I live on Long Island, and I'm taking a business trip to Chicago at the end of May. I have time to stop at one beer store. Which one should it be? Any brews I should be on the lookout for in particular?
Where are you staying and will you be able to travel via car/public transportation? Any beers you are looking for in particular? Are you only looking for Chicago beers or everything we get in distribution? What styles do you typically like? There are wayyy too many options here for us to give a definitive answer so help us narrow it down for you.
I don't mean to thread jack, but I just came to ask the same thing. I'm staying at: Wyndham Glenview Suites 1400 N Milwaukee Avenue, Glenview, IL 60025 US and eating at 2001 N Roselle Rd Schaumburg, IL 60195-1907
If you're out in the burbs, just hit up a Binny's. Their selection is is fantastic. They probably won't have any whales or super rare stuff, but they will have the best prices and, again, just a great selection. If you're in the city, Craft Beer Temple is by far my favorite store. I go out of my way to stop there. The owner, Chris, is amazing and super knowledgeable. In terms of thinks to look for, Pipewoeks is always a popular one. I'm not as high on them as most people, mainly due to the bomber only format, but they make great beers. Revolution Brewing and Half Acre Brewing are both awesome and can't come recommended enough.
Thanks for the responses so far. I'll be staying at Swissôtel Chicago (323 East Wacker Drive Chicago, IL). I'll check out Beer Temple. The website is incredible, and will let me plan my attack beforehand. I plan on bringing an extra suitcase to fill with goodies
Under the heading of thinking outside the box: Drive down to Munster Indiana and hit up Three Floyd's. They always have beer to go and a great selection on tap. Who knows you might hit them on the day that Zombie Dust is available. This assumes you're driving.
The best stores closest to your hotel would probably be the Binny's on Grand Ave, Printer's Row Wine Shop and Warehouse Liquors. If you do venture out to the surronding neighborhoods, like the others, I recommend Beer Temple. West Lakeview Liquors and Bottles & Cans are good too.
If you're looking for a bar, Glenview House is good for a suburban bar. They have had some fff taps or bottles when I have been there the past couple times. Binny's Schaumburg is pretty close to where you are eating. The Art of Beer in Highland Park is a cool small store, but it's more of a drive from your hotel. Of the Binny's in this area, I find that the Niles location tends to have more interesting stuff sitting on the shelves that doesn't sit around at all at Highland Park or Skokie. Can't speak for Schaumburg, I don't shop there often.
There's a Yard House in Glenview, not far from where you're staying. YARD HOUSE GLENVIEW 1880 Tower Drive, Glenview, IL 60025 847-729-9273 Excellent tap list.
