Chicago for a day

are you downtown in "the loop"? If so, I'd recommend Monks: http://beeradvocate.com/beer/profile/25646

Or if you are near the train station, stay in the west loop and go to Haymarket: http://beeradvocate.com/beer/profile/24445

 

Local option

 

Local Option is truly great, but definitely worth your while to head up to Hopleaf. A 6-block walk from the Berwyn L or a not much longer walk from the Ravenswood Metra stop. If your pal is the least bit into Belgians and any locally available craft, for my money you can't do any better. And the food is stellar as well. Open at noon (just like Local Option) but enough time to spend 2+ hours with plenty of time to get back downtown.

 

local option is close to the red line, and pretty much has the best drft list in chicago at all times

 

Subjective assessment not knowing his preferred style(s), but he won't go wrong at either spot.

 

true, but local option has something for everyone, just the best of their respective styles. As much lagers to go around as impy stouts or ipas.

 

I'd be happy to meet at either bar (or both?) to compare the virtues of each. We live in a wonderful place, crossovert.

 

Monk's opens at 9am on weekdays (kitchen at 10), the other places mentioned won't be open til noon. For an early sandwich, Perry's Deli opens at 8am for pastrami & corned beef, it's a half mile from the Amtrak station. Au Cheval opens at 11am, i'd suggest a double cheeseburger there. After lunch, figure out whether Local Option or Hopleaf is next

 

Also if you head up to Local Option you have GI Clybourne (with arguably the most brewery only GI taps) a quarter mile away and the largest Binnys across the street from that for a couple beers for the ride home. .

 

^This.

 

I would also recommend putting out a thread one or two days before you come and ask about any special tappings. You might end up at one of the more out of the way places for a wild tap takeover or party. Always worth a try.