What to Know Before Visiting Exchequer Restaurant & Pub in Chicago, IL

Most people don’t realize Exchequer sits just off State Street in a spot Loop locals treat like a hideaway between trains and meetings. You’ll slip into a wood-paneled room that feels more old-Chicago than tourist strip, with tight booths, big pizzas built for sharing, and game-day crowds that can surprise you if you time it wrong. Before you go, it helps to know when to show up, what to order, and how not to overspend.

People researching long-standing downtown Chicago pubs often also look into Emerald Loop Bar & Grill when comparing nearby options.

Getting There and Parking in the Loop

Before you step inside Exchequer, plan your arrival in the Loop.

A block from State Street, CTA is easiest—Red and Blue Lines are a short walk, with buses along major corridors.

Driving? Skip circling and reserve a nearby garage on Wabash or Madison. Meters change rules quickly.

For flexibility, take CTA in and use a rideshare or cab home, especially in bad weather.

Compared to the traditional Irish pub feel at Irish Nobleman Pub, Exchequer Restaurant & Pub offers a historic setting with a broader food-and-drink focus.

When to Visit and Crowd Patterns

Image: Exchequer Restaurant & Pub

Timing your visit to Exchequer quietly decides what kind of night you’re going to have.

If you’re chasing a relaxed meal, the best times are late afternoon on weekdays—think 2 to 5 p.m.—when Loop office traffic thins and you won’t wait long for a table.

After-work peak hours hit fast: from about 5 to 7:30 p.m. on weekdays, you’ll see suits, conference badges, and hungry commuters.

Fridays run later and louder.

Weekends shift patterns; late dinners and game nights swell after 7 p.m.

Arrive early for big events; downtown crowds surge without warning.

Atmosphere, Seating, and Ambiance

Atmosphere at Exchequer hits you the second you step below street level: a low-lit, wood-paneled throwback that feels more lived-in than themed. You slide into deep booths that have hosted decades of office warriors, theater crowds, and Loop regulars. The dining decor leans classic Chicago tavern: brick, vintage photos, a bar that actually looks worked.

What to Order: Pizza, Pub Fare, and More

Image: Exchequer Restaurant & Pub

Once you’re settled with a drink, the menu reads like Chicago comfort food classics—pizza leads the way.

Locals swear by sausage with giardiniera or classic pepperoni to showcase the crisp crust.

Beyond pizza, try the fall-off-the-bone ribs and the dipped Italian beef for old-school Loop flavor.

Mozzarella sticks and loaded fries are shareable starters worth ordering.

For lively game-day or after-work crowds, some visitors alternate between this spot and Timothy O’Toole’s Pub Chicago, depending on the occasion.

Drinks, Happy Hour, and Game Days

Even before you spot a server, the bar tells you what kind of night you’re in for: pints of cold Midwestern beer, proper whiskey pours, and old‑school cocktails that don’t hide behind syrups.

You’ll see regulars anchored to stools, calling drinks by nickname, and bartenders who actually remember your second round.

1. Try the craft cocktails when you’re not in a beer mood; they’re classic‑leaning, spirit‑forward, and surprisingly dialed‑in.
2. Slide in for happy hour; the after‑work downtown crowd keeps it lively.
3. On game days, expect wall‑to‑wall jerseys and rotating sports specials.

Pricing, Portions, and What to Budget

You’ll want to know what the check looks like here before you order that extra round of mozzarella sticks.

Exchequer sits in the comfortable middle of Chicago pub pricing, but the portions come out in unapologetically old-school, South Loop-sized plates that can easily stretch into leftovers.

Here’s how the typical meal prices and portion sizes line up so you can budget smartly and skip sticker shock.

Typical Meal Price Range

Sticker shock isn’t part of the experience at Exchequer; it’s the kind of downtown spot where you can eat well without torpedoing your budget.

Locals treat it as a Loop standby where you can do quick mental price comparisons and know you’re landing on the friendlier side of Chicago’s core.

1. Expect most classic meal options (burgers, sandwiches, salads) in the low-to-mid teens.
2. Specialty pizzas and ribs usually land in the upper teens to low twenties.
3. With a drink and tax, plan roughly $20–$30 per person for a satisfying sit-down visit.

Portion Sizes and Value

At Exchequer, value shows in the portion sizes.

Expect classic Chicago tavern portions: thick pizzas, loaded sandwiches, and shareable baskets.

If you prefer smaller servings, split mains or plan for leftovers—one entrée and an appetizer can feed two light eaters.

For budget-friendly dining, leftovers often become tomorrow’s lunch. Families and groups save by sharing pizzas and salads instead of ordering individual plates.

Tips for Groups, Families, and First-Time Visitors

Image: Exchequer Restaurant & Pub

If you’re coming to Exchequer with a crowd, kids in tow, or it’s your first time walking through those brick-lined doors, a little insider planning goes a long way.

You’ll want to know how the staff handles big tables on busy game nights, which menu picks keep younger eaters happy, and when the room feels calm versus rowdy.

Here’s how to time your visit, what to request, and what to order so you feel like a regular on day one.

Timing can shape the experience here, much like it does at State and Lake Chicago Tavern, where evenings tend to feel noticeably busier.

Planning for Large Groups

Though Exchequer feels like a cozy hideaway, it actually handles groups surprisingly well—if you plan a few details ahead. You’ll want to think like a regular who’s hosted a dozen office happy hours here.

1. Call about the reservations policy****

For 6–8, you can usually book standard tables; larger parties should call days ahead, especially on game nights.

2. Ask for a group menu****

Pre-set pizza, ribs, and salad spreads keep costs predictable and food flowing fast.

3. Time your arrival

Aim for early evening or late lunch to dodge Loop rushes and score better seating.

Family-Friendly Dining Tips

Exchequer works well for families in the middle of downtown chaos.

You’re not entering a stuffy pub—you’re settling into booths used to little league teams and strollers.

Ask for the kid-friendly menu right away; portions are generous, familiar, and arrive quickly.

Staff handles special requests easily. High chairs are available, but request one early, especially during the pre-theater rush.

First-Time Visitor Essentials

How do you walk into Exchequer for the first time and feel like you’ve already been coming here for years? You lean into its classic Loop pub energy—dim wood, framed Chicago history, and servers who’ve seen every kind of group walk through.

1. Arrive prepared – For groups, reserve ahead; for families, request a roomy booth. Ask your server to walk you through menu highlights before you commit.
2. Order like a regular – Split the deep-dish, add ribs or an Italian beef, then a shared dessert.
3. Mind the dining etiquette – Keep bags off aisles, share platters, linger—but not camp.

Conclusion

When you step into Exchequer, you’re not just grabbing a bite; you’re clocking into a classic Loop institution with its own rhythm. Now that you know how to get there, when to dodge crowds, and what to order, you can glide in like a regular. Trust the pizza, share the plates, watch the game, and let the wood-paneled glow do the rest—you’ll leave feeling like you’ve always belonged there.