JB is a laid-back bar (over 30 beers on tap, changing with the seasons) and restaurant named after a ballad by Scottish poet Robert Burns describing the process of making malt liquor from barley.
The crowd is mostly younger (than 40) professional types out for a mellow evening. On weekends, though, it's apt to get a bit crowded and just-postcollegiate. The building was constructed in 1890, and almost immediately became a saloon. During Prohibition, it was operated by bootleggers (bank robber John Dillinger was a frequent, and well-loved customer) under the cover of being a Chinese laundry.
The menu is varied and quite tasty (though a bit expensive if you're just looking for bar food) -- though the hamburgers are probably worth it -- and the beer list is somewhat extensive (probably the best in Lincoln Park, but rather expensive). The inside bar has some TV's for sports viewing, but the crowd isn't really too fanatical -- most just listen to the classical music and check out the projection of art slides... The outdoor patio/beergarden is delightful in the summer-time.
For more information, visit their website: http://www.johnbarleycorn.com/
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