Exchequer Restaurant & Pub is a family-owned Chicago pizza restaurant and pub at 226 S Wabash Ave, Chicago, Illinois 60604, United States of America, in the downtown Loop. Opened in September 1969 and owned by the Mannos family since 1982, it brings together deep-dish pizza, baby back ribs, beer, and Chicago memorabilia. Travelers come for a substantial, casual meal near downtown cultural attractions, with a setting whose restaurant history reaches back to the 1920s. The restaurant’s history explains its English-pub-inspired name.
What to Expect at Exchequer Restaurant & Pub
The signature experience is a sit-down Chicago comfort-food meal, rather than a quick slice counter. Deep-dish pizza has been central to Exchequer since its opening; baby back ribs, burgers, sandwiches, and salads give mixed groups alternatives. Its reservation listing also highlights Italian beef sandwiches and more than 20 beers on tap. Order pizza early in your visit, especially before a performance, and tell your server your curtain time before settling into appetizers and drinks.
The rooms double as an informal collection of Chicago popular culture. DePaul University’s restaurant profile describes more than 500 pieces of sports and movie memorabilia. For older history, the restaurant identifies its predecessor, the 226 Club, as a Prohibition-era speakeasy frequented by Al Capone. Its historical account describes a surviving basement escape door in the dining room and concealed Art Deco details above the ceiling. Those hidden architectural remnants are not an advertised visitor tour; the accessible experience is dining among the memorabilia.
- Deep-dish tradition: The pizza that helped define the restaurant when it opened in 1969 remains its signature order.
- Baby back ribs: A second house specialty for diners who want something other than pizza.
- Chicago memorabilia: Sports and movie displays reward a closer look between courses.
- Full pub service: Draft beer, cocktails, and wine complement the substantial American menu.
- Flexible dining: Dine-in, takeout, and delivery options suit both leisurely dinners and hotel meals; consult the official website.
Exchequer Restaurant & Pub at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Address | 226 S Wabash Ave, Chicago, IL 60604 |
| Neighborhood / Area | The Loop; Wabash Avenue between Adams Street and Jackson Boulevard |
| Operating Hours | Monday–Wednesday, 11 a.m.–10 p.m.; Thursday–Saturday, 11 a.m.–11 p.m.; Sunday, 11 a.m.–9 p.m., according to the official website |
| Admission & Ticket Prices | No admission ticket; food and drinks are purchased separately. See the official menus for current prices. |
| Recommended Visit Duration | 1–2 hours; allow the longer end for deep-dish and a relaxed meal |
| Nearest Transit / Parking | Adams/Wabash elevated station nearby; Harold Washington Library–State/Van Buren offers an accessible alternative. Paid street parking is available. |
| Official Website / Phone | Exchequer Restaurant & Pub / +1 312-939-5633 |
Visiting Tips, Getting There & Nearby Pairings
For an unhurried meal, aim for the 11 a.m. opening or a midafternoon arrival rather than squeezing dinner between sightseeing and a show. Reserve through the restaurant’s OpenTable listing or telephone for larger parties and seating requests; the menu page is not a ticket-booking service. From Adams/Wabash, walk south along Wabash. Travelers needing an elevator-equipped station should use Harold Washington Library–State/Van Buren, served by Brown, Orange, Pink, Purple Express, and Green Line trains; Purple Express service operates during weekday rush periods.
The restaurant occupies ground-floor premises and is listed as wheelchair accessible, with highchairs available. Request suitable table space for a wheelchair or stroller, and telephone about entrance thresholds and restroom clearances before arrival. Pair lunch with the Art Institute of Chicago, roughly a 5–10-minute walk east and north, or Symphony Center, about five minutes east. The Harold Washington Library Center is approximately five minutes southwest. These pairings keep the outing within the Loop without requiring another vehicle journey.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the hours, and when should I arrive?
Exchequer opens daily at 11 a.m. Closing is 10 p.m. Monday–Wednesday, 11 p.m. Thursday–Saturday, and 9 p.m. Sunday. Check the official website for holiday changes; arrive early when dining before a show.
Do I need tickets or a reservation?
No admission ticket is needed: this is a restaurant with separately priced meals and drinks. Reservations are available through OpenTable; booking ahead is sensible for groups and fixed theater schedules.
How much time should I budget?
Allow 1–2 hours. Choose the longer end for deep-dish pizza, multiple courses, and time to examine the memorabilia. Ask your server about preparation time before ordering if you have a firm departure deadline.
Is Exchequer suitable for families and wheelchair users?
Yes: its casual menu suits family meals, and its facilities listing includes highchairs and wheelchair accessibility. Call ahead for a table with adequate maneuvering space and specific restroom-access requirements.
When planning your Chicago travel guide or comparing verified restaurants and nightlife in Chicago, pair this stop with standout local spots including Four Seasons Hotel Chicago, Southgate Market, Glessner House, and Chicago Loop (0.1 km away).
