Long Weekend In Chicago

[threecb]

Hey all,

The wife and i have planned a long weekend trip to Chicago in late June (fly out of EWR Fri. AM, fly back Mon PM) and are looking for best brew suggestions. We won't have a car (mass transit and hoofin' it!) so our options are a bit limited and we wanna do some touristy stuff, too. This'll be our first time, and the time that we have will be short, so I'm looking for the best Brewpubs in the area -- rank them best to worst if you want. Any comments would be a help. Also, would Flossmoor Station be worth the train ride out for dinner, or will that just eat up too much time for an average experience?

We're also planning on going to Pittsburgh for the Penn Brewfest the first weekend in June and will be looking for info in that area, too. But I'll post about that in the Mid-Atlantic forum.

Thanks,
steve

[TEDBROCK]

What area of Chicago are you staying in?

[threecb]

downtown...in the Loop (?)

[TEDBROCK]

My wife and I lived around several areas of Chicago and I think for where you will be staying, your trip would not be complete without going to Goose Island. GREAT beer, good food in a safe neighborhood. You may not want to leave. To find out more check out gooseisland.com. Also, 1949 N. Hoyne is the Map Room. I've not been there but all say it is a mecca. It is not a brewery but has an unpresidented selection of beers. Check out maproom.com. There are some reviews at pubcrawler.com. Close to the loop there is a Rock Bottom Brewery which will do in a pinch. They are a chain as you probably know, but close to the loop. Yes, Flossmore Station would be worth it. OUTSTANDING! However, as you can tell by a map that it is a considerable distance from the Loop. I don't know for sure how close the Metra commuter train will get you there. This would be a big excursion so be sure to pack a couple growlers for the train ride home. If you behave, you can drink beer on the Metra. Ride in the handicap accessable car it has a large bathroom and newer seats. Check out Flossmorestation.com. I envy you my friend. So much beer, so little time. Ein prost. Ted.

[threecb]

Thanks Ted!

I have found out that Flossmoor is right in the Train Station at the Flossmoor stop (how convenient!) and it's under an hour ride, so, barring any negative comments from other posters, I think we'll make the journey. Which Goose Island do you reccommend? I'm guessing the Clyborne one? I heard that the Wrigleyville one gets nuts on game days, and it's a Cubs v. White Sox game that weekend (we were gonna go to a game, but with the crosstown rivals playing it's sold out :-( ).

If we don't get to all that we want this trip, we'll just have to go again ;-)

[TEDBROCK]

Dude --- It sounds like you have got a great plan. I hope Flossmore Station has their barley wine.WOW! Don't forget those growlers for the way home. Don't miss the Goose on Clybourne. You will not be disappointed. Have fun. Ted.

[steveh]

I'll second everything Ted has mentioned - adding that the Rock Bottom in Chicago has improved greatly over the years. I've never been to Flossmore and have heard mixed reviews.

Another possibility is Piece, a pizzeria/brewpub just to the west of the Loop on North Ave (the same North Ave that crosses Clyborne right near Goose Island Lincoln Park). http://www.piecechicago.com/ It's a small brewpub and keeps some "guest" beers on tap as well, but you'll opt for the house beers anyway. The brewmaster is an ex-assistant at GI.

BTW - although GI Lincoln Park is in a decent neighborhood, from the Loop you have the probability of traveling through some dodgy areas - a definite cab ride. And although the Map Room's address is Hoyne, it's on the corner of Armitage and Hoyne. Armitage being a bigger, more recognized artery.

There are smaller "beer bars" in other neighborhoods, but I think you have your trip cracked out for you now. If you're staying longer I can give you some ideas.

S.

[threecb]

Thanks for the tips!

I did read something about Piece during research...it seems like a pretty cool place. And I just found out that the hotel we're staying at is around the block from RB, so maybe i'll hit it just cuz it's there!

If I were to take mass transit to GI during the day, would you say it's ok to do. Cab fare one way would be much cheaper! (fyi, i ride the NYC subways all the time, so i know dodgy ;-) )

I think, then, that it'll be:

GI-Clybourne
Piece
Map Room
Flossmoor
Rock Bottom (due to proximity!)

maybe in between the beers i'll go to Navy Pier and the Sears Tower %-p

thanks again,
steve

[steveh]

There's an El stop on Clybourn and Armitage, but it's a fair walk south to GI. There's also another stop west on North Ave, and that's a fair walk north (and east) to GI. Given a choice, I'd get off at Armitage and walk south to 1800 Clybourn - it's a much prettier walk.

Red, Brown and Purple lines from downtown run north. However, the Red and Purple lines both stop right at Addison, next to Wrigley Field, and it's a straight shot to the back door of Goose Wrigleyville from the station steps!

http://www.transitchicago.com/maps/systemmaps.html Check the North Side and Downtown map sections.

If it's a nice day, check out the view from Rock Bottom's roof-top beer garden - I think it's still open (unless da Mayor closed it down). And if there's a girl named Jenny pouring, say hi from Steve! An old co-worker is tending bar there now - I have some free beers waiting with my name on them!

The Art Institute is worth an off-pub-crawl trip too.

Have fun!

Steve

[threecb]

This is gonna be great!
(said like Flounder in Animal House...)

We shall be sure to raise our pints in a toast to you!

[Bman]

When you all make to the Goose try the free homemade chips-also walk across the street from GI to Sam's Wine-one of the best beer stores around-great Midwest selection-