Before you say to yourself, "great, another where do I go in Chicago thread" let me preface this post by saying that I have done a lot of research and just have a few questions. Which of the following has the best food? Goose Island Clybourn Local Option Revolution Hay Market Piece Brewery and Pizzeria I've come up with this list of places that I'm considering checking out: Aside from the above mentioned breweries there's Half Acre and Penrose. Penrose looks cool but is it worth the trip? As far as bars/eateries are concerned I've come up with Map Room, Hopleaf, The Publican, Kuma's Corner, Fischman Liquors and Tavern, The Bad Apple, Clark Street Alehouse, Fountainhead, Jerry's, Small Bar Division, Monks Pub, Bangers & Lace, Owen & Engine. Bottle shops: Beer Temple, Binnys(three locations), Puerto Rico Food Mart, Archer Liquors, West Lakeview Liquors, Capone's Liquor and Food. Please help me narrow down this ridiculous list! Should I avoid any of these and have I left out any must-visit places? All opinions/advice would be greatly appreciated. I almost forgot, I'm coming into town during the last three days of CCBW. Are there any cool events going on that aren't listed on the chibeerweek site? Thanks in advance for any and all suggestions.
I can highly recommend going to kumas corner. Great beer selection, though a bit pricey, and the best burger you've ever eaten. Guaranteed.
Looks like you got all the places to go. Revolution has good food, we ate there 2 days in a row one trip up. Hopleaf, Bad Apple are also fun joints, though, the Hopleaf can get extreamly busy.
I voted Revolution but most have really good food (I honestly don't remember whether LO's is any good or not). Side note: If anyone reading happens to be looking for excellent vegan food from Chicago breweries/bars: Tofu Revolution Sandwich (Revolution) Vegan Burger and Vegan Chili (Haymarket) Vegan Pork Slaw Sandwich (Northdown)
All of those are solid choices. I bolded some standouts I think visitors would enjoy the most from your "Aside" list. I don't see it on here but in general I actually prefer Small Bar Logan Square to the Division location, but maybe that's just me. (Division has had more CCBW events though).
Hopleaf is, by far, the best food I've had at a brewpub in Chicago. The Brisket is unbelievably good.
I'd advise you to skip Fountainhead... you're more than covered on great food and beer in your list. The Fountainhead's beer list is decent, but their food is beyond sub-par. If you're in that area, Bad Apple should more than suffice.
I haven't been to all those spots you asked about. However, I say go to Hopleaf, I will never visit Chicago again without finding my way there.
I'm surprised there aren't more votes for Local Option. I like Revolution's food, especially the potato salad, but those tacos at Local Option are awesome.
I respect the opinion offered here and agree you'll get a great burger at Kuma's. The music will be loud, however, and the beer selection when I've been to both locations is solid at best, not great (IMO). Depends on what kind of atmosphere OP may be looking for. Go to REV if you want kick-ass food and beer....who knows, you might even see Olivia Wilde there
To add, if you decide to go to the west burbs for penrose (their beers are great, I haven't been to the tap room though), solemn oath is not out of the way. Penrose just started tours also, tix sold online ($10 gets the tour, a beer, and a glass). Half acres tour is cool also, but you'll have to line up 20 minutes early to assure a spot.
Thanks a lot to everyone that has posted in this thread and voted in the poll. It has been very helpful. I ended up going to Revolution when we arrived on Thursday night and was really impressed with the place. Cool atmosphere, good beers and the best food I've ever had at a brewpub. My wife and I ordered two pizzas including the Steakhouse which came with horseradish bechamel, smoked brisket, pickled red onion, roasted shitake mushrooms, Gorgonzola, arugula and shaved Parmesan! It's hard to describe how good that tasted. So far I've also been able to hit up Map Room(awesome bar!), Goose Island Clybourne(didn't eat there), Binnys South Loop, Binnys Lincoln Park(very cool taproom) and The Paramount Room for a FFF/Surly event. Thanks again for all of the suggestions! I'm looking forward to further exploring the city.
Ya done good so far. :-) If you can make it over to Hopleaf I am sure you would enjoy it. Opens @ noon.
Dry Hop has pretty good food. Local option's jambalaya and po boys are top grade. And Kumas is just GFS meat piled high with random stuff, not really my thing, and im a metal head. I think bad apple is a better place to go for a burger and craft beer and you can eat it at half acre. Hopleaf has been solid but pricey for me.
Kuma's Corner is amazing! I would stay here drinking and stuffing my face all night but unfortunately I made the trip solo and have to drive back. I also hit up West Lakeview Liquors and The Beer Temple on the way here. Both places had great selections and very good service. Cheers!
