Headed to Chicago & FFF - any advise

Don't go into FFF predisposed that the bartenders/staff are going to be assholes and you might *gasp* actually have a good time! Seriously have never had a problem there, even though I'm sure others will chime in with horror stories...

 

You'll have to drive up to the Wisconsin border to find NG beers.

And I've never really had problems going to FFF. Except for the one time they initially refused to sell me ZD because they mistook me for some other guy who bought 2 cases that morning.

 

check out local option and binny's south loop. half arce's. and 3floyds

 

yah seriously go to binny's either lincoln park or south loop, you will SHET yourself when you see how much beer they have. also hit up half acre if you like super hoppy pale ales, if you can go there this friday they will have their all citra hopped ipa called austronaut ipa.

 

New Glarus is Wisconsin only, but fairly easy to find up there. Easiest form Chicago is woodmans in Kenosha, they have most everything. Just over the border on 94, about an hour drive. Or go another exit and hit up the Mars Cheese castle.

Go to 3 Floyds during the week, you wont wait nearly as long.

 

Also, if you're just 1 person, they get you a seat at the bar fairly quick. Even on a Friday night, I never waited more than 5 minutes or so for a spot at the bar.

 

All the above plus Local Option.

 

west lakeview liquors has a great selection and solid staff.

http://beeradvocate.com/beer/profile/10611/view=beerfly

 

Visit Piece and then hit the Maproom. Maybe Goose Island Clybourn as well. A complete and satisfying evening.

 

For beer, I liked The Beer Temple when I went there. The owner's great and knows his stuff. Nice selection. From what I could tell, all beer gets a sticker on it that has a date.

I went to FFF for about 10 minutes. I wound up just getting a bomber and then leaving, just because half the people I was with hate craft beer, and they weren't hungry. The working guy at the door when I walked in looked like he hated his life and/or was completely trashed ... on a Sunday afternoon.

 

Find new people to hang out with.

Yep. Not only have I never had a problem, every time it's the same awesome & friendly service. And this is after 10+ times.

All one needs to do is look at who actually posts these "horror stories." It's always some jagoff, like that guy from NY who called the bartender a circus freak just because he had tats and piercings.

 

I'm not gonna attack Three Floyd's as much as others but my single experience there was pretty negative all around. I would still give it another chance as I don't use 1 experience to paint with a broad brush. That being said, I was hassled when I walked in a took a single seat at the bar. I was by myself and a guy who I think was the manager walked up and said can I help you. I replied just gonna get a beer. He then asked if I was by myself and I replied yes. He asked a 2nd time if I was by myself. I again said yes and then asked if it was OK if I was allowed to sit there. He said yes and then ID'd me. At this point I felt some what hassled, but didn't pay it to much attention. I then waited about 10 minutes before being served. I had 2 beers, when the bartender and the manager drank a sampler of a beer together. It looked good, but I wasn't sure what it was. So, I waited until the bartender walked back about 5 minutes later and I asked what was the beer you just had. He responds I don't know, I drink a lot of beers. I say the last one you had that was a reddish purple. He says I can't remember. At this point, I was feeling like they didn't want me there, so I finished my beer and went to the carry out window. Bought some bombers and 2 teku glasses. In the parking lot, I noticed one of the glasses was missing half the print on it. So I walk back and try to exchange it. I was hassled once again and the staff acted annoyed that I wanted a replacement. Eventually they gave me one and I left. While this was a negative experience , I would give them a 2nd chance but would suggest an attitude adjustment for some of the employees that I interacted with. Not everyone is as laid back as me and you could lose lots of business treating people that way.

 

Just bring a lot of money...

 

Seems to me you walked right past the sign that says 'Please Wait To Be Seated' and tried to seat yourself at the bar without being ID'd and dismissed it as 'just gonna get a beer'. That might have started things out on the wrong foot.

 

I've generally had good times at FFF. And yes, I have had the long wait to get a beer at the bar from the bartenders not paying ANY attention (backs turned from the customers, aimlessly chatting away). But that's OK; it kept my digestion of massive ABV in check and saved me a few bucks. No problemo. FFF ain't dumb. They gotta know what they are doing, service-wise (at times), which is unfortunate.

 

I actually walked in through the to go area which I don't believe has a sign. Also, and I may be out of line here, but I've never known a place that you have to check in with a hostess for bar seating. If that is their policy though, then I was in the wrong without really knowing it. Also, if that is the case, they should also have the same sign by the entrance from the to go area.
I would really find it absurd if you had to be seated at the actual bar, but it may be their policy, I've just never seen that anywhere else. Thanks for the info though!

 

There is a sign at the to go entrance, saying no entering the pub from the to go area or something to that effect.

 

Really? OK, I need to pay more attention then. My bad then. I was in the wrong . Still probably would have walked right past the hostess if they didn't stop me, as I'm not accustom to being seated at a bar area.

 

3 Floyds has three new bombers right now -- Razorhoof, Drunk Monk, and Anicca (collab with Half Acre). Buy those.