Skip to main content

The VIG Chicago
$ · American, Burgers, Breakfast, Brunch

1527 N Wells St, Chicago, IL 60610
Are you the owner? Claim this business

ZipPicks Awards

Best American in Gold Coast & Old Town Best Burgers in Gold Coast & Old Town Best French Fries in Gold Coast & Old Town Best Breakfast in Gold Coast & Old Town Best Brunch in Gold Coast & Old Town Best Happy Hour in Gold Coast & Old Town Best Happy Hour Tacos in Gold Coast & Old Town

Vibe Check this spot

Food Quality 5
Service 5
Atmosphere 5
Value 5
Consistency 5
Cultural Relevance 5

0 / 5 selected

Master Critic Review

The VIG Chicago 7.7
Old Town
Vibes: Sports Bar Central Group Dining Gatherings Happy Hour Hotspots Trendy Table Hotspots
A high-energy Old Town bar-and-grill with an American menu that’s designed for steady ordering rather than a single knockout dish. It works best for sports, brunch-y daytime hangs, and group dinners when you want dependable classics and a lively room.
Must-Try Dishes: Burger, Chicken tenders, Mac and cheese
Scores:
Value: 7.6 Service: 7.4 Consistency: 7.7 Food Quality: 7.5 Atmosphere: 8.2 Cultural Relevance: 7.3
What makes it special: Big, lively Old Town bar for American classics and games.
Who should go: Groups watching sports or meeting for drinks
When to visit: Weekend afternoons or early evening
What to order: Burger, tenders, mac and cheese
Insider tip: Keep it to two mains and a shared side for the smoothest pacing.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only; metered spots nearby but fill quickly, especially on weekends. Rideshare is often easier.
Dress code: Casual to smart-casual — jeans, sneakers, and team gear are common and totally fine.
Noise level: Loud — high-energy bar atmosphere, especially during games or peak weekend hours.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes without a reservation, longer if a major game is on.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait or a short 5–10 minute wait.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — a handful of options like mac and cheese, salads, and veggie-friendly sides.
Vegan options: Limited — possible with modifications, but not a strong vegan destination.
Gluten-free options: Limited — some items can be adjusted, but cross-contact is likely in a bar kitchen.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if you want something casual and energetic — it’s better for low-pressure drinks than quiet conversation.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes, especially earlier in the day, but expect a wait on weekends or during big sports events.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes during daytime and brunch hours; evenings skew more adult and bar-focused.
Best For
Better for: Large groups, game-day energy, and dependable American bar food with a lively crowd.
Skip if: You want a quiet meal, food-driven destination dining, or strong vegetarian/vegan options.