I was in Chicago at a conference for three nights earlier this week, and I got to check out some local/regional beer in the small amount of off-time that I had. Searching Google Maps for "craft beer" near the hotel (Hyatt Regency on E. Wacker Drive) gave me a map that looked like it had the measles, so I easily stayed within walking distance of the hotel. Hats off to Sweetwater Tavern and Grille on Michigan Ave. (now in the BA Places queue)- 25 taps (I think it was) and only 2 of them macro; knowledgeable staff to go along with the beer. Hit them up the first night, and they had 3 Floyds' Gumballhead on their rotating 3 Floyds tap. This was the first time I'd had it, and it is aptly-named; very interesting blend of flavor/aroma hops and smooth-drinking as hell; I put back three of them without noticing what the hell I was doing, along with some world-class wings. I skipped a conference-related mixer to come here; turned out the mixer was at Sweetwater, so I joined in the dinner- had an ace bacon cheddar burger and switched to local Revolution Brewing's Anti-Hero IPA (on tap) at the recommendation of the manager. Great recommendation- it was assertive enough that I could tell I was drinking an IPA through the food, and what made it through the burger reminded me of Bell's Two Hearted (which is a good thing in my book). The hotel bar downstairs (not the Big Bar) had Revolution's Bottom Up Wit in cans, and I had a few of those here and there in transit from A to B. Exactly how I like a witbier: nice prominent banana/clove spice, prominent clean wheat flavor, and tasty yeast. The wings were great here as well. Had dinner at Giordano's the second night, first time having authentic Chicago deep-dish pizza, and it was frigging amazing, filling as all hell, too. More Anti-Hero was the perfect companion. I'd never eat pizza anywhere but here if it wasn't about a thousand miles from the house. Third night was back to Sweetwater, and the Gumballhead had kicked; they had Yum Yum instead, and it lived up to its name as well. Another new beer to me, and it was my kind of APA: the focus is on a delicious blend of aroma/flavor hops rather than the bittering hops. Went great with an excellent Philly steak sandwich and some top-notch tater tots. So, thank you to the BA's of Chicago, for creating such a great craft beer scene! I enjoyed my brief time there immensely. Where should I go next time I'm in that part of Chicago?
Northdown cafe, local option, goose island clybourn, LP Binnys (which is behind goose), hopleaf, haymarket, half acre, fischmans...and if you have a car, just drive to floyds and enjoy some great beer and food (along with some metal and obscure TV/movies) but make sure you take a side trip to 18th street brewery in Gary Indiana/miller beach...end transmission
Judging by your handle, you would like Kuma's Corner or Kuma's Too (same restaurant/different locations). I recommend Kuma's Too, since it's in a bigger location. But, the burgers are awesome and named after heavy metal bands. They always have good beer on tap, and a nice selection of bottles.
Thanks for the feedback. Many post about where to go,but we do not post how their trip went.A winner with the beer and the Chicago style deep dish pizza.
Sounds like you had a kickass time here and I would expect no less. Glad to hear you were able to have some great food and great beer!!! Next time you plan a visit here, let me know. I'll give you some of my personal recommendations.
Yeah, that's what led me to make this post... wanted to give some feedback and say "thanks" after the fact.
