Another I'm coming to visit Chicago thread.

Try Haymarket downtown, brewpub. Excellent stuff.

 

If you're downtown, you'd probably want the Binny's in South Loop. They've got a tap room, and have pretty good stuff on tap there. If you can make it north, both West Lakeview Liquors and the Beer Temple are worth a trip.

For breweries, well, I'm partial to Goose Island and Half Acre, but Revolution is a good choice too. If you do Goose I'd recommend the Clybourn brewpub, as that's the original brewpub, and they brew a lot of great stuff on-site (including all forms of Cthulhu). Half Acre is great too, but they don't serve food, so bring your own. FFF is about 30-45 from the Loop, so go only if you have the time (on the other hand, that's your best chance at getting FFF beer).

For Mexican food, there's a million choices. In the Loop, Frontera and Topolobampo (Rick Bayless's restaurants) are great choices. There are a great places all over the city, though; I'd personally recommend looking for a small taco joint for a good taco/torta (examples include Los Comales all over the city, Zacatecana around Logan Square and many more).

 

My daughters are the biggest critics when it comes to Mexican food....there is tons of Mexican joints around Chicago, but not all are fantastico....our favorite Tio Luis! Southside!

 

Not sure if you're looking for places in the city, Bloomingdale or both. Here's what's good in the Bloomigdale area:

- There's a Binny's in Bloomindale north of the mall. Definitely worth checking out. If you go west to Addison there's a Sal's Liquors on Lake street that has a good selection too.

- There's a great beer bar called Bigby's in Addison that is a must stop. If you want more of a cocktail bar with limited beer selections check out Izzy and Moe's at Indian Lakes in Bloomingdale or Venutti's Banquet Hall in Addison.

- Almost across the street from Bigyby's is nice sit down Mexican restaurant called La Magdelana's. If you're looking for a late night burrito place check out El Burrito Tapatio in Addison as well (1.5 miles or so east of Bigby's).

- If you're into Belgian inspired beers you should check out Penrose Brewing in Geneva. About 20/30 minutes from Bloomingdale.

- Revolution brewery/pub and the Goose Island pubs are great places to go. 3 Floyds is a worth checking out for food and beer but expect to wait a little bit for a table unless you go later in the evening during the week. I don't think the tour is worth going out of the way for. If you've been on tours at other breweries than that's about what you'll see at 3 Floyds.

You should be able to get a ton of info on where to go in Chicago if you do a search here on BA.

 

Also, there's a Bulldogs Ale House in nearby Roselle and another one in Carol Stream. Bulldogs and Bigby's post their beer menus online.

 

I'd agree with all of the suggestions except for Bulldog's. Unless it's changed, it's needless and uncalled-for pretentious douchebaggery over there. Shame. I black listed it with my first and last visit two years ago.

Edit: I would also suggest The Beer Market in nearby Schaumburg. Ridiculous beer menu.