Uncommon Ground on Clark / Greenstar Brewing

Just a short-ish walk from the Sheridan Red Line station, right at the corner of Clark and Grace, you'll find Greenstar Brewing within Uncommon Grounds. The tap room area is on the smaller side, the wedge-shaped bar mirroring its surroundings with a few tables scattered around it. Everything is on the light wood-y side of décor, with only some metallic embellishments to keep things from looking too Chipotle, though the noise could easily rival the latter without too much effort, it would seem. Outside there appeared to be ample patio seating, bedecked in flowered tresses. Always nice to see the Pride Flag. The TV was showing the Premier League previews leading up to the season opener that night. Solid lineup, including a few IPAs, a blonde, a hef, a strong golden, a porter (along with a coffee variant), a kolsch, and a few others; a flight took care of my initial curiosity for the menu, and everything tasted pretty solidly. The bartender was attentive and genial. As I was eating later, no comment on the food on offer. Overall, a pretty nice brewery for the Wrigleyville area, a place I could easily see hitting again if I'm near the Cubs.

 

 

A friend hosted a birthday party for his wife here. The vibe is warm and cozy. The quality of the guest taps is very good while the beer from Greenstar could use some work. The selection includes six Greenstar taps, six guest taps and seven bottles/cans to choose from. The food was good.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2024:
Brunch and incidental beers were ok. Lager, kettle sour, IPA all serviceable.

2014:
Greenstar brewery started brewing in the rear space. Tried all the beers available, and none were very good. Don't really feel the need to try the house beers again, but the restaurant is a nice place. Quality score reflects the house Greenstar beers.

2009:
Although i've been here a dozen times, each time I was conflicted about adding it to BeerFly. With roughly 20 beers, it didn't quite seem beer focused enough, or a real destination for beer...it's primarily a restaurant (as seen on Check Please).

After looking over their current beer list, it was clear that they were focused on local breweries and craft beer, without a macro in the bunch. For Wrigleyville, this is a unique location in terms of selection and quality. Draft prices tend to be $5-7, and the priciest bottle was Flossmoor IPA for $18, Sofie was $15.

Food prices range from $6 for small plates to $20ish for entrees. I had a burger special with heirloom tomato, pork belly, and raw white cheddar on a brioche bun for $16, a bit pricey but the quality was worth it. The food is organic and locally sourced in many cases (which accounts for higher prices in some cases), with many creative seasonal specials (that also applies to their drink menu...Oberon beermosa or Jalapeno limeade anyone)?

The atmosphere is top notch, sort of an upscale coffeehouse bar/restaurant, with two main dining areas plus a back room and a seasonal patio. Local art adorns the walls, worn in wood floors, with a fireplace in the front. The wedge shaped bar seats maybe 20, and there's a tv or two above the bar. Cool lanterns glow above the bar area, they look to be custom made from handmade paper/textiles. The crowd tends to be well-to-do locals, pretty much the opposite of rowdy Cubs fans. Local music performances and art openings happen here, so check the calendar before you go.

Service is laid back, bar service is generally prompt and friendly. Once I had some good beer conversation with the bartender, who was well versed in their upcoming seasonal rotation. The bar here is a good alternative to the rowdy mob scene a few blocks south. Recommended for the food, or a few drinks anytime. A repeat stop on my short list of good neighborhood spots...