Replay Beer and Bourbon

This place is a lot of fun. I’ve been here a bunch of times, know some regulars and have a friend that works there. I’m a straight guy and most of the people that work here know me and my friends are straight and no one cares. The staff is very friendly! They have a good selection of spirits and beers on tap. They usually have specials. The back patio is a lot of fun and a cool place to hang out. The video game other games there are a lot of fun.
Definitely be back.

Great friendly bar. Free video games, popcorn, great food and drinks!
Would recommend to anyone!

Really fun atmosphere and the arcade games are great. The staff is always friendly and helpful. I’d recommend any of the LKH group restaurants. It’s definitely nice to have a bourbon and beer place in Boystown.

So I had no idea what this bar was before showing up, with a name like Replay I was expecting a sports bar… but was pleasantly surprised, it’s actually a pretty cool beer and whiskey focused bar. We were there early evening on a Saturday and it was totally packed (mostly all dudes… this is Boystown after all), great fun atmosphere. They were also playing the best music… tons of Britney, Xtina etc etc, lots of fun. They also had a pretty sizable draft beer list with some good options. Great spot for some drinks, happening but more chill style bar in Boystown.

Wow, this is my 1700^th review! I need to get a life, lol. Just kidding, I don’t need a life.
Anyway…stopped here while visiting Chicago because I heard they had a good tap list. And they did! 25 beers on tap, most of them craft (although they had a couple of more mainstream beers too). I was only planning on having a couple but there were so many options, I had more than a couple.
On a Friday night, the place wasn’t too crowded early but when I left around 8:30 it was filling up. The bartender (Niko?) was really awesome. He handled everyone efficiently and with a friendly smile. He gave me popcorn, so of course that makes him even more awesome. They have a couple of tv’s that had sporting events on, so that was good. And the jukebox was a good value, plus everyone really seemed to like it when I played «Xanadu» by ONJ.
I would definitely come back here.

This bar is okay. Definitely a meat market lol
I like the video games against the wall but the place can be dimmer and cleaner :) it’s not a bad bar just a good stopover before heading to other places. One downside too it’s super loud and lots of kids here lol

It’s a staple gay bar and a pre-​game place for when you’re looking to head to Hydrate at the next corner and party until the wee hours in the morning. The bar is small, so unless you have a table in the back with friends, you’ll be standing. It has some interesting arcade games along the wall, but typically all the gays are talking or looking at each other, much less a video game… unless you want to be hit on if you’re single.
Everything about the place is average. But when you’re starting your night, average is good.

This bar is a fun place to hang out and chill with your crew. The games are fun and the atmosphere is laid back. On Tuesdays they have a special where tattoos are worshipped, men are encouraged to go shirtless, and some harmless debauchery ensues.

I have nothing but great things to say about Replay. Every time I’ve been here I’ve received a phenomenal level of service. Vegas, Tony and Mark are great bartenders!

I come here all the time. Not only is the service consistent but the staff is extremely friendly. Mark pours a mean Bourbon Blossom. Great atmosphere, great music, great people. What more do you need? They also have a killer beer selection. Eat, drink, and be merry.

I give this place a two because of how much I normally love it… Today 12.05.15 (12:50 pm) really left a bad taste in my mouth. Two people working and both more engaged in their conversations verses taking drinking orders. Keep in mind there were only seven patrons in the bar. My friend had gone by to garb a drink first and waited seven minutes before he had to request for the bartenders attention. I’m not as forgiving, I had my card out ready to pay for the two drinks I would have liked… Sadly I did not get acknowledged so we left to a bar that would like to take my money.

A great local Boystown bar with a solid beer and whiskey list, arcade games, popcorn and a giant moose on the wall.
Mark the bartender was awesome, if you meet him talk about the merits of well-​designed credit cards.

Love, love, love. Classic video games, all for free (except pinball), beautiful patio, and great beer selection. What more could anyone ask for… except maybe a slightly better mannered door person (had a few incidents with a very rude bouncer), more attentive bartenders, and it’s definitely not Replay’s fault, but the space is sometimes so crowded that playing video games doesn’t feel feasible in that space because it’s so shoulder to shoulder.

I’ll always remember my first time visiting as a Replay virgin. My moment of bliss was drinking a Goose Island 312 and playing Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: The Arcade Game when I looked up and saw that they were playing 90s episodes of American Gladiators on the TV. I was in heaven and knew I stepped into something special.
I’ve been going to Replay Lakeview for a few years now, and there’s a reason that it’s a staple in my Boystown bar repertoire — it combined beer, gaming, and nerd culture. Three things I am totally on board with.
You’ve already seen in other reviews that Replay has a lot of beers on tap, and that the games are very fun, but one thing I want to note that may have gone unsaid is that Replay has given Tuesday nights a certain niche when it celebrates TaTuesdays. That night, you’ll find a different crowd — many of whom have a lot of piercings, tattoos, and leather harnesses. I don’t add this in judgment, but in praise. Bartenders Keith and Ryan, along with drag queen hostess Debbie, have crafted an environment for this subset of the LGBT community that is usually relegated to seedier bars like Cell Block, Touché, and Jackhammer. While I don’t count myself among those who are in that particular scene — I like that there’s a place for these guys to go that isn’t cruisy and dimly lit. And you know it’s a unique time when they actually have a drawing for a free tattoo. Win!
The only downside to Replay is that it is very small and hard to get around when there’s a good crowd. When the weather is nicer, they open up the back patio that is very nice and has a good amount of room, but otherwise, space is at a premium here, and it’s very easy to spill your drink when maneuvering around.

New location on the corner of Clark and Balmoral.
Looking in this conspicuous bar, I thought I saw Ms. Pac Man? Contra?” I was lost. I didn’t know whether it was a Bar or an Arcade. It’s Ingenious.
I cautiously entered with my lady and 1-​month-​old son, who was very welcome, «til 6:00 pm at least,» smiled the host – As a new parent, I really appreciated that.
I chose my bartender. I don’t just accept the first offer. I’m very selective. There was a young guy, he wouldn’t do.
Luckily, a charming Raven fellow with a salt and pepper beard, professional and charming, showed up and made one of the best Old Fashion’s this city has to offer. I’m not new to drinking, but two of them led me home for a two hour nap. It was strong and delicious. Highly recommend it.
I wanted tater tots and a Turkey Burger and even though it wasn’t on the menu, Mr. Raven obliged. There’s a Build-​your-​own-​burger option.
Few minutes later, I got this thick, beastly, and meaty burger on my hands and I have to admit. It’s not what I thought I wanted. But once I took a bite, I was sold. It was one of the most delightful meals I’ve had in a while. I actually enjoyed the texture and feel of it. Weirdly delightful meal. The booze might have enhanced it, don’t know, don’t care. Amazing.
I left in a better mood than when I arrived. I tipped 20% and my hat to the bartender for a job well deserved and left.
To the owners, I say thank you and a job well done.

Great beer and free video games– you can’t really ask for much more. It’s really a calm oasis in the midst of Boystown. Also a solid date spot if you want to zone into PacMan for two hours and forget who you were with.

If you are looking for a bar in Boystown that will allow you to have a damn good time with your friends while throwing back some beer and cocktails; Replay is the place to go.
The bouncers are friendly — check
Nice outdoor patio — check
Good strong drinks — check
Free popcorn — check
Free video games — check
Ms. PAC-​MAN — double check

We stopped in to this friendly bar on Saturday night to have a few drinks with our friends who live nearby. The bar is small and a little loud, but not nearly as bad as a Wrigleyville spot. I would certainly agree with previous Unilocalers that the vibe here isn’t particularly ‘gay’ at all. (Is that a good thing? No, just an observation.)
The guy at the door was perfectly nice, we easily found some seats at the bar and they had a great drink menu. They certainly live up to the name with extensive beer and bourbon offerings. I had a Stiegl Radler and every member of the group found an appealing beer to order. While we didn’t play any games, I thought the machines were a cute touch and plenty of guys seemed to be enjoying them. They were playing a great throwback 90’s mix, which I also appreciated. A smattering of guys were dancing in the back.
My only complaint might be that the male members of our party got served much more quickly than myself. The bartenders were a little curt, but it was also pretty busy. The most impressive interaction we had was actually with (the barback maybe?) an attractive petite Filipino guy, who gave us wonderful tips about the neighborhood spots and was friendly and knowledgeable.

Awesome awesome bar. The beer selection is extensive and well rounded, they have every bourbon you could think of, and the patio is hard to beat during the warm weather.
The staff is all very enjoyable, and doesn’t make fun of me when I either a) end up going there by myself to do homework or b) lose every free video game I try my hand out.
The crowds are usually always enjoyable, and it’s a nice alternative to the packed club scene found in Boystown if you’re trying to have a more relaxing, casual experience in the neighborhood.

Barcade but gay and better.
Free arcade games? Free popcorn? Outdoor patio? Decent drinks? Good thing Replay isn’t in New York otherwise I’d be there every other night. Whether it’s crushing sausages in BurgerTime, kicking ass with Ryu in Marvel vs. Capcom, or playing a classic like Mario Bros, Replay does so much right. It’s not the best raging or dancing venue, but for everything outside and in between, I’ll definitely be back next time I’m in Boystown.