Bar of the month

Brody’s on Clark
3369 N.Clark

The Basics
Where you’ll find it: 3369 N. Clark, in the old location of the Twisted Spoke, on the corner of Clark and Roscoe near the southern end of Wrigleyville. (773) 525-5300.

When it’s open: 11 a.m.-2 a.m. Sunday through Friday; 11 a.m.-3 a.m. Saturday.

Peak time: Brody’s has seen a good dinner crowd since its opening, but the folks start really flowing in a bit later, around 9:00 p.m. Plenty of live bands often keep the crowd there until late in the evening.

What you’ve heard: It’s labeled as Chicago’s ultimate dive bar. ... Like what they have going with live rock music, barbecue, an easy-going attitude and plenty of barbecue. ... A unique environment for Wrigleyville worth checking out, with plenty of changes on the horizon.

History in short: Twisted Spoke was previously in this location for a little over three years, and it was believed to hold the San Antonio Fajiata House before that. A scene from “The Untouchables” was filmed here, when a briefcase left by one of Al Capone’s henchmen explodes. Part of the décor from the movie still remains.

Visual Aids
First impressions: Black wood is the norm with an attractive shiny granite counter top and a worn hardwood floor. ... A combination of metal shop and 18th Century elegance with the paneling and lighting. ... There is a temporary stage at the end of the bar until they finish off the room next door, which will have a larger stage for local and national acts, and the kitchen will be moved to the far back of the building to make it a more open environment. ... Only two TVs in here, so don’t expect to catch up on many ESPN highlights.

The atmosphere: You can’t call yourself an “ultimate dive bar” and not put together a laid-back place, which is definitely what you have here. ... It can be a party and a madhouse when the popular bands are playing, but also manages to carry with it a local, neighborhood bar type of feel. Rock and roll is always prevalent.

What you’ll tell your friends: “If you’re tired of some of the pretensiousness of the neighborhood, as my friends and I were, you’ve got to come check things out here. I’ve heard the barbecue is fantastic, and I can vouch for all the bands and specials. It’s fun to just come, sit back, listen to music and hang with friends. It really doesn’t feel like Wrigleyville.”
— Kate M.

What the owner thinks: “We call ourselves ‘Chicago’s ultimate dive bar,’ where we’re just a hole in the wall with some character. We’re not catering toward any age category. We want everybody to come in for the food and for the entertainment. And the drinks, of course. We’ll be the first establishment that blatantly violates the anti-smoking ban in January.”
– Bill

The Experience
At your service: Patrons can vouch for there never being a shortage of pleasant and talkative bartenders and waitresses. A lot of people pony up to the bar for a drink, but if you need service at a table, you can find it easily. “We do have a phenomenal waitstaff,” said Bill, the owner, who has managed to hire an all-female staff. “Words can’t describe it. We’re like a melting pot for beautiful bartenders.”

Get your drink on: Brody’s, it should be known, is big into whiskey. They actually have two on tap, including Jack Daniels, which you don’t find everywhere. As far as beer, 20 are offered on tap, from Pabst Blue Ribbon all the way up to Fat Tire and Goose Island 312, including Guinness, Harp, Miller Lite, Bud Light, Rolling Rock, Blue Moon and Rogue Dead Guy Ale. Don’t forget another 14 bottle options, a number that will be growing in the next couple of months, and a full bar. Yes, they do have more than just whiskey.

Menu variety: They may call themselves a dive bar, but Brody’s hardly has the menu options of a dive bar. In fact, the grub trumps most other establishments in the area. The specialty is barbecue, so don’t be shy when it comes to ordering the wings (Texas, Tennessee, Honey Hot or Spicy), BBQ chicken or pulled pork sandwich, brisket, rack of ribs or pork chop that comes with apple sauce and whole potatoes. The Winston chicken sandwich, Brody Burger, 10-ounce Rib Eye, three salad options, sides like corn, cole slaw and black beans and rice, and plenty of appetizers such as “Nachos Overkill,” potato skins or quesadillas are also awaiting your taste buds.

Daily specials: Monday: $12 for a domestic pitcher and order of wings. Tuesday: $2 Jim Beam and Jager shots. Wednesday: Half-price on all whiskey. Thursday: $3.50 Stoli drinks. Friday and Saturday: $3.50 domestics, $5 imports, $4 Jack and Cokes. Sunday: $4 Bloody Mary bar and $5 Ramos Fizz.

Who you can expect to see there: Being it’s not like your typical sports bars that litter Wrigleyville, it tends to offer in a more diverse crowd. A lot of people come for the food, and the music is a big draw as well. Some of the bands are likely to bring their own crowd capable of filling the place. ... Age ranges anywhere from 20s to 40s. “We are starting to get the runoff from some of the other places on the street,” said Bill, the owner. “People that want a more laid-back scene and some music.”

It’s a good spot to … “visit a rock and roll bar in the midst of Wrigleyville. ... sit outside in the summer on one of the many sprawling picnic tables down the sidewalk on Roscoe. ... sample a killer menu that revolves around smoked barbecue. ... catch a new band or an old favorite with friends. ... not have to dress up to feel comfortable.”

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