Bernices Tavern

Bernice's Tavern is first and foremost a neighborhood drinking establishment. It is a safe place. It is an old place. It is a space where neighborhood gossip is exchanged and community news and plans are developed.

In attendance one might find a local pastor or the proprietors of a nearby coffee shop, union employees and local musicians; any day of the week a diverse crowd that represents a slice of Bridgeport.

"I haven’t created this space by myself but I’ve helped cultivate the crowd that comes in here," said tavern owner Steve Badauskas. "I often see two people come in here to finalize business plans or hash out a contract. We’re welcoming if you’re respectful."

Steve Badauskas, a man who "really needs a vacation."

An inventory of the contents of this shotgun tavern will show off various pieces of Chicago history. An an old CTA bus fare box sits near the front door under a stop light and a police billystick with a Chicago-blue macrame strap hangs above the bar. A family photo of Steve with his brother Mike and their father who purchased the business in the 60's also hangs behind the bar.  A wild and wide array of nicknacks, Lithuanian collectables, local art and clever signage are tucked throughout the establishment.

Near the end of the bar a carefully painted mural of a brunette in a bathing suit adorns one wall next to a cooler that looks as old as the building. Her nails look sharp enough to cut glass. The artist is unknown.

At the back of the space a small stage is framed with an unwieldy array of instruments. It serves as the backdrop for Thursday night open mic, live bands on Friday and Saturday and the location of the prize table for the hugely popular Wednesday night BINGO games, colloquially referred to as STINGO.

"The people who come out for STINGO night don’t come out for the rest of the week," said Badauskas. "Each night is it’s own little party."

On most Sunday's patrons will find another throwback to the days of Chicago gone by, the tavern meal. Steve's significant other, Dori Kaminski of Henry Kaminski Meats on Halsted, holds championship ribbons for her epicurean delights and for good reason. As in the heyday of the nearby stockyards, as long as a bar goer buys a beverage, they are entitled to a great meal.

Bernice's Tavern is one long experiment in nostalgia and neighborhood evolution and if it seems like Steve feels at home behind the bar, it's because he is.

"I grew up in this building, in this space,"  said Badauskas. "And this has sort of always been my living room. So act like you’re in my living room while you’re here. Don’t put your feet up on the chair and don’t be rude to my other guests because hey, you’re in my house."

Steve's mother and the namesake for the tavern, Bernice, still lives above the tavern and sometimes makes an appearance even though she is well into her eighties. She has been known to don a fancy hat on Kentucky Derby day and pass out candies from behind the bar on Halloween.

A Bridgeport staple, Bernice's Tavern is a unique place to have a drink and learn a little bit about this great city.

"In this place, you come here and know no one," said Badauskas. "And before you know it, in a short time, you have many friends. It’s amazing and there are some bars in this neighborhood where that will not happen."

Bar Tender Diane Hochstetter and local artist Nick Depeder

Bernice's Tavern