Chicago Hopcat

Kuma's didn't do it for me the one time I went because I don't like that style of burger (the thicker, "pub" style). But for people who like that style, I get it; the burger has a lot of flavor to it.

A similar one stylistically that I prefer because it's more to my liking size-wise is Bad Apple. Like Kuma's, they have lots of weird options and a great beer list.

 

At first it will be exactly that but as time goes on it will evolve into what Sheffield's has turned into. Fine during the week and a shit show on weekends.

 

I was at Sheffield's on Tuesday with my father-in-law, got there at 1145AM and we were the only two in the beer garden until 2pm.

 

I'm going to hit Hopcat since it is local, but have very low expectations. I'm hoping it is more of a laid back beer first crowd watching sports than a sports first crowd drinking beer.

The building they are in will doom them. Nothing lasts in that space. You don't notice it is there as you are driving by because it is in front of one of the few curves on Clark St so your eyes are on the turn, not what is in the area....

If they can keep 120 taps fresh, I'm going to be happy there.

 

I used to frequent the Blockbuster there...back when, you know, we went to stores to rent movies to watch at home.

 

I will probably get to it someday. I've been to the GR, Indy, and Madison ones, and it's always solid. But living where I do (Logan Square), if I'm going to make a trip that far for good beer, I'd be more likely to trek up to Hopleaf and stay out of the d-bag/young bro zone than head to Clark & Fullerton.

I am a grumpy old man.

 

I hadn't been to Chicago for over twenty years before last weekend's Pearl Jam / Wrigley shows.

I thought the beers and pizzas at Piece Brewery were really great, I'd happily revisit them. Thinking maybe spending the week of the 4th of July out there for Taste of Chicago and the full brewery tour experience next summer.

 

The downside to hopcat is their prices. Consistently high on pretty much everything. You guys may get lucky and get the perk of it being new and they might run promos more etc, but not so much in East Lansing anymore.

I used to be a huge fan and went all the time. I can walk there from my office on campus and keep my car in the garage. But I think I've only been there 2-3 times in the last year now. I used to go like every other week.

So I hope it works out for you guys. But yeah, I just got tired of what they wanted to charge. I can only imagine how bad it will be in Chicago.

 

I'm excited as I go to the GR spot a lot but the opening day list isn't wowing me.

 

Oh, I see, they make you subscribe to their email list if you want that sneak preview for their opening taplist. Of course!

 

The linked to it on their Twitter, as well.


I hate to be that guy, but they do have a couple BA offerings that I thought were interesting (KBS and BA Plead, to be specific).

 

I see it now. Not bad, not too bad at all.... I won't scoff at BAPt5 on draft.

 

I think the taplist is pretty solid. Not sure if people are expecting things like CBS, but there is plenty of stuff I would love to drink, and plenty more I'd be willing to try that I haven't had before.

 

I've been looking for a link but failing?

 

I walked by there on my way home from doc appt this morning. I was (not) surprised by the progress they've made since in just a couple of days. No doubt they will be ready come Saturday.

 

Go to Twitter and you'll find it. Hopcat Chicago.