When reviewing the strip of bars on Madison Avenue in Forest Park, Doc Ryan’s is the biggest and arguably most party-friendly of them all. On any given weekend, you’ll get an eclectic mix of regulars, office-party attendees, post-game softball players, and young yuppie types from Oak Park, River Forest and other nearby communities. The place boasts a two-level set-up; the upper level features an open skylight that works well during the summer as well as a suite of pinball, arcade and dart games. The atmosphere is generally unpretentious and very laid back, so I like hanging out here with friends whenever we need to just relax and take a break from the standard Chicago bar-hopping scene. If I didn’t live closer to Poor Phil’s (see my other review), I’d probably wind up drinking here more often.
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