All right friends, I need some guidance. I'll be in downtown Chicago and February and I need some advice on restaurants/brew pubs/bottle shops etc. I'll be staying at the Sheraton (I think on the Chicago River?). I'll be with the wife and son (17 months, but does well at restaurants). The best case scenario would be if someone would direct me to a good brew pub with good food where I can bring the family and possibly walk away with some bottles, but I'm interested in hearing about all beer-nerd friendly places. I'm not necessarily looking for whales (though I wouldn't shy away from some Zombie Dust), but I am looking for beers not distributed to Michigan, so whatever advice you have, thanks in advance!
If you have decent transport (i.e., a car easily available) then I would suggest the Bad Apple. http://www.beeradvocate.com/beer/profile/20804/ It is kid-friendly, has great food, and a very exciting beer list.
Big negative on Hopleaf - no one under 21 is allowed inside. People often bring kids to Revolution's tap room, too - it's crazy enough on Saturdays, though, that I'd suggest aiming for a Sunday if the OP wanted to try it.
timothy o'toole's is a couple of blocks from your hotel, not sure if you can bring kids in though. draft list is looking pretty solid right now. food is good. http://www.timothyotooles.com/chicago/drinks/ Binny's on Grand is probably the closest best liquor store, may also want to check. been awhile since i have been to uncorkit but this is probably the closest liquor store: http://uncorkitchicago.com/ also, if that whole foods is open by the time you get in town, i would definitely go in there, one block north of the sheraton. edit: looks like the whole foods grand opening is on January 28th.
IF you are looking to score some Zombie Dust.. Binnys on Grand gets their 3 Floyds shipments on Thursday Mornings.. if you show up around 11am, there is a very good chance you'll score some.. just sayin.. IF they get some on their weekly shipment.. which they often do..
And the brewpub is also kid-friendly, which is nice. The taproom has the benefit of takeaway bottles, while the pub does not (though the pub has food). If you go to the pub, I'd recommend brunch/lunch rather than dinner due to the crowds.
Although not that close to where you are staying, Piece Brewing and Pizzeria is top notch. http://www.piecechicago.com/beer.php
I'm spilling all my secrets now.. because I don't work downtown anymore... .If you call ahead and ask for "Beth" she'll most likely hold a 6pk for you.. there.. all my secrets are out.
South loop market on Wells and Van Buren usually has a good selection of some local beers. Its right by the metra station...(it has been helpful in dealing with the animals on the train home.) but yea they usually have a few FFF sixers and all sorts of other goodies. Really small store but its nice.
There's a Whole Foods opening next week at Columbus and Illinois, which is very close to the Sheraton. That's probably worth a look. One story I read said it will have a 12 tap bar.
Here's an update: I checked out the Whole Foods and was able to get tons of great stuff that I can't get in Mich: FFF, Firestone, , Deschutes, Half Acre (I know their not all local but I can't get them at home). Here's the best part. I stopped in yesterday to check out their taps and BOOM! KBS! No line, no big deal, no one really even seemed to know. It was great and now I don't feel like I need to search too hard for bottles it in Mich, plus I've never had it on tap. So overall, smashing success as far as beer goes. Dinner at RPM Italia tonight with the wife and an 18-month old so there's still possibility. Thanks for all the advice/help. The Chicago beer scene (and the city as a whole) is top notch!!
