Twin Anchors Restaurant & Tavern
1655 N Sedgwick St, Chicago, IL 60614, United States+1 312-266-1616
About This Place
Twin Anchors Restaurant & Tavern stands as a beloved Chicago institution, serving up authentic, mouthwatering barbecue since 1932. Nestled in the charming neighborhood of Lincoln Park at 1655 N Sedgwick St, this barbecue restaurant perfectly blends a rich history with some of the city’s most iconic smoked flavors, making it a must-visit spot for both locals and visitors craving an unforgettable dining experience.
The true star at Twin Anchors is undoubtedly their ribs — legendary for falling off the bone, glazed in an array of signature BBQ sauces that range from zesty to spicy, catering to every palate. Whether you order the Rib & Chicken Combo, indulge in a Full Rack of Ribs, or savor the classic Spare Ribs, each bite bursts with smoky, savory goodness that invites you to relax and savor the moment. Complement your meal with tantalizing sides like their fresh Cesar Salad, hearty Our Acclaimed Homemade Chili, or the comforting Pepper Jack Creamed Spinach served alongside half a perfectly roasted chicken. For those who prefer seafood, the Fish and Chips and Fish Fry offer a crispy, flavorful alternative that showcases Twin Anchors’ versatility beyond just barbecue.
The menu also delights younger diners with kid-friendly options such as the Small Fry Rib and Kid's Anchor Burger, ensuring the family’s youngest members are well taken care of. To round out the experience, dessert lovers can indulge in classic treats like the moist Carrot Cake, indulgent Chocolate Cake, or a smooth slice of Cheese Cake sourced from acclaimed local bakeries, delivering just the right sweet note after a savory feast.
Stepping inside Twin Anchors is like stepping into a piece of Chicago’s authentic culinary heritage. The atmosphere is warm and inviting, with cozy booths in the bustling bar area and ample space for groups, making it perfect for gatherings big and small. The walls tell their own story, adorned with historic photos and memorabilia of sports legends and celebrities who have graced the tavern over the decades, imbuing the space with an undeniable charm. The friendly, attentive service matches the quality of the cooking — customers often praise the quick and courteous staff, who maintain a welcoming vibe throughout the often busy dinner hours.
Be advised, the popularity of Twin Anchors means there’s frequently a wait, especially during prime dining times — yet this is a small price to pay for what is widely regarded as some of the best ribs in Chicago. Customer Mary Hershey perfectly sums it up: the ribs “fall off the bone,” the sauces amaze, and the “warm atmosphere” invites patrons to feel right at home. Others, like James Segil, appreciate the authentic ambiance and note the lively bar scene perfect for watching the world go by while waiting for their table.
Whether you’re marking a special occasion or simply craving down-home, smoky barbecue with a side of rich Chicago tradition, Twin Anchors Restaurant & Tavern delivers with heart, history, and truly unforgettable flavors. It’s an experience where every visit rekindles a cherished culinary tradition and offers a delicious taste of Chicago’s vibrant food scene.
Contact Information:
1655 N Sedgwick St, Chicago, IL 60614, United States
Phone: +1 312-266-1616
Service options
Delivery Takeaway Dine-inHighlights
Fast service Great cocktails Serves local specialtyPopular for
Solo diningAccessibility
Assistive hearing loop Wheelchair-accessible car park Wheelchair-accessible entrance Wheelchair-accessible seating Wheelchair-accessible toiletOfferings
Alcohol CoffeeDining options
Table serviceAmenities
ToiletAtmosphere
Casual Cosy Historic TrendyCrowd
Groups TouristsPlanning
Usually a wait Accepts reservationsPayments
Credit cardsParking
Free of charge street parking Valet parkingOpening Hours
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Monday
04:30 PM - 10:00 PM -
Tuesday
04:30 PM - 10:00 PM -
Wednesday
04:30 PM - 10:00 PM -
Thursday
04:30 PM - 10:00 PM -
Friday
04:30 PM - 10:00 PM -
Saturday
12:00 PM - 10:00 PM -
Sunday
12:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Map & Directions
Visitor Reviews
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Mary Hershey
3 week agoLegendary ribs we keep coming back for! They fall off the bone, have amazing sauce options, and are reasonably priced. Love the warm atmosphere, with booths in the cozy bar area and space for groups. The friendliest, fast service. Come early for dinner because there's almost always a wait-- but they text you when ready so that's no problem. It's our family's favorite restaurant in Chicago, so we always take out-of-town guests to this historic neighborhood gem. Loved the holiday decorations.
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Joseph Croke
1 month agoMany who served us was brilliant. Fierce attentive and honest. Said tip already in so no need to give to him, I wouldn't have known so I'll remember him and the restaurant in a great way for it. Best ribs I've had in a long time. Food out within 5 minutes of ordering. Atmosphere brilliant and authentic place with real people and great food.
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Christy ML
2 month agoGreat restaurant serving locals and celebrities since 1932 in a building that dates back to 1881. They are very popular and do not accept reservations so expect to wait if you come at a prime dining time. The menu is limited but all you need to know is that they have the best ribs in the city. The walls are covered with photos and memorabilia from all of the sports greats and celebrities who have dined here. The restaurant has also appeared in a couple of movies. If you are looking for a true Chicago dining experience. You must try Twin Anchors.
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James Segil
2 month agoThis is hands down my favorite ribs place in Chicago. We come here every time we are in town and they never disappoint. Prepare yourself for a wait for your table especially if you have a larger group as they don’t take reservations but trust me it’s worth it. I love to have a drink at the bar and people watch. They have both indoor and outdoor seating. I recommend the ribs, coleslaw, beans, green beans, baked potatoe and fries. Also their cakes make for an amazing dessert so save room for them.
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Carl Graddy
2 month agoEvery time I head to Chicago, whether it’s with family, friends, or for a Cubs game, or even on a solo trip, I always take time for my favorite tradition. Thursday night dinner at Twin Anchors Restaurant and Tavern From the name, you might think Twin Anchors is a seafood spot. And yes, you’ll find fish on the menu, but that’s not why people (including me) keep coming back. We all go for the same thing: the world-famous baby back ribs. The building has been around since the days of Prohibition, and if you look closely, you can still see that history in the building. It was once a speakeasy and even has an escape door from the days when raids were common. The walls themselves tell stories: photos of movie stars, signed memorabilia, and legends of who’s dined here. Frank Sinatra loved the place so much he had a wall phone installed by his favorite booth. Hollywood productions have filmed here, including the movie Return to Me (2000) with Minnie Driver and David Duchovny. Even Conan O’Brien dropped by with his late-night TV crew and filmed segments here. But let’s get to what really matters: the ribs. Slow-cooked, tender, meaty and served with sauces that make'em even more mouthwatering. For me, those ribs strike a personal chord. My grandfather, nicknamed “The Rib Man,” worked as a food wholesaler all across Illinois. He was known for his ribs and his sauce, and every time I dig into Twin Anchors’ slabs, I’m reminded of him. Their original Zesty Sauce just tastes like home. These days, they’ve added a Prohibition Sauce (a Kansas City-style recipe introduced in 2010) and a 1930s Mild Sauce all worth trying. When you go, order a half or whole slab and sample every sauce. You just can't go wrong with any of them. Inside, Twin Anchors is old-school in the best way. A small tavern vibe, a no-frills bar pouring stiff drinks, and that famous sign that hangs in the middle of the restaurant that reads: “Positively No Dancing.” (You’ll get the joke once you’re there.) It’s almost always busy, they don’t take reservations, so expect a wait and tight seating. But that’s part of the experience. Chicago is a city full of flashy, high-end restaurants, Twin Anchors is a slice of that city's history that keeps things simple, hearty, and nostalgic. This time around, my cousin went for his very first trip to Chicago. His verdict? The ribs were exactly how he likes them...tender, and full of flavor, and the atmosphere was exactly what he pictured from an established rib joint. As for me, I always make it a point to eat here, because no trip for me to Chicago ever feels complete without Twin Anchors.
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Hagz
4 month agoTwin Anchor is one of the oldest original restaurant in the city of Chicago. Since its founding in 1932, Twin Anchors has always been known for great, tender, barbequed baby-back ribs that can be enjoyed in a quaint neighborhood tavern. Twin Anchors is a 100 % Chicago legend! Some of the best BBQ in the country. Their Prohibition sauce might be my favorite BBQ sauce. There's a short list of places that are a must eat in the city these days and Twin Anchors is at the top of that list. Have you ever had BBQ ribs or chicken that you can eat with a spoon because they're so tender? I have, at Twin Anchors. 100% recommend!
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Jennifer Winthurst
4 month agoFantastic place! The vibe is very chill and old school Chicago. Has some of the very best service here. Our waitress was amazing! We started with a bowl of chili. It came with a side of onions sour cream and cheese. It was very good but for me a little spicy. I had the full rack of ribs with their zesty barbecue sauce. I got fries as my side. And also came with a dill pickle and sweet coleslaw. Everything was fresh and flavorful. They do have Coke products. They have a wide selection of cocktails and draft beer. Are we dress was telling us about the restaurants history. How it was open during prohibition. She also told us it has been in two major movies and a lot of celebrities have been in to eat. Including Frank Sinatra.
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Brendan Creamer
4 month agoThis place is like no other. The energy, the food, and the people make this one of the most special restaurants this side of the Mississippi. I could eat their ribs for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. In fact, I would die for anyone who works here. All love to the staff this is a MUST VISIT if you’re in Chicago.
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