Unfortunately did not have a great first experience here. In fact, we left feeling uncomfortable and disrespected. My friend and I came in unsure of what exactly the place was but it seemed like a nice “vibey” place to snack and read, like a cafe? bookstore? bar? meeting place? library? No idea lol! We found it on social media. We were stopping by half an hour before our spin pottery class started and had only been there maybe a total of 30 minutes. Half of which we spent looking around at books to purchase and going to the bathroom before a place on a couch finally opened up for us to sit and read. The other fifteen minutes is what I’m about to explain now: We sat listening to the music and looking through our books for not even 10 minutes before a lady with short, blonde hair approached us off-puttingly with “So What is it you’re going to order?”. Mind you, we hadn’t been handed a menu and at the time did not know there was a drink per hour minimum (again, regardless of that, we were sat for less than 10 mins). I’ll just do a back and forth of the exchange. Her tone was sarcastic and condescending and we were genuinely confused as to why. Me: “Sorry, we didn’t know we had to order something right now” Her: “Well, this IS a business” Me: “We’re aware… we just didn’t know what type of place this was. We’ve never been here” Her: “I’m not sure what you’re used to but we are at capacity and would rather have PAYING customers here” My friend: “Oh….kay. Yeah, um we’re actually leaving” and the lady proudly prances off to greet other customers. I was so upset by the interaction, no longer interested in purchasing the things I had in mind, so I went to the bar and asked to speak to someone privately. I already assumed that the blonde woman was likely the manager (She WAS). She walks up with the same snarky demeanor as before but you can tell she didn’t expect to be pulled aside. I just let her know how to properly speak to customers and how incredibly uncomfortable she made us. That it’s not okay to insult potential customers based off of personal dispositions, but luckily for her, she chose someone who will sit her down the way a teacher would a student instead of yelling. It’s just sad how proud she seemed of herself when she treated us that way and even sadder that a new, young customer such as myself would need to breakdown the issue to her. A simple “Hi! How are you? We actually have a food and drink minimum for seating. Here’s our menu so you can get a chance to look” would have gotten the message across just fine that we should order soon. She just stared at her toes and apologized for her approach and for not handling things better and then we left. It just sucks that we thought we found a cool, quaint place but left feeling unwelcome. Although we didn’t get to try anything, the food smelled like it could have been good. I wanted to try the pizza. Also, there seemed to be a lot of things offered there, we just didn’t get to experience that the way others did that night. The music was loud but there were private rooms you could reserve. Anyway, we’re still unsure exactly of what this business is categorized as since no one took the time to explain when asked, but it seems centered around money and lacks overall customer service. The bartender with red hair was nice though! And the nice guys at Jimmy John’s next door really redeemed our experience at this place.

Such a welcoming environment! I was here to kill a few hours, and I had a delightful time drinking beer and exploring the store. There's plenty of books to read, board games to play, and people watching to entertain anyone for hours! Just know that it can get busy on the weekends, so be prepared to wait for a table to open up!

Warning, not actually a third space. Some friends and I went here last night and were very disappointed. We expected it to be a third space as advertised. We were approached very rudely by a waitress who, when I asked if there was water available, said yes but that “They do expect us to order something.” And then took a tone with us, saying “This IS a bar.” Before seeing if anyone else in my party was going to order something (they were planning on it). We ordered tea… it was burnt. Not only was there not enough seating but there was a whole section in the back with ample seating that was all reserved. I understand prioritizing seating for paying customers but maybe provide more seating, open up the back, train your wait staff to explain kindly to customers your policies, or stop advertising yourself as a third space! May be under new management because I don’t remember it being this way in 2018 when I last went. Disappointed and frustrated that they advertise themselves as a third space for fostering community when clearly it’s actually about making $$$

Super cute bar vibe! There are books and board games set up and the seating is cozy couches. Stopped in to try a drink and read and it was really fun. Would definitely recommend for a cooler coffee shop or a more relaxed bar scene!

I have always been a big fan of this establishment. Last month I held my baby shower there and the ambiance and venue set up was perfect for that kind of event. My family really liked how different it was in there and just a cozy place to be. It’s family owned and one true testament to the type of people who own it is that we left my brothers card behind and it had $300 in it, I hadn’t even called them yet to see if it was there because we were searching our home still and the owner emailed me and Venmo’d over the money. A lot of people finding a card with cash wouldn’t have ever said anything and to me that says a lot about their integrity. I included pictures if anyone is thinking of hosting their event there you can see how we were able to decorate in this very special Chicago staple.

The space is cool, but staff is very rude. They put a reserved sign on our table while my friends and I were still sitting there. We were like, "Well, I guess we're leaving then." I would have been understanding if they'd said, "hey, we're going to reserve this table for after you leave, no rush," but the staff member didn't say a single word. They also only have two coffee options (caffeinated and decaf) and no non-dairy milk alternatives. I'll probably go back because I love the idea of a third place, but I expect to be similarly insulted.

I loved this place! Had some cocktails and the drinks were great! Pleasant ambiance!

How did it take me an entire year to find this absolute gem of a place. If you like late night reading in a good chill environment with great music taste. You’ve stumbled upon the best place in Chicago. I’ve been searching and searching for a place that offers the ambiance of a library but is open past 9 pm. To add fuel to this magnificent fire, they serve bussin cocktails.

What an amazing place! I came there one day as a random adventure day while visiting family. When I read about the place and vibes I told myself "I have to check this place out." It was an absolutely amazing experience and one of my favorite hangout spots in Chicago. Great beer, coffee and awesome vibes. I made new friends at this place and the staff is so friendly. Please support this place, very unique. Keep the good times up Kibbitznest, will be there next time I am in town!

Such a great vibe! Great 90s soft rock, beautiful spot. Felt cozy as soon as a walked in. Only qualm was that all the beers were quite hoppy. Would have loved a lager for something lighter. Will def be returning.

This is a great place to spend quality time with friends. The atmosphere just invites good conversation and connection. There's books, board games, snacks, and comfy chairs - making it a great place to go alone or with a group.

I really did not enjoy my experience here. It's supposed to be a "third space." It is not that. I would describe this as primarily a cocktail bar with some book focused marketing. It's weird, first of all, to go into a space with books everywhere, where you're supposedly encouraged to read, and have them blasting music louder than a dive would. It's also weird that the staff is so incredibly rude to everyone and does their best to make you feel unwelcome. Their purpose is really to make sure that you order enough drinks. Finally, it's weird that the only seating you seem to be able to get, especially for a group, is reserved. You really seem to need to reserve here, and I would not recommend trying to go on your own because I doubt you'd get seated. What really rubbed me the wrong way was that there was an entire back area visible through windows at the bar which had apparently been reserved in its entirety for some sort of private event, which meant all the rest of the patrons were packed into the front and explains the awful seating. And half the remaining tables were reserved too. Again, not the sort of thing you expect to see from a "third space." The prices are also very high, and the drinks are very bleh. A good craft cocktail bar is going to charge the same and you'll get much better drinks. I find the concept of this place very enticing, but based on my experience, that concept is really just a marketing gimmick.

Huge fan of this place! Just went for my first time and definitely will be returning. Cozy and sooooo many places to sit. Perfect for catching up with a friend or a first date. Love the menu options and the vibes are not to be missed. Also not to be missed is the PARKING which sadly I didn’t not see until after I paid for a meter- won’t make that mistake again. def recommend!

Not sure why they only have an alcoholic free Krombacher on their menu, but my date ordered it by mistake, not really giving it a second thought. They made us buy another beer instead of doing the decent thing and letting her get a new free one. Also, there was a big creep there who kept asking people to open mayo packets. He had like 10 mayo packets that he kept asking new people to open. Why so much mayo? Ambiance is nice. 3/5 stars.

Wonderful atmosphere and drinks. Really impressed by how much space they have here between the main room, side rooms and back. Board games are free to use if you're also purchasing a drink or food, which makes for a fun happy hour or evening out on a rainy day. Couldn't think of a cozier spot to visit on a cold Chicago winter night.

I came across this place at random and I am so jealous of all the locals who have this! I wished there was a place like this in San Diego, CA. I mean books, board games, and drinks?? My absolute dream! My friends and I enjoyed our time here and I’m obsessed with the Palomas. There’s so much seating and board games. It’s such a nice and inviting atmosphere to be enjoyed by all group sizes and ages. Also a really great place to disconnect and just be with everyone. I’ll definitely be returning the next time I’m in the city :)

A very cute place for chilling late at night! I really appreciated that they had tasty decaf coffee and the ice cream sundae was bomb. It was SUPER packed so the seating process was a little chaotic and we ended up waiting in line twice and some teen girls stole half our table but it was alright in the end cuz the waitress was trying to do like ten things at once after all. It was a little claustrophobic with how many people there were on a winter Saturday night, so something to watch out for. But we had a good time playing games!

Been coming here pre and post pandemic and I'm so glad they survived!!! This is probably one of the great hidden gems of Chicago and my personal favorite spot to hang with friends. They have free parking on the side of the building which is really nice (if you have a big car it is tight so you might need to park on the street). There are 2 main areas to hangout. There's one smaller area that's smaller that's cozy and intimate. They also have a bunch of games for you to play with friends so you can keep entertained. Also they serve a great selection of beer and cocktails with small plates. You can also bring food from other restaurants too! The staff are very friendly and there's usually weekly events too. They also sell books in store as well.

Easily one of the coolest experiences I've had. A very chill bar/bookstore combo with a welcoming vibe.

Such a hidden jem in the neighborhood! I’ve been on a first date here and with friends to hang out and have loved it every time. They have a limited menu of drinks and food, but I enjoyed everything. The best part is that it’s a mini bookstore as well!

Really cute and cozy place. Great time to go in the afternoon and just relax and play board games or even read. Staff is so friendly and drinks are great!

i would like to climb into the bookshelves and become one with the space. i must hang out with the elusive kibbitz in their nest. also they have board games you can play with the homies while you’re having a fun drink/food, and i lost horrendously at scrabble, but the safe and friendly vibes of kibbitznest made me feel like i won anyway <3

I went there on Saturday night to have a drink with my friend from overseas, I wanted to show him this cool bar. Had a bad experience with the bartender with a beard, asked us if we brought beer from outside, so weird and rude question, the guy insinuated that we didn’t buy the drinks there, apparently he doesn’t even know what they serve there.. so rude! When I confronted him, said that “he never seen someone bringing their drinks to the bathroom” what a dumb excuse.. I will never come back thanks to him. They should fire him, that’s not the service I’m used to and I’ve been there many times, they are all lovely except this Bartender with a beard on Saturday night shift. What a terrible bartender

The perfect place to spend an afternoon. We had the coziest, sweetest day and will definitely be back. If we lived closer, there’s not a doubt that this would be our ‘third place’. We loved the WiFi-Free concept. Everyone around us was playing games, talking or reading. $80ish total for charcuterie ($24), snacks ($16), three cocktails and one beer. We didn’t get any, but they also have ice cream 😋

This place is great. There's no cover charge and it has a nice crowd. The music is 80's-90's hip-hop and r&b and it's just chill. I'm definitely returning when I return to Chicago.

One of my favorite bars in the city. Very nice and cozy. Lots of books to read and there’s ice cream!!

Great, cozy place to grab a drink and hang out! Lovely staff, good selection of games and books, and yummy seasonal cocktails. Highly recommend visiting!

So glad that Kibbitznest survived the pandemic and appears to be thriving here in the fall of 2022! We hadn't been since pre-pandemic, but kept it on our radar. On a fairly gloomy and windy November Saturday, looking for something different to do we couldn't have chosen a better place than Kibbitznest. I've always loved the vibe, great music in the front and back rooms, with scores of books and board games to keep you entertained and engaged in different ways for as long as you choose. There is a fairly sizable menu for both drinks and food (snacks), the Applejack Warmer with brandy remains a standout. I almost wish there was some way to truly enforce people not being on their phones, because there were a few folks fielding phone calls or texting incessantly- that's not the point of this place at all! Kibbitznest is like the coolest library you've ever been to, or some rich person's incredible finished basement or tree house or something. I love it here, and will definitely be a frequent visitor throughout the cold months of the winter.

If you like Guthries in Lakeview you will love this bar. I'm more sorry I didn't come sooner. Great very homey happy bar to be able to have a conversation and some good drinks and bites. The board games are great addition

Randomly found this place and really loving the vibe! Drinks were smooth. Lots of books and board games. We came in on a Wednesday night and it was pretty chill. Staff is really nice. Not many food options but that's not what this place is about.

Cozy spot with a nice bar and good-looking snacks. Would make a nice early date spot with the books and board games.