current chicago status / recommendations?

I'd say the Beer Temple is the only "must hit" spot. There will be plenty of quality Chicago (or midwest) only beers, and some stuff you don't see very often anywhere, including European beers on draft.

Add in a fabulous bottle shop on-premise and, on the weekend, rare bottle stuff, and you've got a world class bar. Plus: close to where you're staying!

There's a ton of great breweries that others can share, but for my money, on a short stay: best beer bar in a city > any particular brewery.

 

Maybe @GuyFawkes is still recovering from the Shamrock Stout crowler, but I imagine it took all of his energy to not recommend Revolution. I have no such restraint- if you stay in Logan Square and don't go to Rev on Kedzie you're doing it wrong. Plus Maplewood, also close.

 

Enjoy Logan Square. It's a fun neighborhood. If you're looking to stay close, I think the Rev, Beer Temple, Maplewood recs are all perfect. A good friend lives there and I've spent a good amount of time there. We've always enjoyed the Emporium for a few beers at some point in the night. Never a problem finding a beer I like there and lots of fun arcade games. Sometimes the pop up there is up my alley.

I think a stop at Middle Brow Bungalow to sip some beers and eat some pizza and bread is a must stop if you're staying in Logan Square. Honestly, this should be near the top of your list of things to do.

I haven't thought about Local Option in a long time. Anyone been there recently?

 

If you lean towards beer bars, you also won't be very far from Map Room. Draft list is not very local but always exceptional.

 

how about in terms of breweries within 30 minute drive. staying in hyde park. Any notable bottle shops?

 

Great question. I hope they survived the pandemic.

 

For breweries closer by: Marz, Whiner, Duneyrr
Depending on the time of day and day of week though, you can get pretty far in 30 minutes. Any of the West Loop/West Town (Cruz Blanca, Haymarket, Goose, On Tour, Forbidden Root, etc) breweries, Near North spots (Off Color, Piece, Crushed by Giants), or even Logan Square.

 

30 minutes is asking a lot of Chicago traffic. It's really going to depend on the time of day. In the city the closest to you I'd recommend might be Whiner or Marz, which are going to be between Hyde Park and downtown (though still closer to downtown). I'm sure someone with knowledge of the burbs could point you to some other options which might be further but quicker to drive to. Most city breweries you see mentioned in this forum are clustered in what is actually a relatively small area of the north side.

@P739397 beat me to it but those recs above are solid

 

ok let's push it out to within a hour. does that open the door for a must hit brewery?

 

What style of beer do you prefer?

 

Union Logan Square just opened. Could be close to where you are staying and worth a check out. 24 local taps and a small food menu.

 

Sleeping Village is a great spot if you're more of a fan of beer bars.

 

If you want to go straight west of the city, there is a great little area 20 miles west.

-Villa park has More brewing, (Top notch stouts) and Standard Meadery. (top notch mead)
-Lombard has Afterthought (top notch saison and amazing guest options) and Noon Whistle (huge variety of styles)
- Glen Ellyn has Beer Cellar, which is a great bottle shop/bar.

All of these are within 15 minutes of each other. If you want to drive a little more, Goldfinger (downers grove) can be added to the list, which is one of the best lager producers in the state.

 

Sleeping Village, Map Room, Tuman's, Bangers are all great spots in the area. You should also check out Piece Pizza for a brewery. Marz just opened a location nearby as well.