Creating a "Visiting Chicagoland" resource thread?

Makes sense. I’d also add a “here’s the info you should tell us” if you want custom-tailored recommendations:
- when you’ll be here
- where you are staying
- preferred styles
- whale bottles you’re bringing to us as a peace offering

 

It's definitely a good idea, though I fear keeping it updated could be quite an annoyance.

I would also suggest breaking it down by region so people know what they're getting into if they want to visit Corridor and Forbidden Root for NE IPA's.

Edit- I meant list the city by region as well, not just burbs. Or at least a separate section for The Loop as that seems to be a popular one.

 

Yeah, I even started a spreadsheet with starting to identify which spots were most recommended...and then life got in the way. I’d be happy to help with it. I don’t think it’d be crazy to update - other regions have done it, so no reason we can’t.

 

I like the idea. One thing I'll strongly encourage is being open to voices in the thread suggesting personal favorites and other uncommon suggestions. Too often in threads like this you'll see statements like, "that's bad advice" or "decent place, but not worth suggesting to an out-of-towner" that merely enforce the conventional wisdom. The top post can contain the consensus suggestions, but I'd love to see later posts with under-the-radar tips. I find those places often are more interesting and, not infrequently, better than the ones with bigger reputations, for travelers and locals alike.

 

I say you add the new Fischman Bottle shop on that list of Universally Recommended Bottle Shops – Chicago City Limits. The shop has a walk-in beer cooler!

 

Maybe list slashies under bottle shops and bars (Beer Temple, Fischmans, etc).

Other beer bars to add should be Green Lady and Local Option.

One more restuarant to add: Longman and Eagle

 

There's a Kuma's Corner in Schaumburg as well if you want to add that to the suburban beer-centric restaurants

 

Fatpour Tap Works has some really good food and a ton of good beers also!

 

Village Tap and Riverview Tavern in Roscoe Village should be recommended beer-centric restaurants as well. At least in my opinion. Love the list so far!

 

This is a great start @lloydboss. The initial thing I noticed is having Spiteful in the "must hit" section and Revolution in the "recommended" section...I'd swap those out, but that's just me (note that I haven't been to Spiteful yet, which I hope to rectify soon). I'd also add Lagunitas to highly recommended - I know it's not an original here, but I think it's a really cool spot.

For beer bars, I would probably add HopCat - I know it's a chain, but they have a ton of stuff there. I definitely agree with the above suggestion to add Local Option.

As I drove by Riverview Tavern last weekend, it looked like all the windows were covered up with paper - are they re-modeling or did they close?

I think that noting a couple places like Fatpour and Timothy O'Toole's downtown for places with very extensive beer selections and a place to watch games (in addition to Sheffield's) is a good note for out-of-towners, since I've seen that question asked a good amount.

 

For NWI, add:

Recommended Bottle Shops - Wise Guys in Merrillville just off of I-65; Cask & Cellar in Highland.

Recommended Beer Bars - Beergeeks in Highland.

Beer Centric Restaurants - Doc’s Smokehouse in Dyer

 

I suggest that for Revolution, mention that the Milwaukee Ave. location is a restaurant also. Whereas the Kedzie Ave. location is beer only.

 

My only suggestion: don't list "More" at the end of any list or if you do put "Brewing" after it. At first glance I read it as that list was still a work in progress.

 

No idea about Riverview, but it would be a shame if they close. Have had many a night hanging out with the Mrs/friends there. I don't live in Chicago but visit multiple times a year and almost always stay in Roscoe, so that and Village Tap are my "local" bars when visiting.

Also glad to see Pollyanna on the list above. Brian (brewer/owner) is a great guy and I think their beers are always reliable and most are great. They don't get as much hype as some (lack of NEIPA probably hurts the "hype train"), but they are a quality brewery and I am looking forward to visiting the new location.

 

I think it is our moral responsibility to recommend the “Chicago Handshake.”

I also support adding Revolution as a must visit. Their Northwoods series makes them a titan in Chicago now.

There are also frequently questions about sample itineraries - might be useful to include a couple (e.g. easy to hit up half acre, begyle, and bad apple in an afternoon)

 

I think you've had one too many Northwoods...or Deep Woods?