As holder of the "oldest continuous beer license" on the north side (they served during Prohibition too), Durkins still has a lot going for it. Every night has a special ($3 any beer on Tuesdays) and the weekends see a lot of meal/drink packages. This is a Steelers bar, so you'll find Iron City and IC Light on the beer list.
The food, which comes from neighbor Select Cut Steakhouse, is generally pretty decent. If there is one thing on the menu you must order it is the Steakburger (Select Cut ranks #4 on Metromix's list of Top 5 Chicagoland Burgers). It's about 8 bucks.
Durkin's does have a party/college crowd atmosphere but it's manageable and doesn't seem to draw the frosh.
On some weeknights, Durkin's hosts Euchre and Poker leagues (www.bar1events.com). Having played in both, they are fantabulous.
more