"Must do" brewpubs in Chicago

Just came back home to NY from Chicago last night. Enjoyed Revolution, loved Map Room and Hop Leaf, Goose Island was fun times.

 

If you looking for a brewpub go with Revolution or Haymarket (solid brews and some outstanding barrel aged goods when they are available.) Otherwise I'd check out Local Option (not a brewpub but usually an excellent cross section of top quality choices.)

 

There has not been a Chicago Forum for some time now...

 

I realize that. But if you ask the other Great Lakers it might as well be.

 

Here's a Worthy 'Local Option'...



http://brewsandbeyond.blogspot.com/2012/08/a-worthy-local-option.html

 

Revolution for beer and food (the cream cheese mashed potatoes are amazing, as is the antihero chicken sandwich)
Goose Island Clybourn for beer and food (order the black earth burger)
Haymarket for beer (Mathias IPA; their food stinks)
Local Option for beer (well they make a couple beers, but really just have awesome bottles/taps)

You can skip the rest

 

Has anyone visited that new one on Lincoln with the bowling alley? I think it's atlas or something..... Is it a pub/bowling alley primarily or are they legit brewery? The list of there beers sounded kinda interesting.

 

Actually, Haymarket has added quite a few items to their menu that used to be quite limited. Their menu has made some big steps forward recently.

 

I think I'm going there in a weekend or 2, will come back with answers

 

I live six blocks away and have passed it en route to revolution twice. Maybe it's just my hatred of Lincoln park.

 

Haha I have a buddy that lives near belmont/racine and he wants to go there with me sometime. I have no doubt it won't be as good as revolution tho so you probably made the right choice

 

I rather enjoyed Atlas. Solid pale ale, solid golden ale, well balanced double ipa...beers were great, if served a bit too cold. Not huge on fancypants pizza, but well worth checking out.

Also, since there's a bowling alley, anyone wanna start a Chicago BA bowling league?

 

Not sure if your joking or not, but I certainly would. I could get a few guys too.

 

yeah, I definitely have a couple BAs that would be interested as well.

 

I should get out of the house more. Let's go bowling then.

 

I must be the only person that doesn't think Haymarket is good or even decent. I would skip it all together.

+1 to Atlas and a bowling league.

 

Rich, I'm also not a fan.

 

Don't get me wrong I like Pete and have been following him since RB I just dont care for 1) The atmosphere; maybe it location and the crowd it attracts 2) the food and 3) the beers, some are good but for the most part they fall short for me. I usually find my "getting into craft" buddy s like it a LOT though.

 

I am a big fan of Mathias, Janna Montana and I thoroughly enjoyed BB Indignant. Havent had anything else of theirs honestly, but those beers are really good.

 

I would agree with this. Those are the main 3 I have quite enjoyed. Aside from that, solid brews, but nothing I would go out of my way for. Also agree that there are much better crowd/food options.