What are you most known for?
GDT: The Green Door is best known as the oldest tavern in Chicago, capturing the essence of Chicago over the last 105 years. The environment is an eclectic collection of advertising memorabilia creating an one of a kind interior. We offer great traditional food, a fun vibe and a classic photo booth tucked away in our back room.
What type of cuisine do you serve?
GDT: We specialize in modern tavern food. Comfort food is our focus, as we are known for our Burgers, Chili and Poutine.
Drifter: We offer small bites to accompany our cocktail menu.
Do you offer vegetarian or vegan options?
GDT and Drifter: Yes! We offer a great selection of salads, some of which rotate seasonally. We also have a variety of sides that are vegetarian, like our asian broccoli and the roasted cauliflower.
Do you take reservations?
GDT: We do not take reservations, and normally the wait to be seated is very brief.
DRIFTER: We do not take reservations, and there is often a wait during the prime time weekend hours.
What are your hours of operation?
GDT: Listed below are our business hours:
Monday through Tuesday from 4:30 PM to 10:00 PM, Wednesday and Thursday we are open 4:00 PM to 2:00 AM, Friday from 11:30 AM to 2:00 AM, Saturday from 11:30 AM to 3:00 AM and Sunday from 11:30 AM to 9:00 PM.
DRIFTER: We are open Wednesday-Friday from 5:00 PM to 2:00 AM and Saturday from 5:00 to 3:00 AM
Do you offer takeout or delivery?
GDT: Yes, we offer both takeout and delivery through our website and popular delivery apps like Uber Eats and DoorDash.
DRIFTER: no, we do not offer takeout or delivery.
Do you have a happy hour?
GDT: Yes, our happy hour runs Monday through Friday from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM, featuring discounted drinks and appetizers.
Drifter does not offer happy hours.
Is your restaurant family-friendly?
GDT: Absolutely! We welcome families and have a kids’ menu available for our younger guests.
Drifter: The Drifter welcomes all guests 21 and over.
Do you host private events or parties?
GDT: Yes, we offer private dining and event spaces for parties, corporate events, and special occasions. Contact our events team at Parties@greendoorchicago.com for more details.
Drifter: Yes, we offer private dining and event spaces for parties, corporate events, and special occasions. Contact our events team at Info@thedrifterchicago.com for more details.
What safety measures do you have in place?
GDT and Drifter: We follow all local health guidelines, including regular sanitization, contactless payment options, and spaced-out seating for your safety.
Do you have a dress code?
GDT: We have a smart-casual dress code. We recommend avoiding athletic wear for dinner service.
Drifter: We have a smart-casual dress code.
Where are you located in Chicago?
We’re conveniently located on Orleans and Huron St. in the River North area of Chicago.
Is there parking near your restaurant?
GDT and Drifter: Yes, we have ample streeet parking surrounding our establishments. We are also conveniently located near the brown line stop at Wells Street and Chicago Avenue.
What landmarks are near your restaurant?
GDT and The Drifter: We’re just a short walk from Michigan Avenue and 4 blocks from the Merchandise Mart. We are also located next door to Mr. Beef, the inspiration behind and the filiming location of the highly acclaimed series, The Bear.
How do I get to your restaurant using public transportation?
GDT and The Drifter: We are conveniently located on Orleans Street, one block north of the Ohio Street exit. We are also just 2 blocks from the CTA Brown Line stop at Wells and Chicago.
Do you offer outdoor seating?
GDT and Drifter: No, we do not offer outdoor seating.
What’s the best way to get to your restaurant from I-94?
GDT and Drifter: From the Kennedy (I-94), take the Ohio Street exit and head north on Orleans Street. We’re located on the left, just past Mr. Beef.
Is your restaurant wheelchair accessible?
GDT:: Yes, our restaurant is fully wheelchair accessible, with ramps and spacious seating areas.
Drifter: Unfortunately, due to the age of the building and basement location, we are not wheelchair accessible.
Do you validate parking?
GDT and Drifter: No, we do not validate parking.
What’s the best time to visit to avoid crowds?
GDT: We’re busiest during evening hours (7:00 PM–10:00 PM) and weekends. For a quieter experience, we recommend visiting during lunch or early evening on weekdays.
Drifter: For a less crowded experience, we recommend visiting on Wednesday or Thursday evening or between 5PM and 7PM on Friday or Saturday.
Do you have gluten-free options?
GDT: Yes, we do offer gluten free options, but please know that we are not celiac friendly.
D: Yes, we do offer gluten free options, but please know that we are not celiac friendly.
What’s your most popular dish?
GDT: Our Chicago style poutine is what makes guests return frequently. We are also known for our burgers and crispy beef sandwich!
D: We are most known for our tarot card cocktail menu.
Do you serve brunch?
GDT: The Drifter is open Friday, Saturday and Sunday at 11:30am, and while we do not offer a brunch menu, we do offer food.
D: The Drifter does not, as we are open Wednesday-Saturday at 5pm.
What local beers do you have on tap?
Green Door and Drifter: We proudly serve local craft beers from all Chicagoland breweries, including Revolution, Goose Island, Dovetail, and 3 Floyds to name a few.
Do you have a signature cocktail?
GDT: Green Door Tavern offers a host of Classic cocktails as well as a house batched Old Fashioned on tap!
D: While The Drifter does not have just one signature cocktail it is best known for our tarot card menu.
Can you accommodate food allergies?
GDT: Absolutely. We can accommodate many food allergies and intolerances. Please ask your server for assistance.
D: Absolutely. We can accommodate many food allergies and intolerances. Please ask your server for assistance.
Do you offer a tasting menu or chef’s special?
GDT: Any specials we offer our listed on site, and all of our food is tasty and a special!
D: Sadly, The Drifter does not, as we keep our focus on our craft cocktails.
What’s on your kids’ menu?
GDT: Our kids’ menu includes options like chicken fingers and fries, kidsadillas mini cheeseburgrs and grilled cheese.
D: The Drifter is a 21+ venue.
Do you have a full bar?
GDT:Yes, we have a full bar serving a wide selection of cocktails, wine, beer, and spirits.
D: Yes! And then some!!!
Do you offer wine pairings?
GDT: While we do offer a few house wines, sadly, we do not offer pairings. We are fun, old school tavern that takes pride in keeping it chill.
D:The Drifter is an original speakeasy better known for its craft cocktail program than its wine program.
Do you offer catering services?
GDT: Yes, we provide catering for events of all sizes. Contact us for custom menus and pricing.
Can I book your restaurant for a wedding reception?
GDT: Yes, we host weddings and wedding receptions in our private event space. Reach out to our events team to plan your special day.
D: Yes, we host weddings and wedding receptions in our private event space. Reach out to our events team to plan your special day.
Do you have live music or entertainment?
GDT: While we do not offer live music in The Green Door Tavern, we always have a fun vibe with a great playlist.
D: Yes! The Drifter offers mini pop up acts every Wednesday-Saturday. Our performances run about every 45 min or so, with each one lasting about 5 minutes. They could be burlesque, belly dancing, a sultry jazz singer, a fun piano guy, hula hoops, a sassy ukulele player. You never know what will pop up on the stage, but many of the best burlesque performers in Chicago and the nation perform at The Drifter!
Do you offer gift cards?
GDT:Yes, you can purchase gift cards by calling in, emailing through our website or while at the Tavern. They make the perfect gift for any occasion.
D: Yes, you can purchase gift cards by emailing through our website or purchasing onsite. They make the perfect gift for any occasion.