Note About T-Shirt Pick Up

An email was sent to all the 2026 Lakeview East Dive Bar Classic participants who qualify for the t-shirt on March 4th. The email was titled “Lakeview East Dive Bar Classic 2026 T-Shirt Pick Up“. The people who paid the $10 registration fee, and uploaded the photos correctly, all got the email sent to them. If you did not get this confirmation email, and feel you submitted photos and registered correctly, please email Isabelle@lakevieweast.com. A common issue that has been occurring, is people submitted photos and registered for the event under different emails, after being warned to use the same email multiple times. If you feel like this happened to you, email Isabelle@lakevieweast.com and we can figure it out!

February 9 – March 1, 2026

The legend returns. The Lakeview East Dive Bar Classic is here once again, to cure your winter blues, and to show your love for dives.

Let’s raise a glass to our beloved havens. Places where we escape life’s harsh realities, share a few laughs (or tears) with good friends and friendly strangers, and truly be ourselves. Our local dive bars are more than just watering holes, they’re where comfort meets camaraderie, where laughter flows as freely as the drinks, and where community bonds are forged over unforgettable memories. Join us for the Dive Bar Classic, a heartfelt celebration of the local gems that make Lakeview East the wonderful neighborhood we all love.

From February 9th to March 1st, join us in celebrating 10 iconic dive bars that capture the spirit of our neighborhood. You’ll have three weeks to visit at least 9 out of 10 participating bar, complete the photo scavenger hunt, and in return, score the highly coveted I <3 Dive Bars t-shirt.

Participating Bars for 2026

Clark Street Dog, 3040 N Clark St

Parrots Bar & Grill, 754 W Wellington Ave

Nisei Lounge, 3439 N Sheffield

Dram Shop, 3040 N Broadway

Monsignor Murphy’s, 3019 N Broadway

Friar Tuck, 3010 N Broadway

Jake’s Pub, 2932 N Clark St

Jacqueline’s, 3420 N Broadway

Joe’s on Broadway, 3563 N Broadway

L&L Tavern, 3207 N Clark St

How to Participate

You have three weeks to visit at least 9 out of the 10 participating dives. Here’s how to participate and receive your I <3 Dive Bars t-shirt.

1) Register online here. It is a $10 donation to participate, which comes out to $11.79 with taxes and fees. Please register under the same exact name and email you will be using to submit your photos! Please note, registration alone will not get you the t-shirt. The photo submission must be done correctly with all rules being followed to receive your shirt.

2) Photo Submission. To prove that you are the ultimate Dive Bar Enthusiast, and that you visited at least 9 our of the 10 bars, you have to upload a photo of yourself at each bar with a purchase you made at that bar. There are QR codes displayed at each bar you scan and submit through, or you can click this link and submit all your photos. Once you scan the QR code, click SCAVENGER HUNT button below, find the bar you are at, and submit your photo! It is crucial, that you put the exact same name and email for every photo submission. Failure to do so will result in disqualification.

3) Once you’ve completed the challenge, you will eligible for t-shirt pick up! Confirmation emails will be sent a few days after the event has been concluded!

T-Shirt Pick Up

After the event is over, and you have properly submitted all your photos and made the $10 donation, you will receive an email about picking up your t-shirt! You will be contacted at the same email you used for both the registration and photo submission. There will be a few dates and times t-shirt pick up will be coordinated. Here is when and where you can get your shirt:

Friday, March 13th from 2 to 5 pm at 3138 N Broadway (Lakeview East Chamber of Commerce office)

Tuesday, March 24th from 5 to 9 pm at Clark Street Dog

Tuesday, March 31 from 5 to 9 pm at Parrot’s Bar and Grill

Thursday, April 9th from 6 to 9 pm at Jacqueline’s

If you need someone to pick up your shirt for you, or you want to grab other participants shirts while you are there, please respond to our confirmation email that someone else will be picking up the shirts, and the name of the person picking them up!

Drink Specials 

The Dive Bar Classic would not be possible without the help of our fabulous sponsors: Old Style, Jeppson’s Malört, Haymarket Brewery, and Tullamore D.E.W! Drink specials for our sponsors will be featured during the crawl.

MONDAY-THURSDAY at Clark Street Dog, Friar Tuck, Monsignor Murphy’s, Dram Shop, Joes’ on Broadway, Jacqueline’s, and Jake’s Pub:
Old Style: $5
Shot of Malört: $6
Shot of Tullamore D.E.W: $7
Haymarket Lager: $6

MONDAY-THURSDAY at Parrot’s:
Shot of Malört: $6
Shot of Tullamore D.E.W: $7
Haymarket Lager: $5

EVERY DAY at Nisei Lounge:
Old Style: $5
Shot of Malört: $6
Shot of Tullamore D.E.W: $7
Haymarket Lager: $5

Monday – Thursday at L&L Tavern:
Old Style: $5
Shot of Malört: $6
Shot of Tullamore D.E.W: $7
Haymarket Lager: $6

Special Events During the Classic

Monday, February 9
  • Monday Night Board Game Night at Friar Tuck (8pm)
Tuesday, February 10
  • Karaoke Night at Friar Tuck (9 pm)
Wednesday, February 11
  • Valentine's Day Card Making at Parrot's Bar & Grill (6–7 pm)
  • Trivia at Parrot's Bar & Grill: Valentine's Day & Lakeview East Dive Bar Edition! (7 pm)
  • Trivia at Friar Tuck (8 pm)
  • Live Music at Monsignor Murphy's (9 pm)
Sunday, February 15
  • Free Haymarket Barrel Bus Rides (2 to 5 pm)
  • Malört Wheel of Doom at Jake's Pub (2 to 5 pm)
  • Malört Wheel of Doom at Friar Tuck (2 to 5 pm)
  • Old Style Night at Clark Street Dog (2 to 5 pm)
  • Tullamore D.E.W. sponsored Bingo Night at Friar Tuck (8pm)
Monday, February 16
  • Connect Four Tournament at Friar Tuck (8pm)
  • Trivia Night at Parrot's Bar & Grill (7pm)
Tuesday, February 17
  • Karaoke Night at Friar Tuck (9 pm)
  • Mardi Gras Party at Jacqueline's
Wednesday, February 18
  • Weenies + Whiskey Night: Ladies Night at Clark St Dog
  • Haymarket Sponsored Bingo
  • Trivia at Friar Tuck (8 pm)
  • Live Music at Monsignor Murphy's (9 pm)
Thursday, February 19
  • Free Haymarket Barrel Bus Rides from 6 to 9 pm
  • Malört Wheel of Doom at L&L Tavern (6 to 9 pm)
  • Malört Wheel of Doom at Jacqueline's (6 to 9 pm)
  • Old Style Night at Nisei Lounge (6 to 9 pm)
  • Tribute to 2016 Night at Jake's Pub
Monday, February 23
  • Monday Night Board Game Night at Friar Tuck (8pm)
  • Trivia Night at Parrot's Bar & Grill (7 pm)
  • Malort Wheel of Doom at Parrots Bar & Grill (7 to 9 pm)
  • NUTRL Sampling at Clark Street Dog (5 to 7 pm)
Tuesday, February 24
  • Karaoke Night at Friar Tuck (9 pm)
Wednesday, February 25
  • Trivia at Friar Tuck (8 pm)
  • Live Music at Monsignor Murphy's (9 pm)

Thursday, February 26
Malört Wheel of Doom at Clark Street Dog (7 to 9 pm)

Free Haymarket Barrel Bus Rides

On Sunday, February 15th from 2 to 5 pm, and Thursday, February 19th from 6 to 9 pm, the Haymarket Barrel Bus will be making a continuous loop of the participating Dive Bars! The bus is FREE to go on, but you must show your ticket purchase to enter. Keep in mind, there are limited seats on the bus, and they will be filled at a first come first serve basis.

BUS ROUTE:

Clark St Dog (3040 N Clark St). Walking distance to Parrot’s Bar & Grill, and Jake’s Pub
L&L Tavern (3207 N Clark St)
Nisei Lounge (3439 N Sheffield)
Joe’s on Broadway (3563 N Broadway)
Jacqueline’s (3420 N Broadway)
Friar Tuck (3010 N Broadway) Walking distance to Monsignor Murphy’s, and Dram Shop

Old Style Photo Contest

We are teaming up with Old Style for a photo contest! They are giving some really awesome prizes to the winners of these photo challenges. Participating in the photo contest is easy, just submit your photos by clicking which photo contest you are participating in!

Best Group Photo Winner will get a Old Style Cooler

Most Creative Photo Winner will get a Old Style Golf Bag

Best Photo with an Old Style Beer Winner will 2 tickets to any Salt Shed Concert

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Do I have to visit all the bars in one day?

A: No! You have three weeks to visit all the bars, so you can it at your own time. Just please note, all photo submissions must be in by 11:59pm on Sunday, March 1st. The photo submissions close then, and you will not be able to upload any photos after 11:55pm on 3/1. Any submissions after 11:55 pm on March 1st will not be accepted.

Q: Who can participate?

A: Anyone! As long as you are 21+, you are eligible to participate.

Q: Can I upload the same photo as people in my group?

A: Yes, but only if there is a proof of purchase of every person participating. This can look like a group shot of everyone cheersing, eating at a table together, etc. To avoid problems and complications, it would be best for every individual to upload a different photo.

Q: How can I show proof of purchase at each bar in a photo?

A: Simply take a photo of the drink you are drinking, or food you are eating at that bar! If you are camera shy, you do not need to put yourself in the photo. A snapshot of just your beer, snack, cocktail, etc will do! (Free popcorn does not count as a purchase).