Reagle Beagle

Well, this was disappointing. After many late-​nights on the train, lusting after that advertisement on the Red Line of an absolutely ginormous burger topped with onions rings, mmmmm, I finally went to the Reagle Beagle to try it for myself. Well…
Sigh. I was disappointed. The atmosphere is just… awkward. Its kind of like they set up tables and chairs in an old skating rink or something… and I can’t really clarify WHY it felt that way, that was just the vibe. The crowd was mixed — basketball fans, and loud young girls (shiver, I have no tolerance) screaming at the table next to me – what is it about being young and drinking too much that makes you think no one can hear you unless you speak in a loud, shrill voice?
Our server was helpful, cheerful, and very pretty. She suggested a beer that I really enjoyed, and I would have had another, but I really just wanted to get out of there.
The food wasn’t really bad, actually the fries were outstanding, but the whole experience was just… lacking. The nachos were kind of gross, actually, but I’m not much into ground beef and beans, unless you really have something that will impress me. Oh, and I asked for raw onions on my burger instead of cooked, and they put raw AND cooked on it. Mmph. I mean, the burger was okay, but it wasn’t worth $ 10 – 14, that’s for sure.

This place is pretty good. We stopped here while we were waiting for our movie to start.
It’s a pretty interesting place with big cushy seats.
Got a spicy burger and the pesto chicken panini with homemade sangria. Everything was pretty good, but nothing that goes wow! Price is normal for a Downtown place. Doubt we would come back but maybe if we just happen upon it again on another rainy day.

NO LONGER A KITSCH RERUNS PLACE
A group of friends and I found ourselves here expecting the décor and the TV’s and the blah blah blah. New ownership, new management, etc. They obviously want to be a neighborhood bar now, rather than a destination for someone looking for a different atmosphere.
That said, the place was still decent. The beer selection has vastly improved, and it seemed less expensive (although my mind plays this trick that makes all prices go down as the beer list expands — it seems better paying $ 7 for a Stella when I have fifty rather than five other choices). We didn’t eat although the menu seemed better too. Also the service was certainly friendlier, although it was pretty dead at the time.
This is one of those reviews in which I upped the place a star as I’m writing it. Really, I think the change in atmosphere is a good thing. Maybe they can concentrate on being a good bar now.
So stop in at Beagle 2.0 for a drink and snack.

Funk-​A-​Lishish.
What a fun funky place. While in town on business a friend pointed be in the direction of the Beagle. I thought it was great, seems to be more of a local spot it was clean staff was friendly and the over all air had a fun funky vibe to it. While I did not eat I did have a few drinks, everything seemed to be in line price wise.
I hope to come back on my next trip and spend some more time here.

Yooooou take the good, you take the bad, and there you have the facts of life…
This is one of my favorite bars in the city…
I love the atmosphere. Makes me want to sing the Facts of Life theme song when I walk in… Why? I don’t know. (I know the Reagle Beagle is from Three’s Company, but the 80’s always make me think of the Facts of Life-​my favorite show) But I do. And then I see their picture up on the wall! Huge fan!
The bartender is always friendly. Yes! I always sit at the bar. The Guiness was fresh and so cold, and I never had to wait for my glass to be filled up.
They have the cutest names for their drinks on their drink menu. I’ve only had the fries off the menu. Best damn fries since 1988. So crispy and yummy!
The bathrooms are always clean, thank god.
I love this place. I like, oh so totally do. :)

A friend and I met here for a bite and a drink. Since they don’t publish their prices on their website, I was a little worried as to the price range of their food. I was delightfully relieved when I got there and saw there was barely even a thing over $ 12.
It was Tuesday, which was ½ off pizzas day. The pizza was $ 6 and with us sharing, that was just $ 3 a piece. It wasn’t great, but it wasn’t awful. At $ 3, it was fine. We got the spicy meat pizza, boneless buffalo wings, and a sangria each. The buffalo wings came in this bowl and seemed to be a small amount until we lifted a couple out and saw the nice bed of fries underneath soaked in buffalo sauce sprinkled with blue cheese. As my friend said, «Oh what a nice extra treat!» That was one good appetizer. We’ve already committed to going back just to get an order of boneless buffalo wings each. We agreed that we’ll be going the «greedy» route on that one.
The sangria’s were nothing special, but once again not awful. They are a bit weak. When we go back to be greedy, we’re going to opt for the pitcher of sangria instead of just the glass. I gueeeeeeeess we can share that.
I have to say that the design of their website doesn’t do the place justice. Even though they have interior pictures up, I still expected the place to be cheesy and dank. It was quite the opposite. It’s a mod-70’s-contempo. It’s not quite a restaurant and not quite a lounge. It’s a restaurounge. Anyway it goes, this restaurounge was a good spot to go chat and chill with my good friend on an easygoing Tuesday.

Being a fan of 3’s Company growing up I automatically new I was gonna like this place (for those that don’t know, the Reagle Beagle was the bar Jack Tripper & friends would frequent on the show).
When I walked in I noticed all the red furniture and disco ball setting a 70s & 80s mood. I grabbed a seat at the bar and began waiting on some friends. As I sat down I noticed a picture of my favorite racist Archie Bunker (All In the Family) staring at me. I looked around and noticed many pictures of favorite TV characters from the greatest era of television (dare you to disagree).
While I was waiting, I decided to have a Mr Tea, which is Ketel One, Jose Cuervo, Chambord, Sour mix, Blue Curaçao and Sprite. It was really good! On the menu it had the tagline «I pity the fool who drinks too many», which is play off of Mr T’s line he always used.
I decided to also try the Tootie & Blair’s Cranberry & Pear which was almost as good as the Mr Tea. The pear flavor really stood out and the drink itself packed a punch. I decided to try another Mr Tea after and that was all I needed to give me a helluva buzz.
After those delicious drinks I became hungry so I decided to consult with Jim the bartender about food and he advised me to get the Mork from Ork burger which was topped with a fried egg. Jim the bartender also used a special cheese spread on the burger to enhance the flavor even more. That burger was one of the best ever! While eating they even sat a pack of pop rocks next to us. Jim the bartender was more than awesome!!!
The only downside to this place is the lacking beer selection. Definately will place this in my after work bar rotation!

So I’m at work yesterday — roughly Michigan Ave and the river. And I have a hankering for a good burger.
But want I really want is a «good» burger (no fast food, no Houlihan’s) AND I’m just not feeling like paying $ 15 for one at one of the steakhouses or The Gage or anything like that.
Suddenly, those ads on the Brown Line for the Regal Beagle push through my subconscious into my frontal lobe. «Sure, I hate 70’s kitsch, but those photos look good. They built their entire menu around burgers — they have to have figured out how to do that well, right?» So I walk over.
Apparently, the foodie kosmos has a way of punishing such intellectual laziness. I know that now.
Normally, I don’t bother to write negative reviews. If I don’t like a place, I don’t go back. But the following I view as a public service announcement.
Let’s start with service. On a Thursday lunch hour, there were maybe 10 tables filled, around half the restaurant, and three people at the bar.
Yet, the servers were totally weeded and the kitchen backed up. It took around five minutes for the bartender to show up at the bar and hand out menus. My French onion soup then took 25 minutes and my burger 35 minutes.
Look, things go wrong in restaurants. How you respond is all that matters. And a muffled «sorry your soup took so long» is, frankly, not enough to justify a half-​hour delay when you are sitting AT THE BAR where it is supposed to be a faster experience.
On to the food. I only ordered the French onion soup because it was $ 2. I would pay $ 2 to not have tasted it. It was bland, like Campbell’s soup bland, and there was this lonely, sad little piece of bread floating in the cup with some half-​melted white cheese parked on top of that.
The burger, which I ordered medium rare since it was supposed to be a big one, indeed came in (barely) at that temperature. The burgers are cooked on a griddle, not grilled, and clearly they have not mastered the heat because the outside was just soft and mushy — almost like the burger was baked in an oven. My wife’s theory is that the meat must have been frozen, but I have no proof of that.
The bun was actually quite good, a fresh, brioche one that would have made an average burger taste great. If I’d had one. The fries are one of those «inventive» kinds with breading or some damn thing and they were fine as they went — but I’d have just preferred some steak fries.
Finally, as you’d expect, the atmosphere if full on 70’s. It is the only part of the experience they nailed. So if you like that kind of thing, it might be an ok bar. But for the love of Jebus, don’t order a burger there.

The Reagle Beagle… Hmm. The place, the name has so much meaning to me for sentimental reasons. I am the biggest John «Jack» Ritter fan ever. So, to my man, Ritter, and all of you Three’s Company fans out there, I wrote this little ditty for you:
Go on knock on their door.
They are waiting for you.
Where the burgers are hers and hers and his,
They’ve got pizza too.
You can dance on their floor.
Take a friend with you too.
It’s a funky little space where you can feed your face.
They’ve got something yummy for you.
You’ll see that the food and drinks are better than ever at Reagle Beagle oooh.

Maybe it’s not fair for me to review this place. I mean it’s not really my scene. I suppose I could imagine somebody being into this sort of thing. Some hypothetical character we’ll call Stu.
Maybe Stu is still shell-​shocked from the Vietnam war and wants to hearken back to a time before he was all edgy and jaded. Maybe Stu has been a pop culture buff since before I was born (1982) and wants to satisfy his dorky fact-​seeking side in the same way I do when I go to a place like the museum of science and industry. Maybe «Disco» Stu frequents places like «The Awesome 80’s Prom» and others of that genre from even earlier in the 20^th century. Maybe he’s Mark Wahlberg from Boogie Nights. Maybe he’s more into watching 30-​year old tv clips with no sound than watching sports.
I don’t know. And I don’t care. None of these scenarios sounds remotely identifiable to me, so I will leave all of the things they represent along with some passable but unexceptional food to those who are better suited for this time and place.

I’ve been here twice, the first time was for drinks after work and the second was for lunch. For drinks after work the place was pretty busy. They have an alright beer selection and interesting menu of mixed drinks. When I was here for lunch I ordered the bread bowl of french onion soup for $ 5. The lunch menu features about ten $ 5 lunch menu items… The co-​workers I was there with went with the $ 5 burger, which looked pretty tasty. The soup was ok, but it was just french onion soup in a bread bowl, nothing fabulous.
The Three’s Company /​retro idea of the place is a lot better then the food. Maybe stop in for a drink and check it out but if you never make it here you’re not missing anything.

This place was just not as kitschy as I’d hoped, but my high hopes for that sort of thing are usually dashed. I am one of those vintage loving weirdos that has all Pyrex casseroles and prances around in housecoats. I am a freak. I know.
I’ve stopped in here after working at the gallery and it was just ok. Drinks were a bit on the pricier side and it was so loud in here I couldn’t have heard Jack Tripper calling my name to save my life. I’ve only sat at the bar for a few beers so I can’t say much for the table service or food, but if I were in the area, I’d probably give it another chance, provided it wasn’t a weekend. I’m sorry but I have all the tolerance of Mr. Furley when it comes to a loud downtown bar on the weekends.

I didn’t recognize half of the TV shows they had pictures of all on the walls, but that just made me feel young. And I like feeling young these days. But I did recognize the pop rock candies on the table… and I LOVE pop rocks. My husband told me not to eat them cause they were dangerous… what? He apparently never had a snap bracelet growing up!
Our party of 6 made ourselves at home on a very comfortable couch and ordered some drinks/​grub. A glass of white wine for me. We all claimed we weren’t hungry until we looked at the menu and before you knew it we ordered 3 orders of mini burgers, nachos (sans meat– had enough of that on the burgers!) and french fries. Sadly they didn’t have sweet potato fries on the menu… i guess those weren’t popular back in the 70’s/80’s.
We waited, waited, and waited some more. For the amount of time it took them to make our food I think they may have taken the «Back to the Future» time machine to go get it. FINALLY our food arrived… and it was delicious… just perfect after several hours of drinking. The nachos were especially good. And all that food disappeared within minutes… yes, we’re pigs.
I dug the atmosphere (and pop rocks) so I“ll go back. even though I aged a decade waiting for my food.

Ok, so admittedly some of the kitschy pop culture references that inundate Reagle Beagle are lost on me. Sue me, I was born in ’82, and I am not apologizing for it!
However, I can certainly appreciate the sitcoms I watched in syndication for most of my semi-​sheltered youth. (I’ve never seen Star Wars, gasp). On the flip side, I have seen every episode of the Brady Bunch, and a myriad of other 70’s shows that live on in infamy…
So, the Brady Bunch Punch on special Thursday nights? Right up my little alley. $ 5 for the name alone, really…
Décor is not as ridiculous as one might think, and honestly… I wish it was. Shag carpeting and polyester furniture covered in plastic would be hysterical… don’tcha think? I do. But then again, after several of those punches I didn’t really care :)
Good stop downtown for drinks, before a movie, after work, etc etc… just admit you like all those shows, and go for it. No one’s too cool for that era, aight?

It’s not what it’s hyped up to be.
I love the couches and their french fries, but their service was horrible. It seemed like there was only one waiter in the entire place and he looked like he was also the manager.
I went with several co-​workers for a nice quick lunch. Quick it was not. They were incredibly slow and forgetful. We were probably about the 3^rd table there and probably the 15^th one served.
A couple of the gals ordered a burger w/​blue cheese. They delivered the burger w/​blue cheese, but with no blue cheese. After asking the waiter for the cheese, he comes back saying that they forgot to tell us that they’re completely out of blue cheese.
Half of us received ketsup with our fries and the other half had to ask for it. How could they forget something as simple as that?
I had the wrap and ask that there be no bacon. Well, once I got down to the very bottom of my wrap, there was one piece of bacon. He comped it, but the receipt says «Charity». Charity? After the horrible service and having many things go wrong, it’s pretty insulting to read that we’ve been given charity on our receipt.
Sorry dood, but we’re not going there again… not even for the fries.

The restaurant/​bar is just okay: nothing too out of the ordinary. I was, however, real excited to try this place out, and the Unilocal/​One Brick Trivia Thursday was just the ticket. I love 80’s trivia and was stoked to find out it was being held here.
The place is a lot bigger than I expected — it sort of wraps around like in a U-​shape. The walls are decorated with all sorts of pictures from Three’s Company (which is playing on the TVs inside) and other shows from the late 70’s-mid 80’s. Pretty cute, no?
I’m assuming the crowd that night was the normal Thursday happy hour bunch. Drink specials included the Brady Bunch Punch and the Love Boat Lemonade both for $ 5/​each. Service was okay, and I think we had more than one waitress stop by our tables. Once I was able to flag down our waitress, I ordered the quesadilla appetizer. There was a total of four pieces which tasted a-​okay, but they were not worth the $ 8 or $ 9. I have had better but in order to drink and play, I needed something to eat. The trivia part was fun, and if they offered it again, I would come back. Otherwise, this is one of those places where you just can’t go back that often… more of once in awhile type places, ya know?

I went to the Reagle Beagle with 15 friends after a 30^th birthday dinner in the neighborhood. As a proud self-​respecting Chicagoan, I’ve never before considered going to this place given the proximity to tourist central, however it was close to our restaurant and we were told they played 80’s music — which was exactly what the birthday girl wanted. Plus, with 15 good friends we could make our own fun.
While we were probably the ONLY Chicago residents there, I couldn’t have enjoyed myself more. Music, played at a level that still allowed conversation, varied between 70’s, 80’s and 90’s. A dance floor was noticeably absent, but some out of towners sitting in the lounge seating in the center had their tables moved to make room for a dance floor (YEA!). The only people dancing were the 2 groups of out of towners and the girls from my group — which was fine for us!
We had a lot of fun experimenting with the different kitschy drinks — Tony Danza, Tootie, etc (abt $ 9 – 10). Our server was AWESOME. She kept our cocktails and water glasses full and was really friendly.
I won’t get into the atmosphere and décor since it’s been described in detail by some others, except to say I expected it to be a dive and it wasn’t at all.
PS. Also loved the 70’s cereal commercials playing.

We popped in there for a drink on Sunday, and honestly being the nerdy 80’s television show fan I am, I was looking forward to it.
But…$ 10 for a cocktail — I was hoping to be falling over at least after it.
I had the Tony Danza Extravaganza which is made with rum and lots of juice. It was yummy, but $ 10? Maybe I’m just cheap.
I love all the kitch on the walls — it would be a nice place to visit with a large group of people. I’d go back, but only if I have more money in my wallet.

Slightly creepy.
I went here to a happy hour party recently to grab some free food and appetizers. After hearing «80s bar» I was completely sold on the idea.
When I got there, the place was a little too nice for me, and it had more of a restaurant/​lounge feeling than the fun 80s party bar I was expecting. The music volume was about as loud as elevator music.
Again. creepy.

Looking for a trip down memory lane? Then the Reagle Beagle might just be your place.
From the framed pictures of all the old 70’s and 80’s sitcoms to the TV’s that run all old commercials all the time (funny to see some of those oldies again like Kool Pops) — this place is a blast from the past! Even the waitresses are dressed in the old «balloon skirts» from the 80’s. Hmm. .maybe that’s one thing that should have stayed in the past, if you ask me!
The décor is comfortable and cool in a retro way. Plush couches, velveteen upholstery on the chairs and stools and cool pendant lights set the tone. There is even a sign in the lobby warning that «Members Only» jackets (remember those?) are forbidden. Ha!
The drinks are amazing. Diana at the bar knows her stuff and pours a great drink– be it an old stand by or one of the fancier numbers off of their drink menu. Service was also friendly and efficient.
As for the food– it was pretty good. For appetizers we had the baked brie and the onion tartlets. The baked brie with blueberries was quite delicious. The onion tartlets– were just okay. The Cuban sandwich was good and is one of many that you can order that come in a trio. Other options included a Reuben, and a ham and Swiss on banana bread.
I did take the server’s suggestion for dessert and she was spot on. The bread and butter pudding was the winner for me. And rich? I will need to spend an hour at the gym tomorrow just to work it off! Too bad this really isn’t the 70’s when you could eat whatever you wanted and not gain a pound!
Stroll in the Reagle Beagle for some food, drink and a big dose of nostalgia as you remember all the old sayings from the 70’s– like what I was thinking all the way home, «I can’t believe I ate the whole thing!».