Weeds Tavern

Kickin’ It Back since 1963

In 1963, Paul Martinez bought a shuttered two-lane bowling alley at the corner of Weed Street & Dayton Avenue, and turned it into a corner tavern serving the blue-collar, beer-loving folks working 9-to-5 in the factories that dotted the area at the time. “The 1555 Club,” as Paul named it for its location at 1555 N. Dayton, lived through the factory heyday of the ‘60s and ‘70s, the urban blight that took root as the factories closed in the ‘80s, the revival of the Clybourn Corridor area through the ‘90s and early 2000s, and the ensuing renaissance that continues today. Paul’s nephews Sergio & Richie took over daily operations in the late ‘80s, changing the name to Weeds and turning it into one of Chicago’s most eclectic gathering spots, a neighborhood treasure for everyone and anyone. Paul’s legacy lives on through the next generation of his family, who continue to operate the bar and welcome all comers… four-legged friends included!

It ain’t weed… It’s WEEDS!