Reviews for AJ Hudson's: Soccer Bar & English Pub in Chicago

My husband and I recently hosted a wedding celebration / farewell party at The Dandy Crown for our US friends and family. When searching for the ideal venue, I stumbled upon the Dandy Crown, a bar neither of us had been to before, but were immediately drawn to the vibe and character of the place based on all the photos available online. In person, the venue did not disappoint. We absolutely loved the cozy, laid back yet sophisticated aesthetic. We we wanted to avoid booking a venue that would lead to our guests sequestering themselves or sticking to groups of people they already knew. The Dandy Crown was perfect for the mood were were seeking to create. The venue features a gorgeous outdoor patio on the first level, and a smaller but equally charming outside balcony off the second level. Beautiful deep emerald and blue couches and chairs are appropriately scattered, and there's even a fireplace on the first floor. The couches and side tables as well as the placement of the bar and wall of appetizers and other dishes helped create an environment where it was natural for guests to mingle and move around about the space, interacting with different groups. Events Manager Maria Castillo went above and beyond to ensure everything for our party matched our vision. She worked with us for weeks on the menu -- ensuring that all of our guests with allergies and other dietary restrictions would have plenty to eat. She coordinated the use of the space, the menu, the drinks, everything in such a professional and warm manner. Anytime I emailed Maria with a question, she responded promptly and made sure I had all the information I needed. Maria made us feel confident and stress-free going into the event, and on the night of, she was there to make sure everything went smoothly. The bartenders and kitchen staff were all equally wonderful. Everyone was friendly, on top of their tasks, and seemed to genuinely enjoy interacting with us and our guests. I cannot say enough good things about the staff. My husband and I had never rented out a venue or bar to host anything before. We went into the process not knowing what to expect -- not even really knowing how to determine the menu, but Maria and her Team guided us the whole way and made the planning process straightforward and relaxed. In the days following the party, many of our guests reached out to us to thank us for such a fun night and commented specifically on the excellence of The Dandy Crown and staff.

Nice neighborhood bar with a cozy patio. The bartender was friendly and the mulled wine was delicious. Great place to watch a Bears game on on a Sunday afternoon. A hidden gem in River West!

Love this little patio! Located between the Chicago & Grand blueline stood, the Dandy Crown is conveniently located, with an open, airy, energizing feel. We had the cheese tray, which was delicious & plated gorgeously. We also each had two cocktails, which were fresh & seasonal. Highly recommend asking for suggestions from the staff - they had honest opinions and helped us pick some great drinks and a nearly-perfect dish. My friend and I hardly had to wait and got a two-top located in the main walkway - despite where we were sitting, the setup was done well, so it wasn’t annoying or bothersome to have folks walking past us when they were going in and out. Can’t wait to go back for another evening of munchin and sippin outside!

Update 5/2025. Amazing patio area… and I love that this place is so dog-friendly. The HH drinks and app’s (3-6pm) are terrific. The dog menu (that’s right - they offer a menu for the doggies! How cool is that?!) is such a draw. The patio area is beautiful and the staff are super-friendly. Highly recommend!!!

⁣Comfort and cozy and fun at neighborhood spot, The Dandy Crown. With three decorated spaces, fireplaces, and a private party room to relax with festive cocktails and bites, this homey feeling cocktail bar is where to gather with friends. ⁣

Awesome experience here! Great fun cocktails and the homemade chips and dips are so AWESOME! Fun handcrafted cocktails, great friendly staff and a beautiful courtyard! Dinner menu looks really tasty. Lots of good vegan and vegetarian options! Very delicious and friendly!

This was a fun venue for a group party. Big outdoor space and cozy inside space. The slider appetizers were great and everyone liked their drinks and the beer and wine was also great. The servers (Nigel and another one) were very nice but our group was a bit too big for these two folks that we had so it was a bit slow. I would think that it’s normally pretty great in that department as well. Liked it also and look forward to coming back!

Wonderful British inspired bar here in the heart of West Town, Chicago. We love the decorations on the inside as well as their covered patio. We came here right after Christmas time and we love the idea of the gas fireplace is on their heated patio. They had a wonderful selection of specialty drinks and cocktails for the holiday season. Steve our bartender was wonderful and attentive! We definitely will be back!

A Very Dandy Christmas: A Festive Fling at The Dandy Crown The Dandy Crown has outdone itself this holiday season, transforming into a winter wonderland that's pure holiday magic. From the moment you step through the door, you're enveloped in a cozy, festive atmosphere that's equal parts sophisticated and whimsical. The holiday-themed cocktails are simply divine. Each sip is a delightful surprise, with flavors that dance on your palate. The presentation is equally impressive, with festive garnishes and glassware that add to the overall experience. But it's not just about the drinks. The ambiance is what truly sets The Dandy Crown apart. The twinkling lights, the festive decor, and the cheerful holiday tunes create a truly immersive experience. It's the perfect place to gather with friends and family to celebrate the season. If you're looking for a unique and unforgettable holiday experience in Chicago, The Dandy Crown is a must-visit. It's a hidden gem that's sure to become a new holiday tradition.

We stumbled upon the Dandy Crown after dinner at Piccolo Sogno and had the best time! They had a perfect area for 7 of us to hang out by a fireplace and have delicious drinks! The decor was soooo cute and cozy! Loved our time spent at the Dandy Crown!