One brewery in Chicago

Clybourn. If you're looking for exactly what you would expect from a world class brewpub, this is your spot.

As for some other suggestions, both Piece and Revolution also have very nice tap rooms with some great food. Piece is interesting because it has the feel of a pizza joint more so than a brewery (IMO). Revolution has a pretty cool set up as well, with the bar as the focal point in the center of the room.

 

The answer is:

Revolution Brewing Company
2323 N Milwaukee Ave.
Chicago, IL 60647

Goose Island is now owned by Anheuser-Busch InBev, and lacks much of the charm it once had. They still make and distribute some fantastic beers, but its a rarity to see any of their really good stuff on tap at the brew-pub. Also the food isn't very good (borderline awful) at the GI brew-pub.

The best endorsement for Revolution is that they will be hosting the closing celebration for Chicago Craft Beer week. They have fantastic food, great atmosphere, and really great beers on tap (try Gravedigger Billy if they've got it) Honestly, I actually prefer many of the Half-Acre brews to Revolution, but since Half-Acre doesn't have a brew-pub, Revolution is the way to go.

 

Revolution is the choice, imo.

Clybourn is definitely better than Wrigleyville if you're going to do Goose Island.

 

"Goose Island is now owned by Anheuser-Busch InBev, and lacks much of the charm it once had. They still make and distribute some fantastic beers, but its a rarity to see any of their really good stuff on tap at the brew-pub. Also the food isn't very good (borderline awful) at the GI brew-pub."

Goose Island Clyborn is NOT owned by AB-Inbev...

And Goose Island Clyborn/Revolution would be your best bet.

 

So much wrong in one paragraph.

Part of the agreement when AB/InBev bought out Goose was that the brewpubs would remain independent of the parent company. I can't speak to their nightly tap list as I obviously don't get to visit often, but every time I've been there's always been something new or unique to try. Also, the food there is nothing short of excellent, from my experience.

*EDIT: In fact, now I'm REALLY craving some sweet potato fries with curry ketchup... mmmmmmmmmm

 

+1

 

I agree. They have rotating taps weekly, and some really great stuf there. And their food is outstanding. The Stilton Burger, Duck Poutine, Fish Tacos....Clyborn is awesome

 

The only answer is Revolution, they are making the best beer in this city right now

 

I'll throw my hat into the ring. I would say Haymarket. Great beer, great food, the atmosphere is awesome, and they also have guest taps if you want to try something else!

 

Thanks for correcting me, I just read the details in the 3.28.2011 press release for the InBev purchase. That being said, I've been in 3-4 times, and wasn't blown away by their food or tap selection (had a over-cooked/burned steak sandwich once). None of the sours (Juliet, Madame Rose, or Lolita) on tap, no Bourbon County, no Big John or Night Stalker. Basically all of the big beers that put them on the map aren't available at the pub.

I guess they did have Lolita in 22oz bombers for $25, but why do they charge their customers $8 more at the brewpub than what can be purchased in the liquor store across the street (for $17)?

 

Ya, revolution hands down. Best brewpub food menu as well, shit they even got a killer weekend brunch.

 

This I would mostly agree with. I haven't seen many of their "heavy hitters" on tap, but my guess would be that's (in part) because they try to bottle as much of it as possible. Hell, they didn't even have King Henry on tap at the King's own release party!

As for why their bottles are priced higher, they probably don't want to undersell their distributors/local shops who support them so well. I don't think it's that uncommon of a practice for a brewery/bar to have higher prices on bottles than the local liquor stores.

 

Ya to echo this sentiment, the rare/great stuff that comes out in bottles from the Fulton street brew house typically don't end up on tap. They'll have some decent new seasonals made in the brewhouse, but there usually nothing to amazing. Every few weeks some great BA beer shows up but it usually lasts a day or two or even the great seasonals appear every so often. Also kinda pricey, any beer over 5% alc is immediately 7 bucks a pint. Go to rev, better food, better beer, better prices. Also rev offers 4oz samples of everything where goose doesn't.

 

Revolution.

 

Went to a few last night, Revolution is a great place, I think I would take it over GI, though I didn't eat there.

 

+1 to this. However, Revolution and Piece in a very close 2nd and 3rd.

 

Hmm, I only recall them pouring from bottles from behind the bar. Oh well.

 

I think from a more "interesting" location standpoint you're looking at Revolution. Piece and Haymarket are located in big hotspots (Haymarket's area is loaded with notable restaurants, including Next, Moto, Girl & the Goat, The Publican, and others, Piece is in an area loaded with bars and some decent restaurants as well). I think food is best at Goose Island Clybourn and Revolution, although with Haymarket's food being significantly improved from when they opened, I don't think any of them are bad on that front either (Piece really only serves pizza, but it's not some generic pizza, it's different than other places around here and darn good). There are beers I like at all of them. I think I like Revolution's regular lineup the best of the bunch, but the hop-heads might like Haymarket better.

Frankly it's hard to go too wrong. The atmosphere at Revolution and GI Clybourn is a little nicer, Piece and Haymarket have a bit more of a sports bar feel to them. I think general consensus is that GI Clybourn is nicer than GI Wrigleyville, so if you're going with a GI brewpub I'd stick with Clybourn.

 

Revolution.