Kibbitznest is a great hangout! It’s cozy and welcoming, the staff is so nice and the atmosphere is top notch. It’s a great place to meet friends and play games or a good days spot as well

This place blends everything you could want from a social setting: bar, ice cream shop, bookstore, game room, jam session (they have a piano and guitar for grabs), poetry slams. Its the perfect place to unplug. You can also use one of their many typewriters for when inspiration strikes. Definitely a unique and cozy place for fall/winter evenings.

Used to be my favorite neighborhood spot with games, drinks and books and even a piano in the back. They are pro segregation now even though I have a medical exemption for going through chemo. Shame on you all.

I love this little place. It’s so unique. They have a lot of food and drink options, tons of books and games, and random things like typewriters you can use.

This place is delightful, a great place to have a cozy date or gather with friends and actually connect over beer, brownies, and board games. The fact that you can choose vinyl records to play in the back room and bring your own food is super cool too. Wish they had a little bit more beer on draft over bottles and a little less draft in the back room, but thats being nitpicky. Will definitely be coming back here often.

Perfect amount of eclectic and cozy with books, board games, beers, ice cream, snacks, plenty of seating, music you can pick in a welcoming atmosphere. Wish I had visited sooner.

I cant say enough good things about kibbitznest. My husband surprised me with a visit here for my birthday. He promised that I would find all my favorite things in one place and he was right! I still cant believe that such a gem exists in Chicago.They have board games, books, a piano, a foosball table, beer, ice cream, good food and BEER! I really couldnt ask for more. But wait, they also dont have WiFi!!! The only way it could be better is if they were to come to Detroit. Id probably never leave 🤣

Beautiful ambience, nostalgia, a nice place to read, chill, drink and hear open mic performances.

Great place to just hang and chill

Quiet, eclectic, place with games, books, typewriters, and a good beer selection. Most of the staff is very friendly. Awesome place for a first date.

This is one of my favorite places. I can’t wait for it to open again. The fact you can have a coffee, an ice cream, or a glass of wine and a charcuterie board or bring your own food inside, is amazing! Love the fact you can play board games, read a book, play a darts game in the back or sit quietly in a cozy chair. I do find it to be too chilly all the time.

Kibbitznest is one of my favorite spots in Chicago, I always look for an equivalent in other cities, but have never found a good comparison.This place is great for studying, reading, and meeting. There are tons of books, places to sit, and typewriters too. A truly unique spot that you should definitely check out!

This has been in my “places I want to go” list for about a year and a half, and immediately after I went this past weekend it made its way into my “Chicago Must” list. This place is unlike any other. It’s extremely cute and cozy. If you love books, you must go. Their cocktails were that great (which is fine!), but I wouldn’t expect a bookstore bar to have five star cocktails. I stuck with the beers and was satisfied with their selection. I went for a show on Valentine’s Day with some friends and we had an absolute blast. I’ve told all my friends that we need to go back. They have plenty of board games, books to read/buy, great spots to just chill, and typewriters in almost every corner! I caught myself typing away poems for 15 minutes. This place was so much fun. You must go!

Missed this place dearly

This place is amazing! I came in here with my girlfriend and taught her how to play chess. They have a bunch of other board games, movies, cds, and even a fusball table to keep you entertained. Also, they have ice cream and weirdly enough, the best sprinkles I have ever had as a side. Great place to come with people and have fun conversing and playing games!

I went to perform for the Comedians Open Mic Night. I really loved the ambience there.

The place is magical! They really managed to combine socializing with lounging, thanks to music thats not too loud or mainstream, mood lighting, loads of books (make you feel cozy), and some well-used boardgames. Not sure why they have TVs, but you can safely ignore them if youre deep into your gameStreet parking outside, meter runs until 9pm on Fridays

Quaint, friendly, and multifaceted. There are a lot of activities (board games, instruments, typewriters, fossball) that help keep you way from the internet. The snack selection isnt great but the drink selection is awesome.

Wow this place is fantastic! I love coming here to chill with friends and relax while playing board games or just enjoying the environment. I’ve been here twice now and both were at different times and neither disappointed! The first time I got some Thai take out and came here to meet up with friends. We ate and played board games, I didn’t even buy any food or drink! They have a collection of cd’s where you can choose what you want to listen to. There’s a movie theater right around the corner so after a movie it’s the perfect spot to go and discuss theories or possible sequels! I stayed there chatting with my friend for about 3 hours. Basically I can’t recommend this place enough!

No wifi hangout with an amazing atmosphere with people chatting, drinking coffee or alcoholic beverages, playing board games, or reading. Its a perfect place for a date or friend hangouts.

Great atmosphere for reading or socializing, no interneting!

Went for the first time yesterday and I already can’t wait to go back. There are so many charming aspects of the space: ample seating, stocked bar, walls lined with books, board games a plenty, typewriters to play around with, “whatever you are just wash your hands” bathrooms, and patrons of all ages.They serve a variety of small snacks, ice cream, and Chicago style hot dogs- all which are delicious! The beer selection and list of cocktails and wines was impressive too.Overall, it’s a really welcoming space that could be used to meet a friend, date, book club, or your next study session. I’ll be back soon!

Kibbitznest is one of the most special places in the city. Everyone I bring here feels the intimacy and spark that that it ignites. I bring my book club here, come here to celebrate with friends, and play board games. I will definitely be checking out the talks that take place there monthly

Theres a lot of aesthetic going on here. This place is not great for people with anxiety. Its not super obvious that you order from the bar, or that theres more seating elsewhere, or that there isnt table service. So, you walk in, see all the seats are full, see theres a bar with alcohol but non-alcoholic drinks arent obviously available, and because theres a lot of aesthetic nobodys really interested in welcoming you or offering you service. Eventually I found another room with menus set out but there was no table service. But I guess youre supposed to order from the bar then tell them where youre sitting, even if you dont know where youre sitting. Eventually some guy came by to ask for our orders but his disdain was palpable and he was not subtle about wanting us gone. Other people seemed fine with it but honestly Ill pass, I prefer places Im actually welcome thanks. Also, the huge TVs were a real turnoff in a place that claimed to be focused on personal interactions.

Amazing place to spend time in a cozy setting with friends playing board games and eating pequods pizza from across the street. Cant get enough of this place. Such great atmosphere and the service is top notch. Cant recommend enough.

A unique, cozy, and welcoming neighborhood hub. Its a fun combination of cafe, bar, and bookshop with book clubs and story readings. Its the sort of place where you can get into a really good conversation with a friend or a stranger.

And so the Pente battle ensues.

You can bring your own food here and it will only cost you a drink or so, which is quite normal and expected. However I would gladly fulfill this request because this place is great, and they do a lot of intellectual gatherings for various subject matter. Parking is available for smaller cars to the right of the building.

Kibbitzest is so cute! The bar is filled with used books which you can browse while you’re hanging out. Drinks are a little pricey but they have a good Irish coffee. Also, great place to beat someone in foosball 😉

Great vibes all around.If you love to read, play board games, and sip on craft cocktails all in one - this is the perfect place.Every time I visit, I find something new to look at.10/10

Amazing place. I was looking for a quiet bar to chat with friends and this place delivered. Super sweet place with a nice small plates menu, great cocktails and a TYPEWRITER! :)

Coolest and most chill place Ive visited in Chicago for a beer or a pot of tea and they let us select and control the music in the back room from their selection of vinyl. Played backgammon, cribbage and foosball and simply had a blast. Awesome beer and cheese selection as well.

The coziest home away from home in Chicago. I love coming to the ‘nest’ and listening to records in the back room. The environment is so welcoming and comfortable. The concept is alive and honored by guests as I look around and see people actually looking into their friends’ eyes!

This place is the best. Its a great way to spend a relaxing afternoon or evening with board games and friends. Also good for a solo visit with a good book or pick out one of the hundreds they have for free. Dont answer your phone and ruin the vibes :)

Loved the vibe, very cozy and board games and books available. Pomegranate pear apple tea was delicious. Ill definitely be back.

Our family came here for a couple of playdates for our pre-teen and teenager girls. I LOVE this place. They have tons of board games, books, typewriter, ice cream, cocktail, calm atmosphere... Their hot chocolate is the best. Its a perfect relaxing place to hang out with children. Highly recommend to moms.

Love this place. The staff are nice. The service is good. The vibe is great, nice and chill. There are three different rooms, which is pretty awesome. There are some light noshes if youre looking for a snack and a pretty good drink selection. There are games to play and books to read. Its a wifi free zone, so spend some quality times with your humans.

This place is a hidden gem! It has such a cozy and eclectic atmosphere. Whether you want to play games, read books, listen to records or even watch a movie in the back room, they have it all. I was only able to spend a few hours here but next time I am in Chicago, I will definitely be back!

We came here on a Saturday early afternoon while we were shopping nearby, this place is great to rest, to kill time and have some fun game.What i like about them is they serve beer/wine/cocktail/coffee AND tea, you can chill at the bar and talk with the owners, or you can play board games with friend. This is even a great place to come alone to read or work, they have some study rooms on the back of the bar which is quiet during the day.

Cool concept. Theres a ton of things to do without the use of wifi. Bar, coffee, light food, and ice cream... they basically have it all. If you have a bigger vehicle, dont park in their parking lot. Small cars only. Staff is courteous.

One of my favorite bars in the city, love the environment, polite and friendly staff and high quality drinks and cocktails. Highly recommended.

New found gaming cafe/bar. Me and my boyfriend came across this place online and it does not disappoint. The joint has a calm mood with many book to choose from and a great game selection. We played 2 games with only one missing piece that did not impact the gameplay. Ordered tea and coffee. Both were very delicious and went well with our night.

A cute little find that offers decent drinks and many games/books to play. Theres also ice cream but I did not get a chance to try any.

Very cute and cozy place! They seem to have a very good collection of hooks but the bar is also great. Lots of board games to play and great tunes. They try to emphasize human interaction so they dont have wifi. Great hot toddies!

Oh my, I already love this place. Nice cheese plate, strong coffee, and the ambience. A cool spot and one I need to revisit for the other cheeses and later in the evening for the crowd. I was there just as they opened, so it was quiet and I got in some good writing time. Thanks for being an unplugged place.😊

Just stopped by after noticing this place a few weeks ago. Totally did not disappoint. Amazing space, great atmosphere, need more options like this in the city. Classy and fun. Love the no internetting commitment. Face to face conversation is their bread and butter / met another friendly couple and had a great conversation -- mostly thanks to the way the place was created to be. Thanks for opening up in the neighborhood. Hope you are around for many more years to come!

This place is so cozy! I pass it all the time but recently performed there for an event and am so glad I finally went in. Its a hidden gem with a fun, charming, warm atmosphere. Ill definitely be back when Im in that area.

Went for the first time for a friends birthday hang out. Chatted and played games in the back room. Very easy going area. Would definitely return. Lots of books you can read and various games to play. Drinks and food were good.

Came here for a friends birthday and had a wonderful time. We reserved a table in right by the bar and played games for hours. The back room past the bathrooms is so well designed too!Its like a library meets a barn and very cozy in the winter to just hang out and kick back with your friends.

Love the ambiance, the people who frequent the place, the wonderful events that take place here, the lovely and gracious people who run it. Nice assortment of libations and snacks, comfy seating, cool nooks and crannies. They offer story-telling, music, lectures, discussion groups, book discussions. Also a unique and warm place to meet up with people.

Cozy and fun. Lots of games. They even have Code Names...the best game on earth. Also, a good place to meet new friends. Staff were great- they even fluff the cushions before me people sit on them.

This city secret is one of the best places to just hang out on the northside. After wanting to visit for a few months, my fiance and I ventured in on a Friday night and were blown away. Its the perfect mix of a lounge and a bar, complete with ice cream, appetizers, and board games. Though I wish it were open earlier in the week, this place is an incredible find.

Nice environment and tasty snacks! Its a cute quiet place to be in the middle of the day when the sun is out. Drinks are probably good, but I didnt have any. Lots of games to play if you bring friends and books to read if youre by yourself. Other patrons kind of seem pretentious and the bartender told me I was mispronouncing my last name, but you know its fine. There was one instance I didnt appreciate though. I respectfully turned in my bag to the front because there were signs that requested we do so if our bags are big enough to put books in. Makes sense, since it would be easy to slip one in there and leave with it, and I would rather go through the hassle than be scolded for not turning it in. However, the regulars eyed me weird when I retrieved it as if I had been caught stealing. It was super annoying! I dont really want to go back because I didnt appreciate the attitude there. But if you dont mind that, its still really cute and has good treats to eat.

Great place to sit and have a sip and a chat with friends. It was also a great place to wait and relax while waiting for our table at Peqouds. For the hour and a half wait for deep dish - we had yummy drinks and comfy chairs to sit in instead of waiting outside standing in the cold.

This is a very cool space and you can have a fun night out here without having to brave the craziness of bars. There are many people here so you have the energy of a hopping bar but the books, comfy chairs, and a plethora of board games makes this location more inviting. They dont have wifi but dont mind if you bring a computer. In one night there, I saw people playing board games, drinking alone at the bar, and working on a laptop. This place has something for everybody.

Its eclectic and cozy at the same time. A great spot to hang out with friends, read a book, play a board game with a drink and a snack. Its one of my favorite neighborhood spots.

Awesome atmosphere, and an awesome mission. They have a large selection of unique and obscure used books from most genres. The store makes you feel like a kid in a cool grown up library, complete with records, board games, and drinks.

A little gem in the city. A very unique and cozy ambiance. Lots of books to read or buy. Foosball table. Group room. Couches. It makes you feel like you want to sit and read. It can get crowded and noisy but the 2 hours I spent were enjoyable. They serve coffee, tea, ice cream and some snacks.Would visit again.

Fun concept - combination bar / coffee shop with a small snack menu, comfortable seating, and tons of books and games. Perfect for a small group on a weekend afternoon, especially in winter. Family friendly too - lots of kids running around during the day.

We rented a private room at Kibbitznest for my friends birthday and had an absolute blast. The room was chock full of interesting books, movies to watch and board games to play and the catering menu was simple but delicious. Highly recommended if you’re looking for a laid back unique evening or outing.

I love this place. Super laid back and super chill good amount of games and good drinks.

Great place to play games. No wifi though. The bartenders are pretty strict about rules too..

Very unique place. Would love to go there again for drinks, teas, coffee, and good company.

Absolutely love this place. Always a great experience every time I stop by. Its a great place to slow down and just be.

Location, idea, employees, ambiance and more were as good as one hoped. After going in and finding a place to sit (which can be tough on late weekend nights), we looked around the place and realized how much there is to do. Whether its Scrabble, Monopoly, reading books, chess or countless other activities, it seemed as if all like minded people happen to be enjoying the same place at the same time. The one thing I didnt like was lack of food, snacks or beverages. I asked for several things on the menu and it always seemed like they didnt have it or they were out. I do wish there were more options regarding that. Its a fun place for sure and def worth a visit. Make sure to use the type writer and leave your mark lol

One of the best places to read and relax in Chicago. The space is lovely. The booze is affordable and there is plenty of it. Its a home away from home.

Really unique spot! Best Old Fashioned in ChicagoPerfect for those cold, snowy nights

Very relaxing. Nice place to unplug. Im not from here so, I cant come back. But I wish I could. Every city needs at least one place like this.

Great place for coffee, tea, and used books! Also they have board games out, comfy chairs, and a piano. They actually have so many more awesome things but you just need to check them out.

Loved the whole atmosphere and the events they have. Went to the open mic night, it was awesome! Definitely would love to go back

Very cool place. Bartenders are incredibly knowledgeable and the atmosphere is top tier. Best place to grab a drink or three in this part of town.

Cute place! Many books and board games to choose from. Great place for families and dates. Quiet, different, quirky -- kind of like a hip library cafe with coffees & teas as well as wines/cocktails.

Put away your phone and your laptop for a bit. This place prides itself on anything *but* their wi-fi, and I was able to comfortably stay here for several hours drinking their beer and reading from their library during a rainstorm. Just a really good idea in a neighborhood where youd expect it to be.

Enjoyable place to hang and get a bite to eat or drink something warm, in a very comfortable and calm atmosphere. It’s a pretty big space with 3 separate sections.

I love this place, no other place like it. Its part bar, part boardgame place, part ice cream place, part bookstore. The ambience is awesome. Super cozy. They let you choose the CDs playing in the main area and choose the vinyl to play on the record player in the back room. They have darts, piano, and guitar ready to use. I always bring my friends visiting from out of town. Its also BYO food so, getting deep dish pizza from across the street is the way to go. They have an excellent selection of beers and cocktails. I just cant say enough good things about this place. Best part is that there is no wifi so people arent glued to their laptops, all about human interaction. Oh and did I mention there is free parking in the alley right next to? This place is special, make sure you make time to go visit.

If I had to imagine my own version of heaven, this would be it.Books, board games, liquor, ice cream, & they have a selection of cds they allow you to pick from and will play in its entirety! They played the ENTIRE Backstreet Boys album for me. The atmosphere is incredible. I really wish more places like this existed all over.

The owners are often walking around, no wifi zone, new board games in the front room as suggested by the public on a chalkboard, the whole place is split into 4 distinct spaces.....this place used to be our favorite spot no one knew about, and its still our favorite spot. We just get to meet more new people now.

Cozy place to play some board games with friends and drink some booze! They have some daily specials for good deals and you better ask for it!

Exceedingly trendy spot, relaxed nooks for work, study, board games, or curling up with a book. Cocktails and hot drinks are all well made and inviting. Definitely worth a visit.

I love this place. Its a gem. Nothing else like it. Its a great place to read, relax, play board games, have a romantic date, spend time with family, have drinks with friends, discuss a book or a movie, or get your school work done all in one! The decor and layout makes you feel like youre at home with many unique gathering areas and so many interesting books and games. The menu may be limited but everything Ive had here from fresh and hot cup of coffee to hot dogs and ice cream and cocktails are of highest quality. Oh and the music is amazing and makes you want to stick around to hear the next song and the next song! The only reason for the loss of a star is that service could use improving. Its a little unclear where to order and especially when theyre busy, its hard to get the attention of the staff and order. They make everything fresh so sometimes theres a longer wait than expected for even a cup of coffee. I do understand that they have hired more staff recently so hopefully thisll change soon as I plan to keep coming here and sharing this gem of a place with my favorite people!

Great atmosphere everything was nostalgic and throwback from the 50s to the 60s 70s 80s from sports to movies to historical figures however the food/drinks were ok if youre hungry I definitely recommend bringing your own food if you want to visit this location.

Ive driven past this place a few hundred times and every time I was like, Whats that?! Finally, I went with a friend to check it out and we were so delighted with all the fun finds - board games, cozy decor, bar serving food and drinks, Bob Tail ice cream, lots of books, and CDs theyll play upon request. We spent several hours enjoying the games, drinks, and atmosphere... so much so that Ive already managed to go back a few more times!

If I could have a room in my house as cosy as the back room, Id never leave the house. For an area of town that really seems to get by on manufactured comfort, kibbitz nest really pulls this thing off. Coffee and booze are fantastic in this spot. I would highly recommended.

It is hard to imagine a more perfect place for coffee, drinks, snacks and chatting or sitting and reading. I am not sure there is anyplace else like it in Chicago. Books line the walls, board games, choose the music, different spaces to sit. EVERYONE should give this place a try. Many, many of you will love it.

Several different rooms with varying degrees of solitude or bustle. Books, bar games mixed drinks, draft beer and coffee. Outside food allowed. Great for solo, dates, groups, book clubs etc.

Complete gem in the Webster movie theater neighborhood, delicious cocktails and lots of board games to pass the time if you are crazy enough to put in a res at Pequods. Looks straight out of “Felicity” because it’s so cozy and well styled.

This is my new favorite spot on the city, the drinks are amazing and the space is fantastic. Super relaxing and perfect for hanging out on a cold winter day. I will definitely be visiting here regularly.

AccomodatingWaited here while in line for peqods. Its a phone free zone. Sat by the bar. Both bartenders were super acomodating. Drinks were good and the place felt cozy. Forgot to explore the back room but will do during the next visit

Has the feel of a one-off indie place. The snacks and drinks were pretty great!

This place is just wow. They have wide variety of books and board games. Perfect place to hang out with friends and date. Comfy seating and music as well.

Reasonably priced drinks, lots of books, very comfortable atmosphere. Like sitting at in your grandpas study.

The staff was incredibly friendly and the atmosphere is amazing. A great hangout place for good conversation and quality drinks.

Owner was extremely rude. We are party of over 20 in the back room and even though there was a minimum charge of $14 pp with 20% gratuity added, the owner told us that we can use only two tables in the entire back room and leave the rest for potential customers yet to come.

Very chill, vintage venue with plenty of board games to choose from. Lots of seating and more secluded seats in the backrooms. Gender neutral bathrooms. Open mic nights also.

This place is awesome to hang out and have a drink in. The staff is super friendly and helpful and the atmosphere is perfect to relax in. They have a wide range of music you can request them to play and tons of board games to place. Seating is limited and you might end up sharing a table with strangers if thats not your cup of tea.

Really dig this little store, nice spot for good coffee and really cool selection of interesting books, and games, fun to just hang out before or after a nearby meal.

Incredibile friendly atmosphere, great beer and tea selection, sweets and ice cream. No wifi on purpose, but thousands of books and board games for IRL connections. Gender neutral restrooms. Laptops not welcome.

I love the culture of authentic connection they have intentionally created here! A place to be yourself and be creative

There is no WiFi here, but that is entirely the point of visiting this place. So many cute reading nooks, plenty of board games to engage bigger groups, a couple of vintage typewriters lying around for customers to use, friendly staff, amazing drinks. Food menu is a bit sparse, but youre not really going here to eat :O)

Great place to nosh and have a cocktail, play some games, old school. Listen to records and relax and chat with friends and family.