Plank Road Tap Room

Bar, Beer-to-go

39W149 Plank Rd
Elgin, Illinois, 60124-8004
United States

(224) 238-3527 | map
plankroadtaproom.com
PLACE STATS
Average:
4.43
Reviews:
6
Ratings:
12
pDev:
12.42%
View: Place Reviews
Recent ratings and reviews. | Log in to view more ratings + sorting options.
 
Rated: 4.35 by REVZEB from Illinois

Dec 27, 2019
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Reviewed by ChWRoCk from Illinois

4.76/5  rDev +7.4%
vibe: 4.75 | quality: 5 | service: 4.25 | selection: 5
Been here many times since open, probably one of the best craft beer dedicated bars you will find in the northwest suburbs. Their drink menu is constantly rotating, offering fresh local beers and rare limited releases. Each of their 15 taps generally offers a different beer style to cater to just about any beer drinker from serious to casual. On weekends they typically have different food trucks, you are also welcome to carry in food. They hold unique events specific to certain breweries, sometimes a representative from the brewery will be present, tasting events, and even game night.

You can tell they care about the quality of beer being served, paying attention to keeping glasses clean, cleaning lines, and they are all knowledgeable if you have any questions. All of their social networks are a good source to find out about both events and general beer-related content.

If I had to find any drawbacks, parking is limited, prices can also be high sometimes but if you are drinking something limited, what do you expect? I'm really forcing myself to nitpick.
Apr 17, 2017
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Reviewed by Redsunsx01x from Illinois

4.7/5  rDev +6.1%
vibe: 4.25 | quality: 5 | service: 5 | selection: 4.25
I've been to this place quite a bit since it opened. The last time I was there, Surly had taken over all 14 taps that included 1-4, 10, Darkness, and BA Darkness. I really enjoy that they have new tappings a few times a week and usually food trucks on the weekend.

The only downside is that it is a pretty small place, but they extended the porch into a patio and have a pretty big backyard. Parking is very limited too.

I really wish I was available to be part of the not so secrete member's club because they get first dibs/news on any rare tappings and bottles that they get. Hopefully next time they open the members club I will be able to be a part of it.
Jul 08, 2016
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Reviewed by beerexplorer1973 from Wisconsin

3.98/5  rDev -10.2%
vibe: 4.25 | quality: 4.25 | service: 3 | selection: 4.5
Stopped in for the first time 12/20/15 on our way out of town. It's nice to see a good craft tap room in the area. Very balanced selection, with 10 taps, each one a different style. Small setting (much bigger in the summer with outside porch seating) with 4 picnic tables inside and about 8 bar stools. Games are available (we played Uno). Prices are high: $6 for a basic lager/ale, $7.50 for medium levels (I had a 10 oz pour of Stone Enjoy By for $7.50, my wife had a 16 oz pour of Solemn Oath Kidnapped by Vikings for $7), and $10 for upper level (10 oz). After I saw the size of mine (actual pour of 9 oz), I wish that I had chosen a 16 oz selection for that price. Locally, we would pay $5 for a 20 oz mug fill of those mid levels.

Certain drafts are not available for sample or growler fill. When we were there, these included Revolution Blue Gene and Mean Gene. The prices for these were $10 for a 10 oz pour (9 actual). I've had Blue Gene before and certainly liked it, but certainly didn't think it's worth that cost. I asked for a sample of the Mean Gene for that reason, and was denied because of the policy....which was listed on the wall menu, but I didn't notice. So, it was my fault for missing it; but I don't care for the policy. The bartender explained that they don't give samples, because those beers are "so rare".
Dec 21, 2015
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Reviewed by SudsTerkel from Colorado

5/5  rDev +12.9%
vibe: 5 | quality: 5 | service: 5 | selection: 5
This place is a real find. You'll find only the best beer here, no sports screens glaring down from the ceiling or anybody hustling chicken wings in your face. There's roughly a dozen taps and an assortment of cans and bottles as well, all carefully selected and balanced between brewers and styles. Those offerings are constantly changing; on my visit I had an outstanding Stout from Solid Oath, Founders' Old Ale and Penrose' White IPA. When you get there, I'm sure the choices will have changed but be assured they'll all be excellent.

Jeremy was behind the bar while I was there; a very knowledgeable and affable guy who'll gladly guide you through your beer journey.
Jul 23, 2015
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Reviewed by PHBoiler from Illinois

4.8/5  rDev +8.4%
vibe: 4.5 | quality: 5 | service: 5 | selection: 4.5
This place takes beer very seriously behind the scenes but takes a relaxed approach at the front of the house. The tap list includes something for everyone at all times. It's a wonderful little cabin on the outskirts of town with a great patio and a good place to sit and ponder your next move. The selection is well procured and the staff can give you information behind those flavors. You won't get a better draft pour anywhere. The lines are incredibly clean. The keg turnover keeps these beers fresh as well. Highly recommend this place for anyone who wants a new craft beer adventure in suburban Chicagoland.
May 18, 2015
 
Rated: 4.87 by rossracing from Illinois

Apr 07, 2015
 
Rated: 4.5 by DraftDaddy from Illinois

Mar 12, 2015
 
Rated: 5 by Beansie from Illinois

Dec 01, 2014
 
Rated: 4 by SeanLC from Illinois

Dec 01, 2014
 
Rated: 3 by kidzord from Illinois

Nov 08, 2014
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Reviewed by rynegne from Illinois

4.25/5  rDev -4.1%
This is an awesome place to grab a beer if you're in the Elgin area or just passing by. Really nice ambiance as it's in an old log cabin. During this winter months I could see how it might get crowded the way the picnic tables are set up for seating - the bar area is quite small with room for about 8. The porch of the place is awesome, it makes you seem like you're sitting at home enjoying a beer. Solid craft offerings that rotate as soon as the keg's dry. While I was on-site: Sculpin, Furious, Old Rasputin, Scurry Nitro, Daisy Cutter and Akari Shogun...plus a few others were on tap. Additionally, it seemed they had some FFF and other growlers off to the side for purchase as well. I'll definitely be back and I'd give the place a 5/5, but it's a bit small and I can see the place being quite crowded during the cold months...crappy weather, etc. Staff was nice and knowledgeable as well.
Sep 23, 2014
Plank Road Tap Room in Elgin, IL
Place rating: 4.43 out of 5 with 12 ratings