Chicago neighborhoods

The way Chicago is set up you're probably best off just staying at a hotel in The Loop (downtown). I like The Palmer House for an awesome place that often isn't super expensive. I would then use the L or Uber to target specific neighborhoods throughout the days there.

 

I agree with staying downtown. However, if you don't mind the trek, Longman & Eagle has lodging. It's in Logan Square, which is several miles NW of Soldier Field. http://www.longmanandeagle.com/sleep/

 

As someone who lives in the city, the Loop isn't my favorite hangout spot, but it's a good place to start your day. You get way more options hotel-wise, easy access to all the train lines, and you'll be close to tourist spots.

In terms of places near the train lines, both Goose Island locations are a couple blocks from the train (Pink Line for the taproom, Red or Brown for Clybourn/LP Binny's), Local Option is right off the Brown, Northdown and the Green Lady off brown, Half Acre and Bad Apple are a couple blocks off the Brown, etc.

When you have an idea where you'll be, let us know and we can give you specifics.

 

I would 2nd the Longman recommendation.

The Loop is convenient just in terms of hopping trains to neighborhoods, but is pretty bland itself. Longman is in the middle of one of the more happening areas of town, and the restaurant & bar there is fantastic. If you're looking to go from Longman to bars that are not off the blue line, though, (e.g. Hopleaf), it'll probably be easier to Uber than to do public trans.

 

Just to clear up, you most likely wouldn't stay in the Loop, and there is next to nothing to do in the Loop (although there do seem to be a lot more hotels in the Loop than there were 5-10 years ago). You'd most likely stay in Magnificent Mile/River North area, where there is much more stuff (although still not great craft beer options), and you can access the train lines easily to different neighborhoods as long as you stay closer to the river.

There are a ton of different areas to stay at, though, and it depends whether you want to do a traditional hotel vs. AirBnB/VRBO type option. And there are so many great beer places in different neighborhoods that you'll probably have to Uber around a decent amount no matter what.

 

stay in river north. u will have easy access to trains to take u to all the neighborhoods. also many good places are a quick cab away. and if dining is your thing you will be surrounded by tons of good places to get a meal.

 

you'll be able to hit just about everything withing a 30 minute train ride. Another solid place that's right in the Loop (and that I think is even open late) is Stock and Blondes at Wells and Washington.

 

Monk's was my thought, too. Stocks and Blondes could definitely work as well.

 

Jackson Tavern seems like it's had on some nice stuff recently as well and is in the Loop area. I've never been, and think it's newer, but they've had on some of the newer Pipeworks and Half Acre stuff.

 

Local Option is a quick ride up the Brown Line and one of the best spots in the city.

Haymarket (brewery) / Au Cheval / Lone Wolf is a quick cab/bus ride to the west loop.

 

See this post with links to lots of Chicago information. http://www.beeradvocate.com/community/threads/chicago-breweries.429046/#post-4863896

 

*Googles Jackson Tavern*

Yeah, that's a pretty solid taplist!

 

Seriously, take the brown line to Local Option. It's not my favorite bar in terms of atmosphere (dark and loud) but the beer list is always great. The Goose Island on Fulton Street usually has some great stuff also. For buying, I agree with Beer Temple and also add in Capones, they are not far apart and both are great.

 

It's fair to point out that Goose Island Clybourn and LP Binny's are a 15 minute walk/5 minute drive from Local Option, as well. Those are my personal go-tos, and while I agree on Local Option being a little loud at times, if you get there when it's not busy, it's chill as hell.

Keep in mind that you have to pay cash under $20.

 

If you're ever looking for someone to check it out with for a lunch during the week, give me a shout.

 

ive been after work a couple times. its solid for a loop bar. that would be a good choice. it might just be the longest bar i have ever seen to be honest, its crazy.