I did not see an recent postings on this topic so thought to start one. I will be traveling out from the east coast spending a couple days in Springfield, Illinois this week. Where can I find good beer (bottle shop or restaurant)? The only spots I have found that look promising are Friar Tuck, Famous Liquors and then Craft Beer Bar. The area seems like a craft deadzone. Am I missing anything? Thanks in advance!
An old coworker went to Obed and Isaacs and liked it. Springfield is a deadzone in an all around general sense.
Springfield is pretty much a deadzone as far as I'm aware. If you're willing to do any sort of driving, you'd have way better luck in Bloomington-Normal or Champaign.
I read as much. I'm flying into St. Louis and driving up from there so likely not going to add another hour plus to my travels. Will keep fingers crossed something appears to rely on my stops around St Louis on the way up.
If you have time after you land hit up the St. Louis offerings. Perennial, Side Project, Urban Chestnut and 4Hands. I am sure some St. Louis folks can point out some other places as well.
Definitely have 4 Hands, Urban Chestnut and also Schlafly to stop by before heading up to Springfield. Is there any difference in the two Urban Chestnut spots other than location and food offerings? I assume the serve the same beers. My plan with Schlafly is to stop by the Locust St. location as I hear that was their original spot. Unfortunately, I will be gone by the time Perennial and Side Project Open up on Wed and when I return on Friday flight leaves a couple hours before they open up. I was really hoping to try Abraxas from the source but it's not meant to be this year.
Here is another thread with some info (more recent info at the bottom) http://www.beeradvocate.com/community/threads/headed-to-springfield-illinois.112908
Thanks. That was the only one I saw when searching for threads. The most recent post was 9 months ago and not much detail which led me to assume I'm going to BFE so better stock up in St. Louis.
Obed and Issacs is a decent microbrew/restaurant. Last time I was there Craft Beer Bar and Brew Haus were places where there were a reasonable number of non-BMC brews, although both were somewhat dive bar like in ambiance.
Used to live in Springfield, but it was before I truly got into craft beer (because STL has much more enthusiasts and options). Obed & Isaac's is a decent little spot. The Craft Beer Bar is continually getting better from what I've heard. Friar Tuck is an ok bottle shop. Definitely grab some STL stuff. Stinks you can't go to Perennial/Side Project since those are two of my favorite in St. Louis. I really like 4 Hands and Schlafly, but not a huge fan of anything after the most popular few UCBC beers although their two locations are worth the visit alone. Enjoy your trip and see if you can't find any Destihl brews while you are in Illinois. Cheers!
not sure I can score those. Super rare and probably held behind bulletproof glass for only serious collectors! I did make a couple stops in St. Louis and have good supply to hold me a couple days. Grabbed dinner last night at Obed & Isaacs. Food was good and the beer was good too. They should really market that place as being next to Abe Lincoln's crib. Not sure what I will find out in the wild tonight but will probably dig through Friar Tuck's and grab a couple at Craft Beer Bar. now that I am here I can see how the craft scene is a bit elusive. Maybe a little underground for locals who know how to get there!
Engrained Brewing is bit outside of Springfield center but had pretty good food and fairly good beer, think I really like their Irish Red and APA and IPA were pretty good. There is not much in Springfield for craft beer but think Obed & Isaacs (really liked their coffee brown) and Engrained where not even there about 3 or 4 years back, so it is improving.
I was going to check out Craft Beer Bar but decided on Engrained since it was closer to my hotel. What I would expect from a "commercial" brewery/restaurant. Beer was ok but nothing that stood out. Had yhe Oatmeal Stout (for stout day) and also the APA. meh on both but they were good. At Obed & Isaacs last night I did have the Upside Brown Coffee Ale and really enjoyed it. Never made it to Friar Tuck since I have a good supply from St. Louis I brought with me to work through. I think I will have a small sliver of time (30 mins) tomorrow to hit up Side Project before catching the flight home.
