Twin Anchors Restaurant-Tavern

Message from Twin Anchors Restaurant-Tavern

This dark hideaway serves up ribs by the rack-full to an adoring Old Town crowd.
  • 75 year anniversary
  • Slab of ribs, slice of history
  • A true neighborhood favorite

Located in an historic Old Town building that dates back to 1881, Twin Anchors Restaurant & Tavern is one of the oldest restaurants 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. A favorite of Frank Sinatra's in the 1950's, to Conan O'Brien more currently. Partners, Paul Tuzi and his sisters, Mary Kay Cimarusti and Gina Manrique, are celebrating 75 years of keeping the tradition alive. Paul states, "We aren't just running a restaurant. Every night, we are throwing a party for 300 people in a living museum. That is what makes it such a pleasure." Dine in, enjoy the outdoor cafe in the summer, or carry out, just make sure you take time to enjoy a cold beer, a zesty slab, and Old Blue Eyes on the jukebox. But remember . . . "Positively No Dancing."

Editorial and merchant content by Citysearch

Marker Twin Anchors Restaurant-Tavern

(312) 266-1616

1655 N Sedgwick St Chicago, IL 60614
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Editorial Description by Citysearch
In Short
Once a Prohibition speakeasy, this low-ceilinged, dimly lit space nearly always has a wait. The dining room seats 60, while the bar squeezes in another 15 around curved leather booths. Baby back ribs are the main attraction, served with extra sauce--zesty or mild. Choose baked potato, ridge-cut fries or onion rings on the side. Other entrees include broiled tiger shrimp, burgers, pulled pork and a half-chicken that's fried then quickly broiled and basted with barbecue sauce.

34 Reviews of Twin Anchors Restaurant-Tavern in Chicago

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Best Ribs  5 Star Rating - World class

By Mary K. | insider_guru Insider Guru | Rank: 559

Whenever I'm in Chicago this is the place! It is not fancy but it has the best ribs in the world; tender and tasty. I always look forward to visiting Twin Anchors.

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Good Healthy Food  4 Star Rating - Very good

By aguib d. | insider_expert Insider Expert | Rank: 11,167

I love this restaurant and the food is so healthy. The cost is very cheap and I have received great service from there. I would recommend them to others.

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Good Restaurant  4 Star Rating - Very good

By monique w. | insider_expert Insider Expert | Rank: 3,462

I visited this restaurant when I was in Chicago and I really enjoyed there food . The cost was low and the service was great. I would highly recommend them to others.

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Best of the best  5 Star Rating - World class

By Anonymous Opens in New Window

This is a true "neighborhood" tavern. The ribs are outstanding. The service is great. This is a place you can take your entire family. Young and young at heart will enjoy. The menu is kid friendly. Twin Anchors does not take reservations so show up early if you don't want to wait. This tavern has plenty of character and history. It was a frequent hang out for Frank Sinatra.

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Latest reviews by Citysearch: (read all 30 reviews on Citysearch)

Not sure what the fuss is about 2 Star Rating - Wouldn't recommend

By chitownjerry

So many people told me these were the best ribs in Chicago. I didnt find them to be that great. Maybe just a bad night? The ribs were inconsistant, very dry meat in sections. Inexcusable for the price and the hype.

Pros: the beer was good
Cons: the ribs were just OK
Posted 03/07/09

Sinatra didn't know his ribs 2 Star Rating - Wouldn't recommend

By catchris98

Historic...yes. Total dive (in a good way)...yes. Worth experiencing...yes. Best ribs let alone good food...no way. I never understand why people who rave about this place always start by raving about the food. I totally agree that it's an institution steeped in history, but every time I come hear the food totally lets me down. The food should not be the reason you come here.

Pros: Historic
Cons: Food
Posted 07/06/08

The ribs are fall off the bone good. 4 Star Rating - Very good

By patrickhayes

Now that being said if you are into southern BBQ this is not. The food is good and the help is very nice. But this place really is more than just the food. I really liked the feel of the place. We sat in the front corner of the bar and a cold Saturday morning. It just felt right. I felt like I was from the neighborhood and this is the place we hang out. There are better ribs out there but these where still very good. I have to recommend trying it. I may try to go when it is busy to see how the atmosphere is then.

Posted 01/17/08

Best of the best 5 Star Rating - World class

By Citysearch User

This is a true neighborhood tavern. The ribs are outstanding. The service is great. This is a place you can take your entire family. Young and young at heart will enjoy. The menu is kid friendly. Twin Anchors does not take reservations so show up early if you don't want to wait. This tavern has plenty of character and history. It was a frequent hang out for Frank Sinatra.

Posted 10/22/07

i love this "old man's bar" and the ribs and friday fish fry are superb 5 Star Rating - World class

By katherinedonald

I go here often because the charming "seafaring" old tavern decor/atmosphere and fine food keep me coming back. I have spent many happy New Year's Eves here. A very cozy place when the snow is piling up outside. It is great for kids and for dates too--it is romantic if you can get a booth or sit at the end of the bar.

Pros: unpretentious atmosphere, good value, nostalgic
Cons: I wish it had longer opening hours!
Posted 10/20/07