Chicago taproom advice

Revolution will likely have a more diverse selection of beers since Half Acre doesn't venture much beyond the world of sessionable, hoppy pale ales (not that there's anything wrong with that!). But if you really like sessionable, hoppy pale ales, then you might like HA more. HA also lets you order beer in a variety of sizes. Both tap rooms keep their websites updated with what's on tap so you could make a gameday decision. Both places let you order food -- HA might have more options since they're not quite in the middle of nowhere. No clue about Gino's East or Giordano's (but it goes without saying that you should look for Lou Malnati's, instead). Neither has outdoor seating and Revolution is considerably larger (HA's capacity is, I think, about 100). Revolution's tap room feels like it's a giant warehouse (because it is) with shuffleboard and pinball (at some point) whereas HA feels like a normal bar and has some boardgames. I think I've seen children in both places but I'd call ahead and see if there's a time of day when they stop letting in minors.

 

For what you're looking for I'd personally recommend Piece over those 2 spots. Some of the best beer in Chicago (not to mention good guest taps. Usually some Half Acre and FFF there) and although not deep dish, it's some of the best pizza in all of Chicago. I think it would be much more comfortable for your family as well. Has more of a pizzeria/family atmosphere than an actual brewpub.

 

I highly second going to Piece. Half Acre is fun for an hour at most, their beers are sessionable but leave a bit to be desired if you're looking for variety and the space is usually filled with 20 somethings looking to pound a few (myself and girlfriend included). Not very family oriented and not the greatest place to eat a pie IMO.

 

the rev taproom (not brewpub) will restrict your hours a bit, but the advantage is that you are almost always guaranteed a place to sit. the place is huge and there's a giordano's on about 2900 or so n milwaukee that almost definitely has the rev taproom in its delivery range.

the taproom will let you get growlers, bottles and cans to go. not the case at the brewpub.

 

well, except growlers. brewpub = growlers only, taproom = anything rev sells in stores plus growlers.

 

Half Acre doesn't allow kids I don't think.

 

Half Acre used to allow kids. I took my 9 yr old there this Spring. He even got a mini tour of the brewery after hours. I'd vouch for Piece too, but their pizza is very different from both Gino's and Giordanos. It's excellent, but it's New Haven style.

I think Revolution might be your best bet. Half Acre gets very crowded and is sometimes hard to get a seat.

 

1) the one time i was there was on a sunday around 12:30pm, there was absolutely no one else there. saturday is more likely to have people but i think you have a chance at it being okay.
2) non-beer merch i think you can get at either place.

 

Either of those tap rooms will not disappoint you, but as stated above, I do recommend checking out their tap lists online to determine where to go.

As for Chicago style pizza, skip the big 3 "tourist" joints known as Giordano's/ Gino's East/ Lou Malnatti's and order something from My Pie, Pequods, or Art of Pizza. I believe Art of Pizza may deliver to both tap rooms as it is only a mile or so away from each.

 

100% agree with this..... at the very least, Pequods, My Pie, & Art of Pizza are all kinda close to either pub so if you have a car you can always pick one up. Pequods also has a kinda wide delivery range so you might luck out with them. Pequods is probably my favorite pizza next to Burts in Morton Grove (Burt actually started pequods). Best pizza close to Half Acre would probably be Apart but that's more traditional midwest thin crust. All right, I'm done with my pizza advocate talk.

 

Did you get this info from the brewery? I ask only because the last time I was there my buddy brought his kid, and nobody from Rev mentioned anything about it not being ok. But, I know Chicago has different forms of liquor licenses, some of which supposedly don't allow for kids to be in the establishment.

Revolution's brewpub has merch. I can't recall re: the taproom. I suspect both do. Also, the brewpub is definitely kid-friendly.

If you go to HA, I would really recommend you order Lou's over those other pizza joints if at all possible.

 

Yes, it will give you just as much of a coronary.

 

ya its got sauce on top & has much cheese, but instead of some crap dense crust that's dry, its delicious & fluffy with a caramelized crust. #pizzaadvocate

 

Parking could become an issue on Saturday afternoon. Much easy to find a space near Half Acre than Piece or Revolution in my experience.

 

I think OP is referring to the brewery's tap room, which has plenty of easy to find parking.

 

Half Acre and Revolution are not that far from each other. I've had nights where we started at HA, went to Rev, then back to HA. So drink quickly, have the wife drive, and you can do both. If you are coming from the south or west, start at Rev. But if you got to do one, danimalarkey nailed it: Rev has more variety, but what HA does well, no one does better. There is a Giordanos three blocks from HA at Montrose and Damen, kids and food in the tap room are fine. If your wife prefers coffee to beer like mine does, HA also has great coffee. And if she is willing to help corral a 5-year-old so you can try some beers, wow, that's a special woman.


Have I mentioned Pony pilsner? And if you can hit Beer Temple and Elston/Belmont/California, you'll be glad you did.