BiXi Beer

A couple blocks north of the Revolution brewpub you can find BiXi, a place I'd possibly never have heard of were it not for Google pointing it out whilst I perused the map of local spots. The interior reminds me of a mildly swanky combination of cocktail bar and East Asian steakhouse, the kind of combination of lacquered wood, mirrors, tinted glass, low lighting, and relatively sophisticated ambiance that brings me back to when I was younger and we would occasionally patronize such establishments for special occasions. As is my wont, I hit the bar and explored the somewhat limited but still interesting range, beginning with the dunkel lager, 'cause there just aren't enough of these around anymore. My eyes were busy flitting between the kaiju-style painting on the wall behind the bar (the eponymous Bixi) and a show on the TV that I know I was interested in at the time but now can't for the life of me remember what it was now. Weird. The staff were all pretty cool, including helping me out with my pronunciation (it's bee-shee, kids), as I never wanna sound goofy in front of people who know better. In the words of Culture Beat, call me Mr Vain. The beers were all rather nice, a German inspiration tinging most. Multiple sizes are always my jam, keep this up, Chicago! Dig it. Pricing is the usual for the area, it felt. I know food is available, as a restaurant was behind me the whole time, but I didn't partake. Sorry. Overall, I would very likely come back here the next time I find myself on this stretch of Milwaukee. Good times.

 

 

2021:
Dined upstairs finally, which was really nice. There's a retractable glass sunroof that opens, and the balcony patio for al fresco seating. The food was as excellent as I remember, with the Yibin-style noodle dish stealing the show. Smoked eel was good, but a small portion to share. Ssam plate was a hit. The beef bao were ok, but friends really liked them. The beers have improved with the addition of a new brewer, Andrew Mason. Formerly of Flossmoor, FFF, and Solemn Oath. The Kölsch and Schwarzbier were very good, and Ghost of Megamall was a solid NEIPA. If you're looking for excellent food pairings, look no further. Cocktails were also excellent. They really have a versatile menu with something for everyone.

2018:
Great new brewpub in Logan Square, the food and cocktails outshined the house beers though. In good company geographically, near The Owl and Daisies.

First level decor was fairly minimal, industrial lighting with netting, and an odd black & white mural behind the bar of a knockoff gamera turtle and a questionably accurate Chicago skyline. Sacks of malt were tossed under the stairwell, fermenters visible through large pane windows. Upstairs was a much cooler space with a partial rooftop patio, large skylight, and much more dynamic layout and plant-themed decor.

The beers were average, nothing really stood out besides the Chelonian dark ale. Wonder what happened to their initial concept of brewing with exotic tea? Nothing like that was available. The food on the on the other hand was exceptional.

Crispy pork belly in broth with rice was amazing, as was the belt noodle, beef tongue salad, crab & shrimp dip, and ssam plate. Everything was very tasty, running the gamut of Chinese, Korean, Vietnamese-inspired dishes to more new school Asian fusion.

Overall i’d go back, they also have a good mezcal cocktail that reminded me of one I make at home. Try to sit on the second floor if you can.

Food is paired perfectly with the beer. 10/10.