The Pub: ‘Here for the UChicago Community’

It may be tucked away in the basement of Ida Noyes Hall, but The Pub is an institution all its own at the University of Chicago. From its legendary trivia nights and robust beer menu to its vintage décor and trove of bar games, The Pub has become a beloved gathering spot on campus for students, faculty, staff, and alumni since it first opened in 1974.

“The Pub draws people from across all schools, departments, and roles at UChicago; there aren’t a lot of places on campus where you see that,” said Jen Kennedy, Director of Student Centers, which oversees The Pub. “Students stop by for a study break, staff host team celebrations there, faculty head there after a Doc Films screening, and alumni make it a point to visit when they’re back on campus. It’s always vibrant.”

The Pub operates as a private club, open to anyone affiliated with the University on a membership basis ($10 for an annual membership, with discounts at the start of the academic year, or $3 for a day pass). There are currently around 7,000 members.

Since the early 1980s, the Morsbachs – the same family that owns The Medici restaurant on 57^th Street – have run The Pub. The Pub prides itself on its constantly rotating beer selection – with up to 200 different choices annually – and expertise in craft brews. The Pub also offers wine, mixed drinks, and pub fare, from tater tots and chicken tenders, to burgers and sandwiches.

Departments and campus groups can host their own events there, and The Pub offers events for the campus community three nights a week during the academic year: Tuesdays are Trivia Night – a nearly 20-year tradition that regularly packs The Pub, as teams vie to answer famously tough questions created by UChicago volunteers. Wednesdays are Beer Passport night, where Pub staff choose two different beers, such as a new release or a selection from an up-and-coming brewery, it thinks customers will like learning about. Participants get a stamp in a “passport” every time they attend, and those who participate eight times in a quarter earn a special Pub t-shirt. Most Thursdays, The Pub holds brewery events, where a brewery representative is on hand with swag and samples.

“We have a lot of regulars here, and we’re also always seeing new faces,” said Pub manager Paul Morsbach. “Some people come here specifically for our events or because they’re beer aficionados and appreciate our extensive selection; other people come here just to socialize with friends after class or work and enjoy lively conversation and games. We’re here for the UChicago community.”

The Pub is located in the basement of Ida Noyes Hall, 1212 E. 59^th St. It’s open to those 21 and over Mondays, Thursdays, and Fridays 4 p.m. to 1 a.m., and Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Saturdays 4 p.m. to 12 a.m. Annual memberships, which run Fall through Summer quarters, are available to students, alumni, faculty, staff, and spouses for $10 (or $5 during Orientation Week and the first week of Fall Quarter). Memberships may be purchased at the door when The Pub is open. Guests, who must be accompanied by a member, may purchase a day pass for $3. Please bring your UChicago ID and a government-issued ID.