Two Nights in Chicago

Understood, but aren't you also making big assumptions based on speculation?

 

No, I’m taking two unrelated instances and using one to justify the other for humorous purposes -it’s the multiverse
of the absurd.

 

Ah. I see. I think.

We need an emoji for MotA.

 

I haven’t been to Chicago since 2019, but Navigator was a good stop if you like a variety of styles. Also close to Revolution. Cheers

 

Are there any good pre-game spots with craft on tap near Guaranteed Rate Field? Hoping to catch the game on Sunday afternoon. What about inside the park? Thanks in advance!

 

Maria's Packaged Goods
960 W 31st St
Chicago Il 60608
773-890-0588

Also, Marz Brewing ain't too far away, but I can't say I recommend them personally.

 

Will Maria’s be open before the game? I tried stopping there for lunch on a weekend and they didn’t open until 3pm. Went to Marz instead, which was fine. But that was pre-pandemic, so maybe it’s changed?

 

There was a place called Craft Kave in the ballpark that had a really good selection, including a good amount of Hop Butcher (or at least they used to). It's now apparently called the Craft Lodge, and it sounds like it's similar, but I don't know.

 

Looking online, Maria's still doesn't open until 3 pm on Sunday. Neither of you seem to have a ringing endorsement for Marz. Might have to go with the Craft Lodge. Thanks again!

 

What, getting swept at home last wknd wasn't enough for you Massachusetts fans? lol jk

I wouldn't by any means rate Marz as low quality... Their pricing has been a bit off-putting, and Chicago has since become so saturated with high quality breweries, Marz is not on most people's radars these days. But then again, the majority of people on this forum aren't South Siders for the most part, so Marz might very well be on the radar of people that live in that area...

The point is, if you're pregaming for a Sox game, it's def worth a stop. I'd suggest starting at Whiner Beer Co for some funky saisons (really cool taproom), moving on to Marz (for haze, stouts, etc), then on to the newly renamed "Leinenkugel’s Craft Lodge" (formerly the "Craft Kave") for in-game needs.

article on new deal with Molson Coors & Craft Kave renaming-
https://chicago.eater.com/2022/3/29...r-guaranteed-rate-field-baseball-goose-island

from article:
"Many Sox fans were wondering about the status of the Craft Kave, the bar and restaurant under the right field bleachers that offers field-level views through the opposing team’s bullpen. While that area will be renamed the Leinenkugel’s Craft Lodge, a White Sox spokesperson assures that the beer selection — which has included brews from independent makers from all over the city and Northwest Indiana — will not be affected. Fans can expect the coolers to remain stocked with a wide variety of suds."

EDIT- Whiner opens at 1p on Sundays, but could always go for post-game beers...

 

Another pregame spot in relative vicinity of Sox park is craft bar Fatpour (McCormick location) in the South Loop neighborhood. Looks like they have 5 BCS variants/vintages on tap, plus BCS bottle choices. Original location in Wicker Park has great bar food, so I assume this newer location does as well. With 10a open, this is prob your best craft pregame option based on 1:10p game time Sunday.

South Loop breweries to consider (appears hours won't work for pregame Sunday, but listing for other potential visitors):
Duneyrr Artisan Fermenta Project
Moody Tongue (culinary focus, 2 Michelin Stars)

Pilsen neighborhood:
Lo Rez Brewing

Pilsen is known for Mexican restaurants- check out Cantón Regio. It's more traditional Northern-Mexican-style ("arrachera-style") where you order meat by the kilo, make your own tacos, etc. They also have meat skewers that are essentially enormous shish kebabs- order a shrimp skewer! It's BYOB & there's a bottle shop across the street with surprisingly good craft options (although I enjoy guzzling Pacifico's with my Mexican food ).

Cheers!

 

Haha! I'm actually a Yankees fan living in Boston and excited to see them play at Guaranteed Rate (first time at the park). Thanks for recommendations, looks like FatPour and Marz pre-game with Whiner potentially on the post-game agenda. Cheers!

 

Haha, figured you were prob a Yankees fan. Had they pulled off W last night, you'd be the ones on verge of a road sweep, and I may have been eating my own words! lol. Full disclosure: I'm actually a Cubs fan, but pull for both squads. Being from a family that supports both teams, I grew up going to both stadiums.

Love those throwback uni's Sox are rocking today, and your starting pitcher's mustache (Nestor Cortes) is hilarious lol. Hell of a lineup you guys have this year. Hope you had some solid pregame brews, and are enjoying the game, cheers!

 

I’m going to be in Chicago this September for a two-day conference in the Itasca/Elk Grove Village area. I plan to make a trip to Beer Temple, but any good breweries in that section of the city? I love lagers, Belgians, and BA stouts if it helps.

 

Don't miss Church Street right there in Itasca. They hit the mark on lagers, bocks, and stouts.

 

Bring a camping permit to the Beer Temple, you could spend a day there. Church Street in Itasca and Mikerphone in Elk Grove Village should be a quick drive. More Brewing in Villa Park is eight to ten miles south of Elk Grove Village.

 

This map is super up to date. I use it all the time.

https://www.guysdrinkingbeer.com/chicago-craft-beer-map/

 

Solid Map!

This area is my "Beer Ground Zero" these days. My favorite breweries close by are Revolution and Maplewood.

DMen Bar always has a few Three Floyds beers on tap and typically a few other good drafts available and good food. Frank & Mary's is a great place for lunch, Kuma's Corner is also nearby for food options, The Beer Temple allows food to be brought in or delivered.

 

Both Dovetail Brewery and Begyle Brewery are relatively close to Beer Temple. Both have cans to go. Dovetail makes some of the best German and Czech style beers. Getting off-topic a bit, Smoque BBQ, https://smoquebbq.com/, is not far from Beer Temple and has mighty fine BBQ, if you're hungry. Fair warning, they can be incredibly busy during meal-times. If you go during prime-time, you might be better off arranging a pick-up order and taking it back to Itasca.

You'll have a bit of travelling, going from Itasca/Elk Grove Village. Use Google maps to plan your travel times. Especially so if you're thinking of going during rush hour! Rush hour traffic can be hideous around here.

 

Une Annee/Hubbards Cave will definitely check some boxes for those beers -- it's two "breweries" as 1 entity in the same building. Une Annee is the more Sour/Wild/Belgian side and Hubbard's Cave does IPAs (hazy and clear) as well as the stouts. Also some really great BBQ! They're in Des Plaines, so should be on the route between Elk Grove Vlg and the city. Open at noon everyday except Tuesdays.