Although geographically The Web is a mere stone's throw from several Bucktown/Wicker Park watering holes boasting pricey martinis and coiffed hipsters, it feels much further away. Tucked-away between the freeway and the entrance to the freeway on Webster Avenue, its down-home sports bar atmosphere hosts both laid-back televised-sports watchers and a rowdy weekend crowd. Either way, patrons are sure to be lulled into alehouse oblivion by cheap beer and the sounds of points being scored on classic game machines and Guns n' Roses' "Sweet Child O' Mine" howling from the speakers.
The Web is not spacious; the whole bar is about the size of a large family room. But the space is used effectively, with five flat screens, numerous game machines and, the highlight of The Web (for dart players, at least): two boards bordered by substantial throwing space and elbow room. Keep track of the game on the "East Master III," a sophisticated contraption where players can punch in scores. If the "Big Lebowski" gang had dart-playing compatriots, they would feel right at home at The Web, where the beers are as abundant as the trophies and plaques, extolling recent Web Pub dart champions, that grace the walls.
Speaking of beer, this place has to have the cheapest drinks in Bucktown. Go for $2.50 Bud and Coors Light every day of the week; Harp and PBR are on tap, at $4 a pint. After the pinball areas and dart corner, the bar takes up most of the remaining space. Take a seat and be assured that a sports-broadcasting TV will be in your immediate line of vision. Raise a glass as well as your voice to be heard over the boisterous herd that's streaming through the door. And be happy that you don’t have to be bothered with $11 martini lists.
Centerstage Reviewer: August Evans