Hi Everybody, I'll be heading into Chicago (downtown) on Thursday for a Bachelor party and heading back to NY on Sunday. I will be staying in downtown Chicago on Wabash Ave (can't remember the exact hotel; I didn't make the reservations). I'm looking for must see/do beer stores, activities, etc. in the area. I won't have a car but will be willing to travel by bus/subway/train. Thursday we plan on hitting up Goose Island brewery. I have heard a bunch about Binny's being the place to get beer. Any other stores in the area where I would be able to find some midwest beers that we can't get in NY (FFF, Pipeworks, Half Acre, etc.)? Thanks.
Lots of suggestions here: http://www.beeradvocate.com/community/threads/visiting-chicago-advice.194714/
Like @AstraXtreme has said, definitely check the other threads on this, because people have put forth a lot of good ideas. With that being said, if you're going to GI, which GI are you checking out? The Fulton brewery, or one of the brewpubs? I'd probably suggest going to Goose Island Clybourn, since it's the original Goose Island, has good food and a bunch of brewpub-only beers (this is where you'd see Cthulhu and its variants, for example). The added benefit is it's right across the street from Binny's Lincoln Park, which is not only the best Binny's (with a very cool manager), but they've also got a great new tasting room. A few blocks away, you can also check out Local Option (http://localoptionbier.com/beer/); I'm ashamed to say I've never been there, even though I pass by ALL the time, but most people agree it's one of the best beer bars in the city, and they brew their own stuff (which you can also get at Binny's).
I guess I'll toss this question into this thread, but does anyone have any recommendations for an actual brewery tour? I have some friends that haven't been on one. I'd be interested if there were any places in town that made it a little extra special.
I've heard the Half Acre tour is pretty good. Though you have to line up at the door in advance since they only allow a certain amount of people in. If you want a good tour, Milwaukee is where the party's at.
