I'd make time for one of two beer bars: the Hopleaf or the Beer Temple. Hopleaf has fancy food, tons of Belgian beer on draft & in bottles, and a HUGE overall draft list with tons of local & worldwide rarities. The Beer Temple has killer Detroit style pizza & a fantastic, large draft list, again focusing on both local & worldwide treats. You'll get to sample a wider variety of local stuff at these places than if you go brewery to brewery. Plus, the vibes at both places are FANTASTIC.
I haven’t seen it mentioned here yet, but Off Color’s lager game is strong. I’ve found that theirs are some of the best in the area -with the obligatory YMMV
The Mrs and I will be down this coming weekend, staying in Roscoe Village. I have a pretty good handle on the beer spots, but any restaurants we need to make sure and hit up? Doesn’t have to be in RV, but preferably in the semi-general area (not downtown).
Seconded on the Region, and if you like fried chicken you have to try The Roost (also on Roscoe). Their biscuits are incredible and they have $5 beers on tap all day.
Am I ever late to this party. But I suppose I'm entitled, having lived in Chicago from 1994 through September 2024... and March 2025. But I probably will return in July 2026 to see friends, doctors and some old haunts, like Off Color Brewing (can't get that in London!) and the Pilot Project (an interesting forum going on now about multiple micros in one taproom.) Anyhow... ChicagoJ, thanks for initiating this and maybe I can buy you that 6-pack I owe you.
Made a lunch stop at The Beer Temple on my way to O'Hare on Wednesday. Incredible tap list with a diversity of brewers and styles and just 1-2 hazies which seem to dominate many other places. The new lunch special - $10 for a side caesar and a slice - also hit the spot!
Ha! I'm from the Granite State originally though I've now lived in MA for almost 20 years. #LiveFreeOrDie #GraniteStateOfMind #LiveFreeDrinkCraft
Wife is going to be at a week long conference at the end of July and I'm going to slide down for Thursday and Friday to enjoy some breweries while she's learning. Got some rough ideas mapped out but always happy to take some local feedback of something unique or shouldn't be missed. I will be based out of the Chicago Marriot Downtown Magnificent Mile. Thursday I was going to grab a ride (no car access) up north a little bit and hit the trio of Dovetail, Begyle and Demo. Would like to hit somewhere for food (in the area) before visiting three breweries and saw Rojo Gusano and Diner Grill were right in the area. Just lookin for something casual I can sit down and have a meal. Friday I want to stay closer to the hotel as it'll be a short final day so I can get back when I get word the learning is done. Adams Street Brewery, Industry Ales Brewpub (should be open by then again), Centennial Crafter Beer & Eatery and Timothy O'Tooles all came up as close enough I'd walk. Any suggestions for either day would be welcomed if there's something in the area I shouldn't miss or if I just planned not fun days. TIA and cheers!
If it was my day out I’d add Hop Butcher and subtract Demo and Begyle. Long Room has rotating kitchens (check the web site) and a great tap list. I’ve eaten at Rojo Gusano a few times and I’m a fan.
Agree that Begyle and Demo aren't must-visit places. For food, I love Lachet's Inn (German fare and beers). Went to I-Cafe (Turkish food) once and quite enjoyed it.
Yep, skip Demo and go to Hop Butcher. You could walk a little further down Lincoln and eat at Wild Goose. Great bar food and good beer list. Or better yet, walk to Lincoln Square and hit up the Gene's rooftop.
Can also hit up Bad Apple across the street (diagonally) from HB for a good burger and decent beer list. If you're a ramen person, Menya Goku is right off Lincoln on Montrose, and if you want an excellent steak taco (or even better, burrito), El Asadero is right there as well. I'm a big Lou Malnati's guy so I'd normally recommend that if you're in the mood for deep dish (also on Lincoln a block or so north of HB), but pizza recommendations always start a war on here, so pretend I said nothing. I personally don't recommend Small Cheval since I think there are better burger options for the price (go to Au Cheval if you want the real..."cheval" experience), but that's also on Lincoln and Montrose if you're curious.
If you’re on the Ravenswood corridor , where Dovetail is, go a bit further north for wood fired pizza at Spacca Napoli. Food is excellent , the beer list has some obscure Italian craft options but isn’t the best. I agree with everyone else recommending Hop Butcher over Begyle and Demo. Bitter Pops is a solid bottle shop on the area which has a nice tap room and a good selection .
+1 on Spacca Napoli. Awesome Neapolitan-style pizza, Try to avoid prime lunch/dinner hours. The place can get crowded.
Jerry’s Sandwiches, a bit further north up Lincoln from Hop Butcher, has a pretty good food menu, and always has a GREAT tap list.
