Chicago- Pour Own Beer Bar

there's one of those down here in Peoria....I've been a few times and like it. Like you alluded to, my motivation to go is directly correlated to the perceived quality of what's on tap. And they have had good things on tab periodically (Sump, Abraxas, Rye Dosvidanya come to mind). What is nice, though, is when breweries add distribution down here, it's a good way to try stuff without committing to bulk buying. I've had many of the almanac sours without having to buy a bottle....which has been nice. Same thing is about to happen now that Odell is here.

For anyone that is super new to craft beer, I think a place like this is a better way to try new stuff versus the Mix/Match section of a liquor store.....the whole freshness thing.

 

...unless your local shop will let you mix/match ANYTHING in the store, so you can always be trying new freshies.

Shout out to Bottles & Cans!!

 

Red Arrow Taproom in Elmhurst IL also opened early this year. Good selection of beer and good food. They also had an order from the table option that I've never seen at any other pour your own place. I was only there for their soft opening and that day they were having trouble with foamy taps. I'm sure they've corrected that by now I hope.

 

The gimmick is why it will succeed. Also, this place will thrive in that location and I am willing to bet that there will be more than just craft beer enthusiasts showing up. It had to be gimmick-y to compete with Links taproom right down the road. As someone who lives a few blocks from the corners, I am excited for this place. It really is a chance of pace from some of the other bars around here.

 

I went there yesterday while waiting for a train - had a quick beer. They still have the foam issue.

 

Yeah, if per-ounce pricing is good, I can see making my way to Wicker for this once in a while. Being able to try a bunch of beers is great.

 

Wake me up when there's a restaurant where the beer comes out of a gas pump and I can just shoot it into my mouth.

 

There are actually several of these coming to the Wicker/Logan area:
https://www.dnainfo.com/chicago/201...r-own-beer-taproom-logan-square-l-development

It looks like Tapster is first up, but Navigator in Logan probably isn't far behind.

 

A couple Untappd portals so people can check in their 32 1 oz pours. I guess bearded dudes in swings will be just as entertaining though.

 

Perfect. I used to be that guy, sans beard. I try not to check in anything under 4 oz, and generally don't rate them unless they are fantastic. So hard to judge a beer in 4 oz. Unless it's a whalez.

 

I don't know why people are so hung up on the rating aspect of Untappd. I use it as a journal. If someone gives me a sip or two of something I'll check it in. Put some details of where I had it and with who.

 

I agree, it's a social media app.

I do rate just about everything I drink, but mostly because it helps me remember if I liked something.

 

I agree, I'm only hung up on people thinking Untappd is a good gauge for a beer's quality. I definitely think it's much better used as a journal or whatever.

 

I have never met a person who decided on which beer to drink because of its Untappd rating.

 

I can't say if I have or not, but I've seen arguments on BA where they're used to back up a point.

 

WHAT!?!?! ON BEERADVOCATE????

 

NO really, I'm serious!

 

They said they should be open within the next week or two

 

Ironically I was just at Red Arrow in Elmhurst this past weekend. Good beer choices imo, but pricey per oz. We didn't try the food, but it looked pretty good from the menu.