West Loop/Randolph area recommendations?

What sort of restaurant vibe are you looking for? Au Cheval has great beer and arguably the best burgers in town. There's often a wait, but you can spend the wait next door at the Lone Wolf, which is a cool space that has always has FFF stuff pouring. Parlor Pizza also has a nice beer selection and solid food. Both Girl and the Goat and the Little Goat have pretty decent tap lists and amazing food, but Girl and the Goat is hard to get into and is more expensive.

 

I'll throw out the usual/obvious answer: get on the list at Au Cheval and then drink at Haymarket and/or Lone Wolf while waiting. Au Cheval has a solid list as well.

One of my favorites is Green Street Smoked Meats. Awesome bbq (though a bit overpriced) and a few decent craft options.

You could also try The Publican. I loved the food and their beer list was pretty extensive. It's pricey though and I haven't tried to get a table in a while.

 

Ill 3rd au cheval. Just get regular single because its actually a double. The double is actually a triple and is a bit much.

 

That seems like a good plan. I usually do Publican with friends and Little Goat with wife & kids. Have not cared for the food at Haymarket.

 

Go to Publican and get a pigpen booth for your party. Best option IMO in the west loop.

 

you should call in advance and make a reservation. Otherwise you'll be sitting at one of the communal tables. The booths are very cool. They can seat 4-6 people.

 

Be careful with Lone Wolf. I had a bad Zombie Dust in there a few weeks ago. That was my only experience with the place. Others likely have more data points to consider.

 

Cruz Blanca is Rick Bayless' Mexican brewpub. Publican Quality Meats is a cheaper option if you want to grab a bite and not go full $$$. Haymarket and Lone Wolf as mentioned are solid options.

 

Au Cheval for SURE to have the burger (with bacon). Haymarket if their taplist interests you (they make great beer).

Publican because BA favorite Vav is the beer manager (I hear the food is excellent too).

 

I'm not sure; they just opened a bar as well in the Wicker Park area so he may be there too. If you go, definitely see if he's around. Really nice dude, knows and loves his beer (he's the guy who makes their beer lists, after all).