Butch McGuire's

Our Story

Butch McGuire, with a little money borrowed from his mother, opened his famous saloon in 1961, and the legendary bar corridor of Rush and Division was born. With a vision to create what he called the “singles bar.” Butch had the perfect hang-out for local Gold Coast and Old Town singles, most of whom happened to be Butch’s friends. In fact, through cocktails and conversation, it is believed that over 5,000 marriages have resulted from encounters at Butch’s throughout the decades.

Butch, “the unofficial mayor of Division Street”, took an active part in the community and took a great interest in his employee’s lives. Butch was always proud to claim that hundreds of men and women have paid for all or some of their educations while working at the saloon. Butch was also quite an advocate for women, being one of the first Chicago bar owners to hire female bartenders and managers. Back in the earlier days, only women were allowed a seat at the crowded bar, men would either give up their seats or be thrown out.

Ever the innovator, Butch is credited with the creation of the Harvey Wallbanger and Skip and Go Naked cocktails, as well as being the first to serve a Bloody Mary (still the best in town!) with a celery stick garnish. He also turned Christmas at Butch McGuire’s into a Chicago tradition. What started out as a few balloons and homemade ornaments has now turned into a stunning array of lights, garland, quirky mobiles, and two impressive double-decker trains that run throughout the main bar and antique room.

Butch passed away in 2006 at the age of 76, through he lives on through the people he touched and the stories they love to recount about him. His saloon, still an icon of Chicago, continues to attract not only people from all around the globe, but also right around the corner. Butch McGuire’s continues to be family owned and operated after more than 50 years, and the tradition that have made the bar such a success still carry on today under the management of his son, Bobby McGuire.

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