Chicago help

Out of stater, so i dont have too much insight, other than ZD would likely not be widely available, but I'm sure a few people here can point out a few places worth checking to see if its in stock.

As for what breweries don't distribute to MN, a good resource to check out is seekabrew.com. There, you'll be able to see a comparison of the two states' distribution and get an idea of what you'd be interested in.

 

Link drop to previous threads on this topic


(IMHO best thread thus far) http://www.beeradvocate.com/community/threads/west-of-chicago.253786/

http://www.beeradvocate.com/community/threads/chicago-brew-pub-advice.249291/

http://www.beeradvocate.com/community/threads/weekend-in-milwaukee-and-chicago.245681/

(eerily similar topic) http://www.beeradvocate.com/community/threads/chicago-peoples-help-out-a-bears-fan.260071/

ZD has become what all people look for when in this state and, as such, expect a ton of eyerolls if your friend goes around asking for it. Chicago is a friendly town and you might get some nice BA's to help you out, but that Binny's sales associate probably won't.

 

I have family in Lombard. You will be hard pressed to find Zombie Dust but if you do, check the date and enjoy! Otherwise, I'm not sure what you guys don't get in MN but for Chicago beers, definitely look into Half Acre, Revolution, Spiteful, and Pipeworks. 2 big stores in that area are Foremost and Ardmore Station. I've been to both places and while they have good selections, be aware of all bottling/canning dates. Let me know if you need any help!

 

3 Floyds is a crapshoot. You may find some of their less popular bombers hanging around (Alpha King), but you need to get pretty lucky to stumble upon ZD. For stuff you can actually find, I highly recommend Pipeworks, Half Acre, and Revolution.

 

If you've never tried Pipeworks, get whatever you can!!!!

 

https://www.beermenus.com/places/3400-ardmore-station-liquors


https://www.beermenus.com/places/4895-foremost-liquors-villa-park


Take a look at those lists and I would personally call ahead to make sure they have what you're looking for.

 

Standard Market in Westmont (15 minutes south of Lombard) has a good selection - and a bar area (in case inducement is needed).

 

If in Lombard and you are looking for a good variety of pw's and other Chicago beers, have him check out the beer cellar in glen ellyn. Dave is awesome and always has a nice variety of beers.

 

Foremost doesn't carry any Pipeworks.

And Ardmore's PW stuff is older than shit!

If I were looking for fresh stuff in that area, I'd go to the Beer Cellar, Standard Market or Binnys.

 

Check out Famous Liquors in Lombard. Ask for Jeff, tell em Crafty Dan sent you and he will take care of you.

 

Pipeworks Ninja vs Unicorn is widely available. Citra Ninja is around too. Where in MN are you located? Revolution is a must. Zombie Dust probably won't be able to get unless you go to the brewery, but check the website for availability. I am from IL but live in Duluth right now and always bring up at least two cases of Zombie Dust. Just was at the brewery last Tuesday. If you're near Duluth and want to trade let me know.

 

Your buddy should have no problem walking into a binnys and grabbing all of these. I feel like citra ninja isn't a given at all binnys since it's been a few weeks since it's release, but I haven't been looking for it.

 

Yup. A couple minutes west down Roosevelt rd. It's a couple stores down from the movie theater. If dave didn't put a sign out to to let you know where it was, you would walk right past it. If he goes around 5, traffic will be a little hectic and parking a little scarce as it is in downtown glen ellyn, nothing drastic though.

 

Three Floyds is generally hard to find except for random bombers. Alpha King does not come in bombers contrary to what someone above said.

Anyway, my opinion is that Pipeworks is the way to go. And Senita or Daisy Cutter from Half Acre. Spiteful IPA is pretty good too but a distant third to the other 2. And if you haven't tried anti hero you should try that.

 

I grew up in Lombard, lived there for 30 years. If he's in town for work, most likely he'll be on the south side of Lombard. If that's the case, Beer Cellar might be a ten to fifteen minute drive, but absolutely worth the time. Also have him swing by the Binny's in Glen Ellyn. It's probably just my imagination, but it seems like things seem to be available there longer than most of the other Binny's I go to.

 

Sorry, I think I meant Dreadnaught, not Alpha King. I get them confused all the time.