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Kibbitznest Books, Brews & Blarney

Kibbitznest Books, Brews & Blarney Kibbitznest Books, Brews & Blarney is a unique pub that combines a bookstore and bar for a one-of-a-kind experience. The establishment offers a variety of seating options for guests to play games, relax or engage in face-to-face communication while indulging in delicious Chicago-style hot dogs, specialty cocktails, craft beers, wine, and pour-over coffee. Guests are encouraged to browse through their curated selection of interesting books from the liberal arts category and fun book-related gift items. Kibbitznest also hosts discussions led by University of Chicago Graham School professors and instructors which makes it an intellectually stimulating space. As a WiFi-free zone, Kibbitznest promotes person-to-person communication amongst visitors.
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Recent social media posts

In this hour of seasonal metamorphosis, as we once more confront the ancient wound of impermanence, the four-times-yearl...
06/02/2026

In this hour of seasonal metamorphosis, as we once more confront the ancient wound of impermanence, the four-times-yearly spectacle of death masquerading as rebirth, of endings disguised as beginnings, we find ourselves seeking meaning to assign this prosaic tragedy.

And so we do as so many have done before us: we turn to the poets, the philosophers, the tragedians and chroniclers of grief. We turn to this small council of the dead, hoping they might offer words to illuminate the darkness overtaking our anemic lamplight. Should their letters fail to assail the waxing shadow, we take some solace in knowing that they, too, stood bewildered at its edge.

To commemorate these final days of spring, our spring seasonal cocktails are $10 through June 5.

Also, cans of Middlebrow’s Bloc Party Plum Sour are $6 through Friday!

It’s the first day of the month, and you know what that means! Time for a fresh round of upcoming events at Kibbitznest....
06/01/2026

It’s the first day of the month, and you know what that means! Time for a fresh round of upcoming events at Kibbitznest. June is one of our favorite months because it’s peak patio weather. Come through on patio opening day, this Saturday, June 6 and the following weekend for Pride on the Patio!

Swipe through for the full lineup of events, and let us know what you’re dropping in for!

05/30/2026

The sunscreen is out, which can only mean one thing: spring is coming to an end. ☀️

Our summer specials are making their debut soon, which means you have just one more week to enjoy our spring cocktails before they take their final bow.

Stop by before June 6 to raise a glass to your seasonal favorites and give them the sendoff they deserve, like the spicy rhubarb treat in this accidental ASMR video.

Who’s coming to vibe with us tomorrow AM?! We’re opening early to support ’s mission of ending youth homelessness. You c...
05/29/2026

Who’s coming to vibe with us tomorrow AM?!

We’re opening early to support ’s mission of ending youth homelessness. You can support too, literally just by coming in for a coffee or a drink and enjoying your Saturday morning.

IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT:It’s beautiful out, Chicago!!Kibbitznest transitions to our summer hours on June 1. With the chan...
05/22/2026

IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT:
It’s beautiful out, Chicago!!
Kibbitznest transitions to our summer hours on June 1. With the changing of the seasons also comes the changing of our environment — our patio opens Saturday, June 6!! And if you come hang on patio opening day, who knows, maybe there will be a special treat. 😉

chicago, let’s romanticize reading for an hour 📚🍸🌈
05/20/2026

chicago, let’s romanticize reading for an hour 📚🍸🌈

We’re open early on Saturday, May 30 to help end youth homelessness! Come grab a coffee or a cocktail and enjoy beats by...
05/15/2026

We’re open early on Saturday, May 30 to help end youth homelessness!

Come grab a coffee or a cocktail and enjoy beats by , with proceeds benefiting , a nonprofit working to prevent and end homelessness among Chicago young people ages 14-24.

Our last Jeffersonian Dinner of the season is here 🕯️Join us on Thursday, May 21st at 6pm to discuss the theme of choice...
05/14/2026

Our last Jeffersonian Dinner of the season is here 🕯️

Join us on Thursday, May 21st at 6pm to discuss the theme of choice! 🔀 RSVP for free at the link in the bio to attend, limited to two people

Mother’s Day is tomorrow!! Did you forget to make plans? No sweat, we’ve got you covered. Join us at Kibbitznest this Su...
05/09/2026

Mother’s Day is tomorrow!! Did you forget to make plans? No sweat, we’ve got you covered. Join us at Kibbitznest this Sunday for brunchy cocktails, board games, poetry, and all the cozy vibes. Perfect for moms whose love language is quality time.

🕐 Doors open at 1pm
🎙 Second Sunday Unslam at 4pm
🌙 Closing early at 7pm so our team can celebrate their moms too 💛

Bring your mom, your chosen family, or just yourself — we’ll save you a seat. ❤️

May is STACKED at Kibbitznest 📚✨There’s something for every kind of mind (and mood). Whether you’re here to listen, shar...
05/01/2026

May is STACKED at Kibbitznest 📚✨

There’s something for every kind of mind (and mood). Whether you’re here to listen, share, laugh, or just be, pull up a chair and join the community.

🗓 Highlights:

5/7 – Liberal Arts Discussion
5/10 – Second Sunday Un-Slam
5/13 – Skip the Small Talk
5/17 & 5/31 – Comedy Club
5/20 – Page Break (Silent Book Club)
5/21 – Jeffersonian Dinner
5/27 – Tenx9 Storytelling

Come solo or bring your people—either way, you’ll leave with something to think about!

🎟 Some events require tickets / RSVP
📍 kibbitznest books, brews & blarney

Let's Discuss Free Speech and John Stuart Mill and Stoicism, Plus Poetry, Storytelling, Silent Book Club and more! - *|h...
05/01/2026

Let's Discuss Free Speech and John Stuart Mill and Stoicism, Plus Poetry, Storytelling, Silent Book Club and more! - *|https://www.kibbitznest.org|*

We sure will miss you, but we’ve got a private event + some work to do to care for our space and keep it nice and comfy ...
05/01/2026

We sure will miss you, but we’ve got a private event + some work to do to care for our space and keep it nice and comfy for your future visits.

See y’all Tuesday for Happy Hour from 4-6pm!

Let's Discuss Classical Chinese Thought, "On Liberty" and Stoicism Plus Comedy Storytelling, Silent Book Club and more! ...
04/17/2026

Let's Discuss Classical Chinese Thought, "On Liberty" and Stoicism Plus Comedy Storytelling, Silent Book Club and more! - *|https://www.kibbitznest.org|*

Join us during our Spring Liberal Arts Discussion Series on Thursday April 23rd at 6pm for a discussion on, The Mandate ...
04/16/2026

Join us during our Spring Liberal Arts Discussion Series on Thursday April 23rd at 6pm for a discussion on, The Mandate of Heaven - “The Consent of the Governed” in Classical Chinese Thought led by, Stephen C. Walker, PhD from The University of Chicago Graham School.
The Series is a collaboration primarily with The University of Chicago Graham School hosting discussions and presentations of original research.

A Free event but reservations are strongly encouraged as space is limited. To reserve your spot and learn more visit kibbitznest.org or follow the link in bio.

Photo Credit: The Seal of the Mandate of Heaven. China. Trinity Collections, Wikimedia Commons. Image translation: “Revere Heaven and Serve thy People”

You could do what you always do this month…or you could walk into a place you’ve never been, hear something unexpected, ...
04/07/2026

You could do what you always do this month…or you could walk into a place you’ve never been, hear something unexpected, meet someone new, and leave with a story. We dare you to try something different this April! Who knows, you might surprise yourself.

You could do the same things you always do this month…or you could walk into a welcoming room you’ve never been in, hear...
04/07/2026

You could do the same things you always do this month…or you could walk into a welcoming room you’ve never been in, hear something unexpected, meet someone new, and leave with a story. We dare you to try something different in April!

We listened to you and your favorites from last month’s False Spring Specials are sticking around for Actual Spring! Joi...
04/06/2026

We listened to you and your favorites from last month’s False Spring Specials are sticking around for Actual Spring! Joining them are three new specials for the season ahead that we know you’ll love just as much. Come in and try our spring lineup.

We’re open today! Come in between 1-10PM, bring your family, and enjoy one of our spring specials. A little bunny told u...
04/05/2026

We’re open today! Come in between 1-10PM, bring your family, and enjoy one of our spring specials. A little bunny told us you might like the Visual-ade, a smoky sweet carrot ginger treat! 🥕🐇

Our next Jeffersonian Dinner is here! Join us on the evening of Thursday, April 9th to discuss memory 💭 Free event but s...
04/01/2026

Our next Jeffersonian Dinner is here! Join us on the evening of Thursday, April 9th to discuss memory 💭

Free event but space is limited! RSVP at the link in the bio, limited to two people

Address

2212 N. Clybourn Avenue
Chicago, IL
60614

To get to the pub on N. Clybourn Avenue in Chicago via public transport, take the city's subway system and get off at the closest stop. From there, walk for about 5 minutes to reach the pub.

For those driving or taking a taxi, it is possible to park nearby on N. Clybourn Avenue itself or on one of the side streets depending on availability. It is recommended to allow enough time for parking as it can be challenging during peak hours.

Opening Hours

Wednesday 4pm - 11pm
Thursday 4pm - 11pm
Friday 4pm - 12am
Saturday 1pm - 12am
Sunday 1pm - 7pm

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What people say

Kibbitznest Books, Brews & Blarney is a unique and delightful spot in Chicago that combines the best of both worlds - a bookstore and a bar. The atmosphere is cozy and inviting, with various seating options to suit your mood. Whether you want to play games, relax, unplug or chat with fellow visitors, Kibbitznest has got you covered.

The menu at Kibbitznest is equally impressive, featuring delicious cheeses, Chicago-style hot dogs and ice cream, along with specialty cocktails, craft beers, wine and pour-over coffee. The staff is friendly and knowledgeable about the offerings on the menu as well as the books available for purchase.

Speaking of books, Kibbitznest has a carefully curated selection of uncommon and interesting books in the liberal arts category. You can browse through new and used books while sipping on your favorite drink. Additionally, the shop stocks fun and interesting book-related gifts that encourage social interaction and intellectual stimulation.

Kibbitznest also offers typewriters for visitors to actually type on, FOOSBALL to play and even a piano! And if you're interested in intellectual discussions led by The University of Chicago Graham School professors and instructors then don't miss out on their collaboration with nonprofit partner kibbitznest inc.

What sets Kibbitznest apart from other bars is that it's a WiFi-free zone focused on preserving face-to-face communication. So if you're looking for a place to unwind after work or spend quality time with friends without any digital distractions then Kibbitznest Books, Brews & Blarney is definitely worth checking out!

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