Bars in Downtown Chicago

I ducked into Miller's Pub recently and they had a decent selection. A lot of the best-rated bars are outside the downtown area, though.

 

Timothy O'Tooles in river north is a good spot.

Haymarket Brewing isn't too far away in the West Loop

Monks Pub, Hackneys Printers Row also have good taplists usually.

 

Not from the area but when I was down for the packer/bear game last season we stopped at the south loop club roughly a mile from soldier field. Great burgers and a good place to get two good beers before the game

 

Lone Wolf (the unofficial FFF bar) will always have some Floyds on tap... sometimes rarities.
Haymarket has some good stuff, and a fantastic guest tap/bottle offerings. Also, I believe they have a rotating barrel aged special. Last time I was there it was their barleywine 'Clare's Right Hook', aged 18 months... . Tasty.

 

Kasey's is the best bet for good taps. It's laidback and fun. Hackney's is a few doors down the street. Binny's South Loop tasting room is nice but doesn't open until 4, well thought out list though. Those are the closest good stops by Soldier Field.

 

I hate to be unhelpful by saying "get the hell out of the Loop," but it really is true for the most part.

South Branch on Wacker and Franklin Tap on Franklin both have solid lineups and are properly "downtown." However, if you're willing to spend ten bucks on a cab, a whole lot of better options are available. Haymarket and Lone Wolf (which is right across the street) are probably the closest to downtown options with really fantastic beer.

 

Clark Street Ale House (River North)
Stout usually has good taps, but i haven't been there. heard good stuff. meaning to go as i see it everyday for work but nada.

 

Vice District just opened their brewery/taproom in the South Loop. Haven't seen many reviews yet, though.

Yeah, if he's going to have a few extra days, he might as well hit Half Acre, Revolution, etc.

 

Flo and Santos always has a good beer list.
http://www.floandsantos.com/