Chicago Hopcat

according to a video they posted on the chicago website, at the louisville opening they had 250 people in line before they opened.

 

I'm heading to the Cubs game Saturday and though about swinging over after the game, but I have a feeling it's going to be a cluster fuck I'd rather skip. Although there's some killer beers I'd like to have..the only way I can probably handle a shit show like that is to be pretty hammered myself :/. And I do want to see some football too..

 

I walked by yesterday and definitely noticed the 70's loungy vibe going on, but I couldn't give a shit about the ambience if they have good beer. If I did care, then I wouldn't go to Local Option whenever I want good beer - no ambience and music that I can't stand, but I love going there for the beer.

I have to take my daughter to an appointment near there on Saturday morning, so I'll be intrigued to see what the line situation is when I go by.

 

That's the same carpet pattern that was used in The Shining. That alone earns them a few points in my book. Won't make it for the opening, but I'll knock off from work early and grab lunch there at some point.

 

Maybe you can both score free crack fries for a year

 

They had a soft launch tonight as they opened the windows, had people lined up outside, people drinking inside, and someone at the door with a clipboard making sure people were on the list that got in. That space is ridiculously big...

 

No one in line in case u were wondering, guys out there still working on the outside of the building. Hahaha

 

4 people

 

Fercrissake.....why am I not surprised, though..

 

You sound like a lot of fun

 

~75-100 in line around 10am.

 

Continuous line all day, it appears. The wife and I walked by around 2pm and again at 5pm and each time 25-30+ peeps outside.

 

Was pretty skeptical about the bar and overall decor, but once I got in I was feeling it. The cushioned elbow rest at the bar blew my mind (I'm easily amused). I think it will thrive, it won't be your typical local option/north down crowd, but it will be busy.

 

Went later in the afternoon, around 5. There never was really a line per se, just a bunch of people mingling outside waiting for a table (you could put your name in and wait for a text). Most everyone just gathered around the bar waiting for a table. Was very nice inside, I was digging the vibe. Very big, too. Like 3 large rooms. Tap list was awesome. BB Plead was already gone by around 6, but was able to get a KBS so that was nice. Definitely gonna be back.

 

Went Saturday evening. Noticed the massive projector with hidden screen. If they show college football that will definitely help in that neighborhood. The red chairs are super comfy, but there are about 7 or 8 different ambiances there depending on where you get seated. Servers were nice, but ours was a bit overbearing in recommendations. "Have you been to a Hopcat before?" Yes. "What kind of beer do you like?" Stouts and IPAs. "Well, KBS is really good, but we don't have it, I would recommend..." Yeah, we know what we want to order we didn't ask for recommendations. Hazel's Nuts is tasty.

 

Boy, you are just one big ol' ray o' sunshine, aren't you? I pity the server who has to deal with you.

 

Thanks for sharing. Don't pity them too much, I live in Lincoln Park so $$$ tipper.

 

Neither here nor there, but plenty of rich people are terrible tippers. Besides, property is relatively expensive in LP, so I'd imagine plenty of people are saving that sweet tip money for the rent/property taxes!

 

I sure as hell hope so! Although, working in bars as long as I have, I've seen dudes with Rolexes leave a dollar on a $200 check so...