Hi from the new guy

[Candymaker]

Hi all-
Like most new people, I've been a lurker for quite a bit, but now would like to start participating on this fine web site. I live in Chicago (for now). My biggest problem with this town is the lack of good beers that can be found. I grew up in WI, where things were so much more wide-ranging. Well, anyways, Hi, and I look forward to lots more beer learning and sharing with you all!

[BignJames]

Welcome to the board.

[dparsons]

Welcome aboard. Its a good group.

[skahtboi]

Allow me to echo the previous welcomes.

I am surprised to hear that Chicago has a lack of "good beer." This may just be a lack of knowing where to go, as I believe we have a few folks from the Windy City on this board. Maybe one of them will come along and give you some direction on where you can locate excellent beer there.

[steveh]

Where in Chicago are you? City proper or suburb?

Goose Island Lincoln Park or Wrigleyville
Rock Bottom Downtown
The Hop Leaf north of Wrigleyville
Delilah's Lincoln at Diversey
Clark Street Ale House downtown
Quenchers north of Bucktown at the Kennedy
The Maproom Bucktown
Piece Bucktown
Mac's West Division
Tuman's West Chicago Ave - Ukranian Village

If you want 'burbs we can continue.

'Nuff said?

Can you give us your definition of "good beer" or just what you're looking for.

S.

PS - like the Watterson (it is Watterson, isn't it?)

[steveh]

Where'd he go..? Maybe they can't get him outta the Maproom?

S.

[Mill Rat]

I think part of the problem may be the way Illinois antiquated 3-tier distribution system presents some high hurdles to those wanting to get shelf space, or outright chases them away, a la Bells. You won't see the same depth of variety in the package stores here as in Cheeseland, but a bit less variety does not mean that quality brews are lacking. There's always northbound road trips, too.

[Candymaker]

First, thank you all for the advice and the beer spots. I think I should probably edit a bit what I had said before. I haven't lived in Chicago for that long (Evanston actually, and working in Schaumburg) so I just haven't had the time to properly explore yet, and what little exploration I've done was slow at best. I did know about the distribution a little - I know Bells is a lost brew here.

[steveh]

Candy, in Evanston look into Schaefer's or Evanston First Liquors for some good selections -- then get over to Tommy Nevin's for a good pint and some great atmosphere. There's also a bar next door that usually has some good brew on tap.

Out in Schaumburg you can find the Ram (ask for a non-chilled glass) and Prairie Rock brew-pubs. I think there was a Rock Bottom out there somewhere too. Plus, you aren't far from Emmett's in West Dundee.

Back toward Evanston you should venture into the city from there to the places I mentioned above -- they're gonna have selections that will blow you away.

S.