Two Nights in Chicago

I've

I've said it before, I'll say it again...for one night only, go to the Beer Temple. A great mix of local offerings on draft, a nice assortment of national / Euro selections on draft (many you won't see normally in the US) and a VERY well curated selection to take home in their bottle shop if you have the bandwidth.

Others will chime in with local breweries (which are great if you have a week here) and B- versions of the same kind of service (Beermiscuious and the Logan Square jokers are frankly not worth your time) but based on your knowledge of the amazing German options in the city, Beer Temple is your best bet.

 

Bottles and Cans (4109 N. Lincoln) is convenient for to go beer near Laschet's / Rezs's, and should have the haze you mentioned. Would checkout Dovetail as well. Also, depending on when you are coming through, Hop Butcher may finally have opened their Lincoln taproom (still haven't announced a public date - check their website).

Would second @GuyFawkes 's recommendation of the Beer Temple for a second neighborhood to hit. Revolution's Brewery and Maplewood are solid choices nearby.

 

along these lines driving down from Milwaukee to Chicago this week. Any fun stops for us to make on the way down? Thinking Phase Three.

Also anywhere in town to get Pips on draft or bottles?

 

Phase 3 would be quite a detour off the highway.

Pips is pretty much unavailable at all times.

 

As noted by @monstershu , Phase 3 is a trek west from the direct Milwaukee to Chicago route, but if you take that detour, you may as well visit Roaring Table out that way. It's not far from P3 and has great beers.

 

Assuming I can get my wife and kids to sign off on it, I am there for the detour.

If i'm not looking to get off track, what are the best options en route or should I just stop by Central Waters in Milwaukee (my other must to do)

 

Stop it! It would be like a 20 minute detour at most.

 

There was some discussion about this a while back and it seems like the most convenient spots off the highway are in the city. However, Only Child in Gurnee is an easy off-on exit from 294.

 

In your Porsche? Blowing stoplights and jumping train crossings?

I seriously haven't timed it recent, but I *have* taken Rt. 22 from Milwaukee Ave. to Lake Zurich on a weekday -- many times -- took much longer than 20 minutes.

 

20 mins out, 20 mins back to the highway in perfect conditions with no trains or traffic…maybe. It’s definitely not a “stop” on the way, more like a detour.

 

Okay, Google maps *does* say 20 minutes from 294 to LZ... but do they really take traffic and trains into account on a weekday?

I seriously hate that drive, myself.

Oh, and don't forget the "20 minute" return to 94... unless you take the "scenic route."

 

Holy ****, it's been too long since I've been to Laschet's. Schnitzel and spaetzle and red cabbage and goulash washed down with copious amounts of German lagers is heaven for me.

 

And muttering, shifty-eyed old men at the bar who don't realize you understand German.

Kidding -- I love that place and the food.

 

Last call June 24, after which they are permanently closing.

https://www.chicagonow.com/the-beeronaut/2022/04/chicago-craft-beer-weekend-april-22-24-2/

 

Really? That sucks.

Haven't read the link yet, but COVID victim?

 

nah, opening a brewpub in Milwaukee.

https://onmilwaukee.com/articles/copper-turtle

I always found Only Child’s beer to be the definition of “acceptable”.

 

Man, like a rolling stone.

 

Acceptable* is better than swill, but I understand. The sad part for me is that they were right down the road.

*Funny how spoiled we've become. 10, 20 years ago we'd have been enthralled to have any place brewing beer nearby (at least I would have).

Now a place that brews decent beer is only "acceptable." Fickle days.