Headed to Chicago next week...any recommendations?

This seems to be the most relevant thread with recent posts in regard to my questions, but basically like has been asked in a million threads before, I need some Chicago advice.

I'll be there the first weekend in November, visiting my girlfriend who's going to school at Northwestern. So I'll be staying in Evanston, but we'll head into the city for at least 2 days while I'm there. Specifically, we're going to the New Zealand vs. Ireland rugby match at Soldier Field on the 5th. From what I've gathered reading other threads and using Google, there isn't much to offer beer-wise around Soldier, correct? GI Clybourn is a must visit for myself, so would it make sense to just book it out of Soldier after the game and head up that way? Sunday we'll being doing more of the standard tourist stuff, but wouldn't mind checking out some cool neighborhoods. Haymarket has been brought up a few of these threads and that area looks like it has a few decent options and is close to public transit and downtown. Half-acre is probably my only other must visit, but I think I'll do that solo while she's in class on Monday. What am I missing? Not necessarily looking for bottle shops since I won't be checking any luggage, but brewpubs and beer bars that aren't out of the way from everything else.

 

Keep in mind that the Half Acre tasting room isn't open on Mondays

 

But GI Clybourn isn't closed on Monday, so that could be a good option for @Kinsman on Monday, and just choose something else for after the rugby match. I think Revolution brewpub is open Mondays as well, but I'm not positive, so that could also be an option.

I think it sounds like you've got a good idea of what you want to do and you should be able to fit it all in (i.e. you're not trying to cram too much in), so you should be good. I would definitely recommend just getting out of the Soldier Field area after the game. Half Acre could be a good option - you could eat there or Bad Apple, or go somewhere else in the Lincoln Square area. Some options I'd consider are Piece, Hopleaf, Revolution, Kuma's Corner and Local Option (those last two places are strictly metal-music-playing, so that could impact whether you want to go there).

 

I was in Chicago this weekend and I was within relatively close walking distance of Binny's on Grand Ave. I did my 2 mile walk there and back twice and was super happy with my results. Great selection and recommendations. A nice four shelf section of singles which I dove into.

 

You're right that there's nothing around Soldier Field, beer-wise. Or anything else-wise. It's kind of out there by itself, except for a museum or two.

In Evanston itself, there's Sketchbook Brewing, http://www.sketchbookbrewing.com/ and Temperance, http://temperancebeer.com/

A great place for breakfast and lunch is Alexander's, in Skokie http://www.alexandersbreakfastandlunch.com/. Skokie in pretty close to Evanston. On the weekend, get there early - it fills up fast.

Revolution Brewing is super-easy to get to on the CTA Blue Line. Get off at California and walk northwest on Milwaukee Ave for about 1/2 block.

 

Yeah, I knew you were just talking in general. I just wanted to offer him up an option to re-work his schedule a bit and still hit the places he wants to. A lot of people try to pack so much into their trip here that it makes it hard to move things around, but he's got a much more relaxed schedule that allows for some flexibility. It kinda makes me wish I'd take a couple days off and just go have myself a beer "stay-cation" in Chicago.

 

Disclaimer: all forthcoming recommendations are based on businesses still standing and still having beer left from the partying/rioting if the Cubs win the World Series.

 

*shudders*

 

Exactly the king of feedback I was looking for. Thanks everyone. I probably wouldn't have looked at their operating hours at all until it was too late. Most taprooms around here are open 7-days a week so the possibility never crossed my mind but it makes sense. I've heard good things about Revolution so that might be my Monday spot. My girlfriend will be there until next June so I plan on making another trip in the spring time. Whatever I don't make it to this time I will get to then.

Yea, I've quite understood the connection between metal and craft beer. I can't think of anywhere in my native New England or where I live now near Lake Tahoe that blast metal like that. I don't hate it, but I certainly don't enjoy it and considering how many places there are to choose from, I think I can skip those bars. I've been to 3 Floyds before on a cross country road trip. Food was alright, beer was great, service was decent, but the music I could have lived without.

 

I'm really hoping for a Red Sox-Cubs series so I can be that asshole walking around with a Red Sox world series champs shirt.

 

I'd definitely pass on Kuma's, then. If you're desperate you could try Kuma's Too, which is more "family friendly" (and the music isn't as loud). I too am somewhat annoyed by the connection; I like to drink/eat in a fun environment, but too often that translates to "you have to shout to be heard across a two-person table" at a lot of these places. I assume the correlation is somewhat related to the fact that craft beer (and "fancy" burgers) was initially pretty edgy, so you're either going towards a metal or hipster crowd at that point. I guess between the two, I'd rather they end up metal? Who knows.

Also, as a White Sox fan (who rooted for the BoSox to win it all in 2004, which is probably why I got my own World Series win the next year, via karma) I will typically always root against the Cubs, but 1) I'm getting a little tired of the Red Sox winning (and their damn fans!), and 2) I'm a big Chicago boy, and know plenty of Cubs fans, so on the city/family/friends behalf, I'm conflicted.

(not calling you a douchey Sawks fan, just saying the fanbase can be a little arrogant )

 

Little tired of the Red Sox winning? They were last place in the AL East 2012, 2014, and 2015. They just happened to break up those bad years with a World Series win. I'm stuck with obnoxious Giants fans in California who've been a little cocky after their 3 recent titles. I agree though, us Boston sports fans are some of the most arrogant assholes in the country, but we've had the success in the last 15 years to back it up. I typically root for the American League team in the World Series( unless its those Yankee scumbags) but if Boston doesn't it make that far, I'll sure as hell be pulling for the Cubs.

 

And while you're here, you can hit up the Tripoli Tap on Armitage for your dose of Boston sports. Beer's average, don't know about the food, but it's a fun place to catch the Bruins/Pats/Sox.

 

3 wins since 2004 is pretty solid, and when you combine it with the Patriots (sigh), then yeah, the Boston thing gets a little tiresome. Basically, I'd just like someone new to win as much as possible. With that being said, I'm not trying to take away from the actual members of the team, some of whom are fantastic (and I still don't understand how Big Papi is putting up his numbers).

Totally agree on Giants fans being assholes too, I just don't run into as many here in Chicago.

FINALLY, back on topic, if you're up at NW, I second checking out Temperance and Sketchbook. I like Temperance's BA stuff a lot, and Sketchbook has an IPA that impressed me (Orange Door). Also, if you're in the mood for a quick (fantastic) burger while you're up there, stop at Edzo's.

 

Motor Row and Baderbau are both in the South Loop within walking distance to Soldier field. The area is starting to gentrify, but isn't fully developed yet.

I liked Motor Row. They are taproom only (no food) and theit focus is on more traditional german styles, but they do tend to have some hoppy stuff on as well.

I haven't been to Baderbrau.

Vice District is also in that general area, and I wasn't a fan. Seemed more like a fratty sports bar that happened to brew beer than a true craft brewery.

And if you do make it to Half Acre, try to hit Begyle which is near by. They are taproom only as well, but they do some excellent beers IMO.

 

Dovetail is right there as well by Begyle. I haven't been, but have hear good things and want to get over there. No food there, either, but if you're there around dinner time, they and/or Begyle will often have a food truck out front.