We’ve already talked about the bathroom of a charming bar in the North Center neighborhood of Chicago previously, but Lincoln Avenue is the host of many great bars that have sass, personality, and reasonably priced drinks.
Gannon’s Pub meets all the criteria, and also teaches us an important lesson – bathroom size depends on circumstances. Some places need ample options in the bathroom. Concert venues, airports, baseball stadiums, etc.
Poopable appreciates an approachable, clean, and simple bathroom. Gannon’s is a small neighborhood pub with seating for around 70 at its busiest. The staff know that it’s better to have more tables for drinks and food than to have unused bathroom space.
Their bathroom is clean, well stocked, and very simple. A single toilet. A single sink.
It’s pure simplicity. And it works.
There’s no urinal, just a toilet with a sink and mirror. While the toilet paper dispenser by Complete is always full, there’s a spare roll on the lid just in case.
This family-owned business (named after their great-grandfather who distributed beer until the mid 1950’s) is full of history and happy regulars. It’s a great place for good food, reasonable drinks, good company and no pretense.
It is a Chicago bar in the very best sense.
The no-frills, but clean and competent, aesthetic of the men’s bathroom is inline with all the best neighborhood bars. It’s not just a “Chicago thing.” Every city has their own bar that feels like Gannon’s. But Gannon’s feels like Chicago.
It is designed to have a very “working class” vibe (hence the lack of pretension). Many nights, the only one tending bar is the owner who sometimes calls her brother for last minute help on busy nights. She is always aware how much each table is drinking, in case a refill is needed.
That said, the clientele isn’t essentially “working class” (it tends to skew to people with white collar or creative jobs in their 30s and 40s). The bar occasionally has events that bring in a younger thirstier crowd. This place maintains regulars that have been tipping glasses here for decades.
It fits in perfectly with the people who live in the neighborhood, and provides the kind of service that helps their neighbors wet their whistle, have a nice meal, and spend some quality time with their friends. Their bathroom accommodations do nothing to get in the way.
Not only does the bathroom at Gannon’s provide privacy, it doesn’t lead to lines or urgency. Space can be allocated in the bar for the happy patrons cajoling and mingling as they have burgers, sandwiches, and some British-influenced pub food (in a good way, think fish and chips). This of course is all-the-while knowing they have a safe place to relieve themselves if needed.
Is Gannon’s Poopable?
Gannon’s is one of many fantastic small businesses to get a drink. It’s centered on family, provides a tasty meal and a relatively inexpensive drink. Poopers won’t have to worry about encountering anyone who puts off airs or arrogance.
The staff a Poopable give Gannon’s a primetime poopable rating of two thumbs up. It’s Chicago through-and-through. And it’s an easy place to poo.
Neil