Exchequer Restaurant & Pub: A Chicago Gem for Pizza, Pubs, and Italian Cuisine

Drove 6 hours from mn for conference. Got in late so many restaurants already closed. Within walking distance of my hotel. Pleasantly surprised how good the food and atmosphere was. Groups of folks were here so it must have some kind of reputation. Service was good. I’d come back here again for sure.

The best pizza I've had in the USA. Hands down. The pizza has a perfect cheese to sauce ratio. The dough is very pleasant and airy. The toppings are fresh. What more can you ask for? The buffalo wings were good. The buffalo sauce itself, I wish I could get some to take home. It's delicious. The atmosphere is mafia vibes. Absolutely beautiful and amazing. Please stop in here people. You won't regret it if you're a pizza/mafia connoisseur like I am.

Loved this place. Very Chicago feel with lots of personality. I was shocked at how great the Italian beef was. Got mine with peppers! Far far superior to any of the famous chains. They have personal size deep dish pizza which was a great option. Surprisingly fresh and tasty salads that were better executed than some of the steak places in the loop. would recommend this place.

A Chicago staple with a comfort food menu of all the city's staples. Warm, welcoming atmosphere. I went with the rigatoni with Italian sausage and vodka sauce, while my lunch companion opted for French onion soup and chilli. Perfect meal before a Chicago Symphony matinee. The personal deep dish pizza option is always a hit. Lots of nearby parking garages.

This place was a throwback to my childhood. My mom and I would come for the onion soup and pizza after a shopping day or downtown fun. So to introduce this place to a new friend was fun and it was a hit the Reuben and onion soup didn’t miss at all #backdown memory lane! Yummy

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Exchequer Restaurant & Pub — history, warmth, and great comfort food We stopped by Exchequer Restaurant & Pub in downtown Chicago after visiting the Art Institute, looking for a place to warm up, relax, and unwind. What we found was a true Chicago gem with real character and soul. This is not just a bar or restaurant — it’s a piece of history. Al Capone himself used to frequent this place, and you can feel that legacy everywhere. The walls are filled with stylish vintage photos, paintings, and original newspaper clippings from the Prohibition era. At the entrance, you’re even given a small booklet with the history of the pub, which immediately pulls you into the atmosphere of the time — such a thoughtful and unique touch. Special thanks to Niko the Greek, the bartender — incredibly friendly, open, and welcoming. He made us feel like regulars rather than first-time visitors. People like him truly bring a place to life. We ordered the chicken soup and the French onion soup, and they were exactly what we needed after a long museum visit — warm, comforting, flavorful, and satisfying. Perfect food to recharge on a cold day. Exchequer is the kind of place where: • history meets genuine coziness • food is simple but done right • the atmosphere feels authentic, not touristy We will absolutely be back. If you want to experience real Chicago, with its Prohibition-era stories, character, and charm — this place is a must-visit.

This is a great local dinner spot, a place to unwind and relax with an old vibe and charm. Service and food were very good. Their Cesar salad and their French fries are delicious! Would recommend this pub for anyone in Chicago for dinner and drinks, with family, friends or date night!

Really cool restaurant/bar with lots of history. We had the Chicago deep dish pizza with sausage and Italian beef and Reuben sandwich with corned beef and waffle fries. They were both tasty but the pizza was amazing, so cheesy and just awesome. We had amber ale, espresso martinis and pomegranate martinis. All were great. Highly recommended, make sure to call in.