grill» in it’s name. They’re usually out of the (pretty common) beers we’re looking for or their kegs are warm/​broken. Missy, one of the bartenders, is totally awesome and nice, but it seems like she’s quit. The new blonde bartender is rude and unhelpful. They have a bunch of nice TVs, but if you ask them to change one to whatever game you want to watch, they’ll say the game is blacked-​out/​they don’t know how to work the TV/​they can only play the same channel. And then you’ll walk by the next day and they’ll all be on different channels.
I went in yesterday to get some lunch around 3:30. I didn’t realize they opened at 4, but their door and all the windows were open, their music was blasting, and they had their two street signs out advertising their specials, so I went in and sat at the bar. The aforementioned blonde bartender told me after I had sat down that they didn’t open for another half hour. I asked if I could just get a glass of wine and wait until the kitchen opened, but she told me, «uh… no.» I understand that they weren’t open yet, but by all accounts it seemed like they were. I’m also there about 4 times a week and have been served by that bartender several times, so I was a little surprised that she was so upset with me for walking in the open door and sitting at the bar.
I’ve heard that the place opened in January so it seems like they have a lot of kinks to work out if they want to be successful. Everyone that’s working always seems stressed or mad at each other and like they don’t know what’s going on.

This was my first time going to this bar. First impressions are everything, and I was NOT impressed.
First, we sat down and had to wait for the server for at least 15 minutes. She came by and couldnt tell us what was on draft, so she got us menus. That took 5 minutes. Then she said she would be back, and we had to wait an additional 10 minutes! We were there for a half hour before we got drinks! I was appalled.
We received our Hacker-​Pshorrs without a lemon because apparently they ran out. YEAH RIGHT. How does a bar run out of lemons? I have worked in bars before, there are lemons, you just have to cut them.
Another server brought us our food, I sent back the Hacker-​Pshorr because it doesnt taste right without a lemon. The other server said she would cut up lemons for us. I sent mine back, but my friend kept his. She brought the lemons in a timely manner, she must be a witch with magical powers because I thought they ran out of lemons.
The hummus and nachos tasted good. No complaints there.
The check came. He gave his credit card. Our server comes back and my friend had to have his credit card run again because apparently it didnt go through, even though he had slips to sign. WTF is up with that? That was a first for me, I have never been at a restaurant where we have had to do that. He better not get charged twice.
There are MUCH better bars in the city. I wont be going back.

Wolcotts… You are a staircase away, so I give you my business, BUT after tonight…
Where to begin? I’m torn. You have some really good employees and some AWFUL!!! employees. Let it be known that as fellow victim of the service industry, you have my greatest sympathies. But there is simply no excuse for the service my gf and I received tonight. 15 to 20 mins at a time to receive a drink order? I could understand if your bartender was swamped and obviously doing all he/​she could to get drinks out as fast as possible, but when the bartender spends his/​her time wandering about? In all honesty– our server was fantastic. Yet there is a HUGE problem with your bar when I see the panic on the server’s face because the bartender isn’t doing his/​her job!

If you have the Unilocal app on your smart phone, «check-​in» for a special. I’m not sure how long those things last for. What’s cool is if you forget to use it, you can always use it on the next visit. The application will store the voucher. Since I used the voucher once I haven’t used the «check in» again. Only because, once you do someone (m/​b a manager) is prompted to come and check on you and make sure everything is good. I wish this happened (instead) every time a customer came in and dined or drank.
I’m not sure about Wolcott’s. What bothers is the identity of the place. Is it a wine bar? Sports bar? or a catch all? Sometimes games are running and music is pumping. Other times its quiet with TVs running something in the background. It’s very much just. hmmm.
Service has always been decent for me, so no qualms there. Food on the other hand, well, it depends on what we’re talking about. Fish and chips, chips were okay but the fish was oily and over fried. Sunday burger special is at a great price and very filling. One appetizer I would not recommend are the southwest egg rolls whose taste is just alright. It’s the smell of them which is off-​putting, they smell like unwashed armpits. Maybe it’s the type of wrapper or something in the ingredients. Not sure.
I like Wolcott’s on the laziest of evenings when there aren’t many people in there and I can enjoy a quiet drink with a special someone. If it wasn’t for looking at their website right now I would’ve never known about their custom cocktails list which I’m now looking forward to ordering next time. If you’re a deal hunter, look into their nightly specials.

Our server is still on the phone
She’s leaving the patrons alone
Our two empty glasses
Ignored as she passes
Oh how I wish I’d stayed home.

Great local spot for conversation and drinks.
Wonderful place to meet with a date for a few drinks before starting a night. Nice, upscale and clean…
I stopped in on a Friday night to meet a buddy before moving to our regular venues and it was quite a treat. It was about midnight and not packed at all. The Bartender was very cute and super friendly, and the waitress was very helpful. We were quickly convinced to stay a bit and tried some nachos and fish tacos, two thumbs up.
Definitely not a ghetto bar by any means… I’ll stop by again.

Took a friend here on Sunday, Feb. 20, simply because I wanted him to see how bad, generic and soulless a bar could be. Our arrival doubled the customer population of the joint –this at a sports bar, during a Blackhawks game, in a hockey-​mad town. They were out of Jameson (as another reviewer also notes), which is a little like an Italian restaurant being out of olive oil. My friend dared order the food (mac n cheese and bread pudding) and ended up vomiting uncontrollably for two days with the worst food sickness of his life.
I don’t give this place another six months. In fact, it’s dying so bad I fully expect that a bunch of Republicans will issue a bill preventing it from being removed from life support. In this case, «life support» = «fake reviews.» Spotting them would be fun, were it not so easy. I wouldn’t be so mean, but damn –these guys aren’t even trying. I mean, naming it «Wolcott’s,» coz that’s the cross-​street it’s on? That’s actually more effort than they put into any other aspect of this soon to be gone disappointment of a bar.

It’s hard to say which is worse… the bar service or the food. I live in the neighborhood and couldn’t wait for this place to finally open. I’ve been 3 times and won’t return. They don’t know how to pour a Guinness. I ordered a Hacker Pschorr and they served it to me in a Guinness glass. These novice bartenders don’t know anything about beer or that certain beers must be served in the right glasses. They treat their beer like it’s all Miller Lite. When I asked for another Hacker Pschorr in an actual Hacker Pschorr glass the bartender told me that when they opened they only had 6 glasses and now they only have one. I was the only person in the bar and I guess I didn’t deserve to get their coveted glass. I had to ask for it after the bartender said she only had one left because the patrons were stealing them.
Don’t even think about eating here either. I had the portabella mushroom sandwich which the bartender assured me was very good. The mushroom was about a 16^th of an inch thick and burnt. It was served on dry toast with cheese. I sent it back and the bartender was apologetic. I think unless this place does a 180 it will go out of business soon. They need a new chef and someone who can hire decent bartenders. Too bad they can’t get the basics right.

well… that was awkward.
i know better then to try any place so close to the opening date, but sometimes it happens and you just have to hope for the best.
first problem of the night, someone tries ordering wine only to be told they are out of most. okay. that may have been a helpful hint when we first sat down.
and that sets the tone for the evening.
in ordering food i don’t actually expect anything in a bar with such a basic beer list and 7 tvs (i’ll give them this, it wasn’t loud), and i’m no stranger to your run of the mill bar food. they have a veggie stew with cheese gnocchi in it. that seemed so strange i had to order it. oh. what’s that you say? you are out of the stew… and the oyster, the soup has changed, the wings can only be fried and there is no black pepper garlic for them? great. isn’t that the first thing you tell people when you hand them the menu?
after a few adjustments we order. i should’ve listened to amanda when she said people didn’t like their corn dogs. but i thought how bad can a corn dog be? their’s is sliced sausage dipped in corn batter that seems too dry and over cooked served with the type of german mustard used for sauage. it says it’s whiskey mustard, but who could tell?
the bowl of chips we order are just store bought chips (think lays) with seasoning. the collard greens while passable, are sad looking. they look like something out of can and i watched as they were twirled around a fork like pasta. weird. the cornbread that came with it was the driest thing ever and crumbled at the touch. mac and cheese while having a smoked cheese flavour was ruined by it’s runny sauce and gummy pasta.
now the fun part. i’ve never seen a whole plate of food sent back, but that night i got to see two plates of food sent back. one of our group sent the ribs and the mac and cheese back. the ribs were apparently the driest thing he’s ever tasted, and he’d pay $ 100 if there was any sauce that stuck to any of the pasta. shortly later the, what i’m assuming, manager came up. she didn’t introduce herself so who’s to say really who she was.
let the interrogation begin!
after the offending patron was questioned about sending back the food, we all got questioned on our food choices. she stayed at our table questioning us for much too long. but we did find out that those chips we had were store bought. they do normally make their own chips but they were so busy they ran out, hence the store bought. another thing we should’ve been told when ordering. apparently we shouldn’t fear though because they are getting in a new chef next week who’s going to make some changes. she did comp us on most of the food, which was very very nice.
after that the waitress, bus boy, and manager would suddenly appear and abruptly ask us if we needed anything or if they could take anything. it was really too much almost as if they were trying to get us to drink more or leave. and they always annoyingly squeezed between me and the people at the bar to ask us these things, instead of standing at the vacant side of the table where we could all see them easily and be aware of their presences. instead it was like being waited on by a ninja jack in the box that suddenly pops up out of no where shouting «do you want anything else?!»
all in all wait for this new chef to appear and be prepared to have your conversation interrupted dozens of times.
me, i’ll wait till summer with a patio, and hopefully they can deliver some outstanding non premixed long islands.
oh, their wood floors are nice

Came here on opening night and it was great.
Atmosphere — 4 Stars — well designed flow, tables and bar so you can eat or just grab a drink!
Food — 5 Stars — Everything we ordered was yum, yum, yummy from the tomato mac & cheese (delish!) to the cornbread and collard greens and this is from a gal that’s nickname is Sally (as in so When Harry Met Sally” picky). Btw, I’m also a vegetarian and they had great options for us veg folks including a hearty portobello melt w/​grilled onions and divine cheese.
Service — 4 ½ Stars — Jules, the manager, was running the place like a well oiled machine on opening night and we had everyone from waiters to bus «men» (odd calling men bus boys) asking if we needed anything. The chef even stopped by to see how the food was. Very attentive!
Variety — 5 Stars — Love their unique drink menu and food menu, see above.
Value — 4 Stars — Given what you get, happy tummy — great company — fantastic surroundings — it’s worth the prices, which are decent.
Lastly, there are TVs well placed yet volume monitored to make it a great date place on any game night!
Only sad part for me is it’s not closer to my place…

Good food (except my friends did not like their corn dogs) and good drinks, but a slight identity crisis, I’d say. Overall, though, I enjoyed myself and the staff was really great.
The menu and website lead you to believe that this place is leaning toward casual gastropub/​neighborhood bar or something, so I was a bit confused to see a sign outside tonight advertising basketball on many screens and a special on lite beers. Honestly, the vibe inside is a bit sports bar-​ish for me and the crowd is a bit middle-​aged, which isn’t really what I or my friends expected. However, I really liked the food — good fish tacos, great fries, and my friends told me the burger was great (as mentioned, other friends said no to the corndogs).
The service was good if slightly oversolicitious on the part of the bus boys. Our waitress was super nice, and the manager was great. When there was a dispute over some items on our bill, she subtracted a significant amount and promised us free drinks on our next visit. Which was lovely.
I suspect they just need to work out a few kinks here and the staff needs to settle in. In this economy, who can fault some people for trying a bit too hard when a new place opens? I’ll be back in a little while to make a more firm determination.