You’re walking down 18th Street in the heart of Pilsen, and honestly, the sheer amount of options can be overwhelming. You've got legendary carnitas spots on one corner and sleek new galleries on the other. But if you want the soul of the neighborhood in a single room, you end up at Simone's Bar Pilsen Chicago. It isn't just a place to grab a beer. It’s a massive, eco-friendly, pinball-decked living room for a community that’s seen a lot of change over the last decade.
Most people walk in and immediately notice the decor. It’s wild. You’re sitting at a bar top that used to be a bowling alley lane. The booths? Those are repurposed pinball machines. It’s got this industrial-meets-vintage vibe that feels intentional but not pretentious. Basically, it’s the opposite of those "minimalist" bars where everything is white marble and sadness.
What Everyone Gets Wrong About Simone's Bar Pilsen Chicago
There’s a common misconception that Simone's is just another hipster hangout that popped up during the gentrification wave. That’s just not true. Since opening about twelve years ago, the owners have been vocal about being a "venue that hears the community." The name itself is a riff on Simeon, which means "one who hears."
They actually walk the walk when it comes to sustainability too. This isn't just "we use paper straws" sustainability. They have a 3-Star Green Restaurant designation. They’ve got rooftop solar panels and a rooftop garden where Chef Rafa grows herbs for the pizzas. They even had a rooftop chicken named Conchita at one point. How many bars in Chicago can say they have a resident chicken?
🔗 Read more: Monroe Central High School Ohio: What Local Families Actually Need to Know
The Food: Not Your Standard Pub Grub
Let’s talk about the Pilsen Burger. If you haven't had it, you're doing it wrong. It’s a half-pound of Angus beef topped with fresh jalapeños, guacamole, and Chihuahua cheese. It’s spicy, messy, and perfect.
But the real surprise is the vegetarian and vegan depth. They don't just throw a frozen veggie patty on a bun and call it a day. Their vegan burger is house-made with quinoa, black beans, and rice. They even do vegan tamales. Honestly, the portobello fries with wasabi mayo are addictive enough to be a meal on their own.
- Pilsen Burger: The classic go-to with a spicy kick.
- Simone’s Pizza: Topped with potatoes, parmesan, and a rosemary simple syrup. Sounds weird. Tastes incredible.
- Fried Ravioli: Stuffed with mozzarella, ricotta, and jalapeños.
- The "Munchie Meal Deal": A unique 2026-era offering—a Cheech & Chong Moscow Mule (THC-infused) paired with a deep-fried pizza puff.
Nightlife and the "Art Lab"
The back room, known as the Art Lab, is where the real chaos happens. And I mean that in the best way possible. It’s built from the remnants of an abandoned high school science lab. On any given night, you might walk into a high-energy drag brunch, a Loteria tournament, or a "House vs. Reggaeton" dance party.
💡 You might also like: What Does a Stoner Mean? Why the Answer Is Changing in 2026
The Sunday night karaoke with The People’s Stage is legendary. It’s not your typical "drunk person screaming Journey" karaoke. The energy is supportive, loud, and very Chicago. People actually get in a literal cage to perform.
The Sustainability Factor Nobody Talks About
We’ve mentioned the solar panels, but the commitment goes deeper. They use 100% compostable take-out containers. In a city like Chicago, where trash management can be... let's say "challenging," seeing a high-volume bar prioritize this is rare.
They also offer some of the most creative non-alcoholic and THC-infused drinks in the city. If you’re not drinking but still want to feel like a part of the party, the "Passion Project" (Seedlip Grove NA spirit, passionfruit, cucumber) is a legitimate cocktail, not just juice in a fancy glass. For those looking for a buzz without the hangover, they carry a full range of THC seltzers like Cann and Cheech & Chong.
📖 Related: Am I Gay Buzzfeed Quizzes and the Quest for Identity Online
Why It Still Matters in 2026
Pilsen has changed. Rents have gone up, and some of the old-school spots have vanished. But Simone's Bar Pilsen Chicago has managed to bridge the gap. It feels like a bridge between the neighborhood's Mexican-American roots and the newer creative energy flowing through the 18th Street corridor.
It’s a place where you’ll see 21-year-old UIC students, industry workers getting their 20% Sunday discount, and first responders grabbing a half-price meal while on duty. It’s a true "third place."
Actionable Next Steps for Your Visit:
- Check the Calendar: Before you go, check their site for Loteria Mondays or the Sunday Drag Brushes. These events fill up fast.
- Order the Mixed Fries: You get a blend of hand-cut regular and sweet potato fries. It solves the "which one should I get" dilemma instantly.
- Look Up: Take a second to actually look at the light fixtures and the walls. Most of it is salvaged material from old Chicago buildings.
- The Juice Pouch: If you're feeling nostalgic, order the "Capri Spun." It's a double shot of Astral Tequila and guava nectar served in a signature 16oz juice pouch.