Step into this vintage tavern and BBQ joint, a Chicago gem since 1932, where cozy vibes, classic woodwork, and Sinatra's legacy make for a must-visit experience.
"Twin Anchors is a Chicago classic, a subterranean dining room with walls covered with memorabilia. The ribs, a North Side classic, are solid with the spicy prohibition sauce. The kids menu offers plenty of options. But to survive this business, the service is important and Twin Anchors staff understands that children are just as important as adults. This is a place to bring the kids and have a cocktail to treat parents and guardians for their hard work." - Ashok Selvam, Naomi Waxman
"There’s a rich stickiness softly holding this Prohibition-era, former speakeasy and rib sanctuary together, the stickiness from a sweet-tangy sauce you will never know the secret behind. The neon anchor sign has welcomed travelers through snowstorms and heat waves since 1932, and the Tuzi family has owned the place for more than four decades. They’ve kept the magic alive long after Frank Sinatra held his last party there. The ribs are famous, of course, but don’t sleep on the homemade chili." - Alex Jewell
"Year Opened: 1932 What To Get: The chili and the ribs with zesty sauce The Old-School Factor: The Old Town institution is covered with mementos from all the famous people who loved the ribs here, like Frank Sinatra and Chris Farley. And it has neon beer signs and a striped awning, like similar-aged supper clubs 90 minutes outside the city." - john ringor, veda kilaru, nick allen
"If your Midwestern relatives are visiting from out of town, this neighborhood spot across from a schoolyard will make them feel at home. The Old Town institution that’s been open since 1932 has laminated menus and neon beer signs like old-school supper clubs 90 minutes outside the city. They’re famous for their slow-cooked ribs (so it’s not technically barbecue), which are a little underwhelming in the meat-to-bone ratio. But you’re mostly here for the scene. Twin Anchors is a local celebrity—it cameoed in The Dark Knight, and its walls are covered with the faces of famous people who loved those ribs, like Chris Farley and Rachel Dratch. It’s also a pure local, just like the diners who joke with the friendly staff about seeing them a week ago. Food Rundown Chili A solid bowl, with beans, little meat chunks, and a peppery kick. Get it if you want some chili for the sake of eating chili. photo credit: Twin Anchors Full Slab Of Ribs The ribs are Chicago-style, and the menu calls them world-famous. The meat falls off the bone because they’re slow-cooked rather than smoked, and also because there isn’t a lot of meat on the ribs. Get it as a full rack with the ketchup-like, housemade zesty sauce, but don’t expect to be starstruck. photo credit: Nick Allen Anchor Burger The patty is cooked nicely enough, with lettuce and tomato on the side, and an offer to grill or cook the onions. It won’t make anyone want to move to Old Town, but it hits the spot." - Nick Allen
"This Chicago landmark in Old Town is filled with photos of a bygone era. The family-friendly restaurant and bar is famous for its North Side-style barbecue baby back ribs (it’s not meat Jello; the meat doesn’t fall off the bone). It’s a familiar taste that’s endured since 1932." - Naomi Waxman, Ashok Selvam
