Chicago Bottle Share

Someone probably more experienced than me in this has likely already done this/seen an issue with it, but why not head to some BYOB restaurant? There's a significant # to choose from, and this way, you can at least not pound whalez on an empty stomach.

 

I can't offer any insight into the logistics of organizing one (especially since I'm actually in the near-west burbs) but would definitely be interested in participating.

 

One thought for organizing one: I would think your best bet without literally renting a space would be a large BYOB place with a side/back/upstairs room where they can segregate the rowdy drunks from the general clientele.

 

@uiucphoenix used to organize a bottle share pretty regularly at Gentile's Bottle Shop before moving out west. Perhaps he has some insight or tips.

 

Wherever you have it, I'm in . . .

 

There is always plenty of interest in one. But as already mentioned, the biggest challenge is typically finding a venue that will allow one.

 

The GF and I are 100% in. As others have said hosting it is going to be the problem. BYOB returants are a good start. I wonder if somewhere like the revolution brewery would play host. They have the space. Make a 6 pack purchase mandatory or something like that. Or more craft focused bars. Hopleaf or Maybe Sheffields, or some place low key like that.

 

I have so much beer from the holiday season that I've been looking for a bottle share. I've recently resorted to tweeting/calling local craft beer bars to ask if I brought in some good bottles if they'd let me open them to share with everybody. Some are okay with it, others not so much - and understandably so...if customers are drinking something that another customer brought in, they aren't spending money.

I'd definitely be interested if this gets set up!

 

I wonder if one of the Co-Working spots in the loop would allow it.

 

This was my thought too. I assume not, but I also am not entirely clear how much some of the pay attention.

 

The problem with BYOB spots are they usually want you to GTFO after 1.5-2hrs. Are you people homeless?

 

OP mentioned it's normally tougher to find someone to host at their place (not to mention it makes it more difficult to find a spot central to everyone).

Personally my issue is partially a small apt. and partially a super annoying dog.

 

I honestly wouldn't put it past a place like bitter pops to allow it if you worked out some sort of agreement (e.g. we'll buy X amount of to go beer/person or Y amount of drafts). As I have no inside knowledge, purely opinion based on how many times I've been there and how customer service driven/personable the staff is.

Suppose it couldn't hurt to ask, and if you had a framework in mind where they benefit it as well, seems like not too far fetched to think you could work something out.

Now that I think of it I've got a stack of chips to cash in there for some free drafts...haha.

 

The ILCC might have a problem with places that sell alcohol allowing people to bring in alcohol of their own to drink. It is against the law to go to a bar with your own booze and drink it. So, a BYOB would be best or renting out a space for a private event, then the laws are a little different.

 

Boooo. That's no fun! I don't like this ILCC you speak of!

 

@beerbelly_mike Thoughts on this one?

 

Does anyone live in a high rise with one of those rent-able party rooms?