Pilot Project Brewing

Some info here when it opened last month.
https://blockclubchicago.org/2019/0...pstart-and-experimental-brewers-opens-friday/

 

I've been following on IG, I want to swing by when I'm in that hood. It looks like they've got a setup similar to District Brewyards, with multiple companies (including a hard kombucha brand) under one room. Sounds cool.

 

What's the word on this place? Visiting Chicago next month and was wondering if I should put it on my itinerary.

 

I stopped in this afternoon and had a couple beers while I finished my workday. A few thoughts:

The space is very well designed and offers a welcome variety of seating options in addition to the bar, including lounge chairs, small tables, benches/tables, and the requisite trendy large communal tables. Pretty open/airy with good light, not cramped at all. Felt typical of where the neighborhood has gone design-wise.

The atmosphere was very conducive to work and/or casual conversation. Music was tasteful but somewhat unremarkable - it was good for the background but not obnoxious. The space felt more like a contemporary coffee shop - similar to what I’d go for if I was opening a taproom with extended hours like this one.

I only had two beers so I’m not going to make a permanent judgement (House DIPA and a coffee brown from one of their hosted brands). I will say it was passable but not impressive. I felt they were overpriced at $8 per (not including an extra 10% tax or cc service charge, didn’t pay attention which it was). My house is about the same distance from Maplewood - for my money, I’d rather go there to hang out with friends or do some “serious” drinking. Far better beer for the price and I’m fine dealing with the quirks of their space.

I want to like Pilot Project - as an active homebrewer in the neighborhood I generally support their concept. I’ll give them another shot but next time I’ll probably go the taster route so I get a more full picture of the offerings while keeping the tab low.