Molly's bar, a beloved fixture in the TV series Chicago Fire, is not a real bar that operates under the name "Molly's," but it is heavily inspired by and utilizes a real Chicago establishment for its on-screen appearance.
While the bar itself is a fictional creation for the show, its depiction draws directly from a genuine Chicago pub. The combination of real-world inspiration and studio magic brings Molly's to life for viewers.
The Inspiration Behind Molly's
Molly's is inspired by a legitimate Chicago bar known as Lottie's Pub. This long-standing establishment provides the authentic Chicago atmosphere that the show aims to portray.
Filming Locations
To create the seamless illusion of Molly's, Chicago Fire employs a clever blend of real-world locations and purpose-built sets:
- Exterior Scenes: All exterior shots of Molly's, showing the bar's facade and street view, are filmed at the actual Lottie's Pub. This gives the bar a tangible presence within the real Chicago landscape.
- Interior Scenes: The vibrant interior of Molly's, where most of the character interactions and memorable moments occur, is not Lottie's Pub's actual interior. These scenes are shot on a meticulously designed set located inside a studio. This allows for greater control over lighting, sound, and the layout required for filming.
Molly's Address
The fictional address given for Molly's in Chicago Fire is 1925 West Cortland Street. This address corresponds directly to the real-world location of Lottie's Pub in Chicago, further blurring the lines between fiction and reality for fans.
Molly's vs. Lottie's Pub: A Comparison
To clarify the relationship between the fictional Molly's and the real Lottie's Pub, consider the following breakdown:
| Aspect | Molly's Bar (Fictional) | Lottie's Pub (Real) |
|---|---|---|
| Inspiration For | N/A | Yes, Molly's is inspired by Lottie's |
| Exterior Shots | Used in Chicago Fire | Location for exterior filming |
| Interior Scenes | Filmed on a dedicated studio set | Not used for interior filming |
| Address | 1925 West Cortland Street (fictional) | 1925 West Cortland Street (actual) |
| Status | Fictional bar in a TV series | Operating, real-world pub |
So, while you can't visit "Molly's," you can visit Lottie's Pub and experience the setting that serves as the visual foundation for the iconic bar in Chicago Fire.
