Haven't visited Chicago in a while and finally heading there Thursday. Planning to stop at one of these three Binny's: Evergreen Park Willowbrook Oak Brook Which one has the best beer selection? What great recently released beers would you suggest I keep an eye out for? Thanks for the help!!!
Most Binnys are going to have reasonably similar beer selections. That being said, I haven't been to Evergreen Park recently, but between Oak Brook and Willowbrook, I'd stop at Oak Brook - They have a really nice selection. What styles do you like?
Orange & Brew in Downers Grove is another retail option in the area, it's an independent shop and taproom with a more curated selection. Goldfinger is nearby. Near Evergreen Park there's Horse Thief Hollow and Open Outcry.
If you like lagers, this is the "hotspot" in greater Chicagoland right now. Source: Me. I think they're hot right now. willferrellzoolander.gif
I would second Orange & Brew. They often sell out of Hop Butcher quickly, but a lot of other "hype" releases tend to stay in stock for a while. Also, they sell most stuff by the can, which lets you really put together a good sampling. Oak Brook Binny's does have a great selection, but they are often difficult when it comes to high-demand releases. They like to keep stuff in the back, and sometimes it's like pulling teeth to get them to go back and grab some for you.
Oak Brook is pretty good. Its the only one of the three I've been to. I saw Evergreen pictures online and the inside looked like twice the size, and while that doesn't equate to a better beer selection, I figured it would be good to ask. As for beer style, if I had to pick one, probably some fresh crushable IPAs. So many breweries still don't date cans, so I find it helps to have a few in mind when I'm sifting through too many choices! That said, I tend to enjoy well done versions of almost any style.
So, for IPAs whatever Phase Three or Hop Butcher has released that week. Half Acre will have some great IPAs on the shelf.
