Chicago Beer Bars/Pubs/Gardens

[Insidious Rex]

Hey it looks like Ill be in Chicago in a few weeks and I need recommendations on where to go for really good beer selection. It seems like there are a million places and neighborhood beer gardens and such and I only have so much time so was wondering what locals thought were the cant miss places. Will hit them during the day then the blues joints at night. Also, where do you get the best deep dish in Chicago now? Maybe a good pizza and beer place to knock off two birds with one stone.

[Bruno_78]

Ok, I think I can make a recommendation here. It's not deep dish pizza, but it's still really good, Piece is a brewpub. Good beer, very respectable. From there, Map Room is just a few blocks north, Just about the best beer bar in town.

The best beer bar has got to be, hands down, Clark St. Ale House on, you guessed it, Clark St. 700 block north.

Both of those place usually have a cask offering. There are lots of other good places around those neighborhoods, but those should keep you pretty busy.

Let us know when you're going to be around, some of us may join you. Never pass up an opportunity for a Chi-town pub crawl!

[brewcrew76]

Bruno pretty much covered the must stops. Although I am not a huge fan of Piece it is a good beer/pizza combo. Other must stops I feel are Hopleaf 5148 N. Clark and Goose Island (Clybourn) 1800 N. Clybourn.

If you want a good beer garden I would suggest Sheffield's. Nice indoor/outdoor area with several good beers on tap.

[GooseIslandFan]

As you can probably guess, I second the recommendation of going to Goose Island. I was just at Rock Bottom (One West Grand Avenue) last week and they had a couple of excellent barrel aged beers on tap. They also have a nice roof top bar.

Where pizza is concerned my favorite is Giordano's. I usually don't go for the chain places, but they are consistently friendly and they have a bunch of locations easily accessable from anywhere in the city.

[chazwicke]

Originally posted by brewcrew76
Goose Island (Clybourn) 1800 N. Clybourn.

I.

And this is right across the street from Sams a fairly decent beer/ liquor store.

I'll second Clarks too. I enjoyed my visit there especially the batch 6000 and the cask Bells Two hearted.

[Insidious Rex]

Great recommendations all. Im furiously taking notes... Hopefully I can hit a lot of these places in the three days and two nights Ill be in town... Wonder if the Cubs will be in town...

[Bruno_78]

Geez! How could I have forgotten Goose Island? It's not too far out of the way at all, and the Sunday tours/tastings are well worth the $3.

[Ill hophead]

I say go to the Map Room for sure. It's right off 90/94 at Armitage and Hoyne. Coolest bartenders and great tap selection. And as always I have to mention the Edgewater at 5600 n. Ashland. Nice little neighborhood bar with outdoor seating. They're the only place in town (or in the state for that matter) that gets the limited edition Rogue Ales, and they have some decent food too.

[steveh]

Originally posted by Ill hophead
I say go to the Map Room for sure.

The Map Room had 2 great Saisons on tap last week, one micro and one Belgian (have them in my notes I left at home), and 3 Floyds' Pride and Joy on cask - among many other great brews available.

My friend and I did our patented "Bucktown Pub Crawl" from Charleston's to Map Room to Lottie's to Lemming's and a brief stop at the Blue Line (bar, not the el stop) where I made a list of all the great beers we drank -- for anyone thinking good beer isn't available in Chicago or the U.S. Summit Hefeweizen, mmmm.

S.

[Ill hophead]

The Map Room had 2 great Saisons on tap last week, one micro and one Belgian Yeah, I had the Saison Dupont last time I was in there. Excellent beer. The Map Room has about 10 Belgians on tap at all time and Mondays are $1 off Belgians. Hey, today is monday. Hmmm.....
The micro Saison they have is from Victory. I had it at Firkin last week and it was pretty good but I really haven't had an American saison that has the tartness of a good Belgian.
I think the cask right now is Two Hearted and Hopdevil is coming up next. I'd like to give that Hopdevil a try off the beer engine.
You can check out the Map Room's tap selections on thier website at www.maproom.com if anyone's interested.

[Insidious Rex]

Yeah Ive had the maproom recommended by several "independent" sources now. So Ill definetly get up there. Hopleaf has also been mentioned a bit. Looks like Im staying fairly close to the Clark Stret Ale House so that may be my first stop on Thursday night. Look for the guy with the Skull Splitter t shirt. ;) Friday I head to china town for dim sum then its back to the booz and blues cruise by afternoon/evening.

Another quick question: Gino's, Uno's and Due's? Which one is best? Was told those are the traditional traditional deep dish places. Was told Giordano's is excellent but its stuffed pizza.

[steveh]

Originally posted by Insidious Rex
Another quick question: Gino's, Uno's and Due's? Which one is best? Was told those are the traditional traditional deep dish places. Was told Giordano's is excellent but its stuffed pizza.

They're all "stuffed" in the Chicago sense of the term - it's really another way we describe the typical Chi style - deep pan crust, thin layer of tomato sauce, layer of fresh sliced Mozz, layer of ingredient choices (unless you like sausage patty pizza, ask them to crumble it, or go with the pepperoni), thick topping of tomato sauce, shredded Mozz and Parmesan blend to top it off.

There's really no picking the best based on everyone's tastes - but Uno and Due (same ownership) are the original of the style. All of them also carry a thin-crust, possibly even double-decker (2 layers of crust - too much in my mind).

The Art of Pizza (http://metromix.chicagotribune.com/search/35890,0,2195090.venue) is a new, independent, up-and-comer that has gotten great reviews, though I haven't checked them out yet. Check out that web site home for more ideas too.

S.

[steveh]

Originally posted by Ill hophead
Yeah, I had the Saison Dupont...The micro Saison they have is from Victory. I had it at Firkin last week and it was pretty good but I really haven't had an American saison that has the tartness of a good Belgian.

That's them! You need to pick up some of the Hennepin stuff HH, great brews to style and Armanetti's has great prices on the 750ml bottles.

S.

[chazwicke]

Originally posted by steveh
They're all "stuffed" in the Chicago sense of the term - it's really another way we describe the typical Chi style - deep pan crust, thin layer of tomato sauce, layer of fresh sliced Mozz, layer of ingredient choices (unless you like sausage patty pizza, ask them to crumble it, or go with the pepperoni), thick topping of tomato sauce, shredded Mozz and Parmesan blend to top it off.

There's really no picking the best based on everyone's tastes - but Uno and Due (same ownership) are the original of the style. All of them also carry a thin-crust, possibly even double-decker (2 layers of crust - too much in my mind).

The Art of Pizza (http://metromix.chicagotribune.com/search/35890,0,2195090.venue) is a new, independent, up-and-comer that has gotten great reviews, though I haven't checked them out yet. Check out that web site home for more ideas too.

S.


I was not enthusiastic over my pizza at Due.

[steveh]

Originally posted by chazwicke
I was not enthusiastic over my pizza at Due.

There was a certain reason for that, wasn't there? Something about the type of tomato sauce? I think that falls under the many different tastes we all have. I've had pizza at Uno and Due in the past and always enjoyed it. Then again, I enjoy Gino's and Giordanos and Nancy's and Eduardo's....

S.

[Ill hophead]

Another quick question: Gino's, Uno's and Due's? Which one is best?I like Gino's but I think my favorite is Lou Malnati's. Haven't had Uno in many years so I don't remember what it's like.

(unless you like sausage patty pizza, ask them to crumble it, or go with the pepperoni)Dude, you gotta get the whole sausage patty. Sausage in every bite! Definitely the way to go IMO.

[steveh]

Originally posted by Ill hophead
Dude, you gotta get the whole sausage patty. Sausage in every bite! Definitely the way to go IMO.

Sometimes just a leeetle too much for me. And yeah, can't forget Lou's - but Connie's is still my favorite.

S.

[steveh]

Originally posted by steveh
My friend and I did our patented "Bucktown Pub Crawl" from Charleston's to Map Room to Lottie's to Lemming's and a brief stop at the Blue Line (bar, not the el stop) where I made a list of all the great beers we drank --

So here's the list of beers we had on our journey:

Sierra Nevada Pale Ale
Goose Island 312
Huber Bock (yeah, I gave it another try - not bad actually)
Great Lakes Holy Moses Wit (yum)
Saison Du Pont (more yum)
Victory Saison (very good)
Bell's Oberon ('nuff said)
Summit Hefeweizen (a good Bavarian style)
Rogue Shakespear Stout
Goose Island Honkers

All were on tap except the Huber and Honkers, not a bad evening.

S.

[steveh]

Originally posted by steveh
You need to pick up some of the Hennepin stuff

Sorry - I meant to say Ommegang here, Hennepin is the name of their Saison.

S.

http://www.ommegang.com/index.php?mcat=1&scat=3

[Richard English]

I enjoyed the Two Brothers I had at Mac's - over a year ago now - doesn't time fly!

[brewcrew76]

Originally posted by steveh
The Map Room had 2 great Saisons on tap last week,

S.

What day were you at the Maproom? I was there Saturday afternoon. Maybe we bumped into each other.

[Insidious Rex]

Well what a trip. The Map Room was amazing. Went there twice actually because they were doing some "Beer School" thing with a ten beer line up of wheats on Saturday which turned into a wild adventure... Loved Hopleaf too. Geez Ive never seen so many Belgians on tap. I didnt even know they came kegged. I mean Gouden Carolus?? Wow. Clark Street Ale House was good but the "beer garden" was just a fenced in slab of cement in the alley. Great juke box though. Went to a few other places that didnt disapoint either. My only regret was I didnt get to go to Goose Island. And I didnt even know they had a second one now!

Wound up going to Giordano's for pizza since we were right off Michigan there. Now if yer not used to getting good chicago deep dish whenever you want it then most any of those places (I would imagine) blow your mind. I think the girlfriend had an orgasm right there at the table actually... She wanted to order three more and have them frozen and take them home. :D

Dim Sum at the Phoenix House was good too. Didnt know Chicago had such a big China Town. The DC one is like two blocks. Cant wait to get back there.

[steveh]

Originally posted by brewcrew76
What day were you at the Maproom? I was there Saturday afternoon. Maybe we bumped into each other.

Sorry - hadn't seen this note, I was there Thursday evening, the 18th.

S.

[steveh]

Originally posted by Insidious Rex
Dim Sum at the Phoenix House was good too. Didnt know Chicago had such a big China Town. The DC one is like two blocks. Cant wait to get back there.

The south-side China Town, or the North Side China Town? :D

BTW - I think you can order Giordano's or Gino's off the web.

Was there a cask-conditioned ale on tap at Clark Street Ale House?

S.

[Insidious Rex]

They had a Bell’s pale I think and another that I dont recall. They had nice size sampling portions there for $1. I tried pretty much the whole tap menu.

BTW - I think you can order Giordano's or Gino's off the web.

Yeah I saw that too. Think I just might do that for the girlfriends birthday next month. Shed be floored. Too bad you cant get any meat toppings though. They wont mail them.

[Ill hophead]

Rex, I'm glad you enjoyed your stay in Chicago. I'm glad you got to check out the Map Room and got to try some chicago style pizza.

I was at the Map Room today and ended up spending at least 7 hours there. Definitely the longest time I've ever spent at one bar in a day. Here's what I had to drink, in order, I think....

Anderson Valley Belk's ESB
North Coast Red Seal
Sierra Nevada Harvest Ale
Fantome Chocolat (brewed with cocoa and chili peppers, mmm...)
Cantillon Kriek (no sugar added, tart and sour)
a Jagermeister like shot called "Kabanas"?
Three Floyd's Gumballhead
Bosteels Kwak
Herold Black Lager
BBK Marzen
Dogfish Head 90 Minute IPA

Met one of the brewers from 3 Floyds, hooked me up with a Dreadnaut bomber (Thanks Barnaby!). And it was international night so I got a plate of Polish food (beef steak with mushroom sauce, kielbasa with sauerkraut, and pierogies). Thanks to Chad, Tom, Barnaby, Brad, , Jay, Aaron, Woody, and the other guy working the bar. I had a great time today!

Also, later on I met up with Tom at the Edgewater and tried Rogue's Schwartzbier and got to drink some 3F Pride and Joy that Barnaby brewed. What a great day!

[steveh]

Originally posted by Ill hophead
I was at the Map Room today and ended up spending at least 7 hours there. Definitely the longest time I've ever spent at one bar in a day.

Wow. Even I find that excessive! I thought you worked man - how the heck can you spend (afford?) a whole Tuesday at a tavern?

S.

[Bruno_78]

Mmmmm, Map Room!

[Ill hophead]

Actually I don't work. I'm starting back to work later this week so I was taking advantage of one of my last few days of not working. And spending some of my future paycheck. I didn't plan on staying there all day, it just worked out that way. After I got home last night I had a couple homebrews and well, my brain is not functioning properly today. Yes, it was definitely excessive.

[Insidious Rex]

Thats great though. :D Most people I know would have died trying to do that. Its just so tempting though because theres so many you want to try. Especially for an out of towner who only has three days to hit all these places and try all this beer. It almost seems like a race... At least you guys can take your time there.

I once (when I was just out of college) spent a day with a friend trying to drink every german beer on the menu at the Brickskeller in DC. Needless to say, $350 later we could barely read the menu anymore. Probably a waste of a lot of good beer after a while. But at that point in my life I was just doing it to see if it could be done. Today I go there and I still want to try THIS and THIS and OH THEY HAVE THIS! and next thing you know youve had 7 or 8 beers. Thats why I buy bottled stuff now so at least if Im gonna drink like that it will be at home and theres less rush because it will always be there. But tapped stuff can still give me this problem when theres a huge variety of really good stuff.

[Kalleh1]

I agree with you on Duo's pizza, or even Chicago style pizza in general, Chaz. We do much better on our beer!

When thinking of Chicago beer gardens, don't forget the Clark Street Ale House has a nice garden out back during summer and fall.

[steveh]

Originally posted by Kalleh1
I agree with you on Duo's pizza, or even Chicago style pizza in general, Chaz. We do much better on our beer!

That's it, I'm revoking your citizenship as of now. First of all, it's Due, second of all - Chicago has the best pizza going in this country, but you're right - we do a good job on the beer too.

Bruno, IllHopHead - please tell Kalleh about wonderful Kaiser's pizza.

When thinking of Chicago beer gardens, don't forget the Clark Street Ale House has a nice garden out back during summer and fall.

While I enjoy CSAH's pub atmosphere inside, according to someone (in this thread) their "beer garden" leaves much to be desired -- go back about 10 posts to Rex's assessment. Based on my reconaissance behind the bar when we were trying to get them to open on time, and watching that t-storm roll in, I'd probably agree with him.

S.

[chazwicke]

I remember it stormed while we were there. And your area is great for beer. I'd like to get back there some time soon. I'll give the pizza a 2nd chance as well.

[Ill hophead]

Ya know, I've only had Kaiser's once but it was some damn good pizza. I'll have to try them again sometime. But I have to agree, Chicago pizza is the best in the country. I love ALL styles of pizza but IMO Chicago style is the best. Where else can you get a sausage patty covering your whole pizza, right Steve?

[Kalleh1]

First of all, it's Due
Duh! If I can't even spell it, I guess that means I should give it another chance, too.

I think part of it is that I like thin-crusted pizza better. It's not that much different from those who prefer cask conditioned ale to German beers, right?

Speaking of German beers, I am reminded of that wonderful brewery I went to in New Orleans that brewed wonderful German beers. Before that place, as Steve knows, I hadn't appreciated German beers. My heart goes out to the wonderful people in that beautiful city.

[Richard English]

Quote "...Where else can you get a sausage patty covering your whole pizza..."

What's 'sausage patty'? It sounds very fattening.

I still remember well my first ever meal in Chicago. I just asked for a some nachos as a snack since I'd eaten on the flight over. What turned up was a plate roughly the size of a large tea-tray, plied so high with food that I could only just see my lunch companion sitting opposite me. Although I probably ate less than a third of it, I was still so full that I could hardly manage any of my dinner that night.

Strange that the food portions are so large and the drink measure so small - it's the other way around in the UK - although, I have to say, our restaurant portions have been getting larger over the years. They've a tidy way to go before they reach Chicago sizes, though.

[steveh]

Originally posted by Kalleh1
I think part of it is that I like thin-crusted pizza better. It's not that much different from those who prefer cask conditioned ale to German beers, right?

And just as I like Cc ales and German lagers, I also enjoy both thin crust and pan pizza. I've heard that Lou Malnatti's thin crust is to die for Kalleh, do some research for us and let us know over at Beer and Food!

Oh yeah, and the Kaiser's pizza I love is thin crust too - next time you're at the Firkin, wander across the street to Morgan's and order up a thin crust. The owner of Morgan's, Terry, and the owner of Kaiser's, Lenny, are brothers - their pizza recipes bely the fact.

Hop head, I'm not a huge fan of the sausage patty pan style, when I go that style I usually get the pepperoni.

S.

[steveh]

Originally posted by Richard English
What's 'sausage patty'? It sounds very fattening.

Most definitely - in the style spoken about, the second layer above the pizza crust is a thick layer of sausage that, when cooked, becomes what can only be described as a very large sausage patty. Bit too much for me most times. I hear you can ask them to "crumble" the sausage for less of a thick layer result.

S.

[Richard English]

Quote "... very large sausage patty..."

Sounds a bit like what we would call a rissole.

[Insidious Rex]

Originally posted by steveh
While I enjoy CSAH's pub atmosphere inside, according to someone (in this thread) their "beer garden" leaves much to be desired -- go back about 10 posts to Rex's assessment. Based on my reconaissance behind the bar when we were trying to get them to open on time, and watching that t-storm roll in, I'd probably agree with him.

S.

Yeah, the only reason I said that was because when I was out there it seems there was a garbage truck (or perhaps Godzilla or something...) shaking the dumpsters in the alley and making more noise then you could possibly imagine for a good 20 minutes at least. Can really kill the atmosphere let me tell you... Not to mention they have about three small potted plants and not very much light. Could hardly see the beer labels. Or maybe Ive just been spoiled by lush quaint homey beer gardens in other parts of chicago and in other cities.

[Ill hophead]

Hop head, I'm not a huge fan of the sausage patty pan style, when I go that style I usually get the pepperoni.
Yeah I know, I was just jokin with ya. But I gots to have the sausage patty.

So you say you can go into Morgan's and order a Kaiser's pizza? We'll have to do that sometime after we go to Firkin. I liked Kaiser's the one time I tried it. As for Lou's, I haven't had their thin crust but I heard it's good too. They just opened a store down the street from me so I'll have to try that sometime also.

[steveh]

Originally posted by Ill hophead
So you say you can go into Morgan's and order a Kaiser's pizza?

Nooo...that's not what I said - you take your own risks doing that. All I know is that when Kaiser's was rebuilding, Morgan's pizza filled the loss. They are very close in style, both very good.

They just opened a store down the street from me so I'll have to try that sometime also.

Yup - I was talking to someone who had one from there - buttercrust, I believe?

S.

[brewcrew76]

I have had Lou's thin crust and it is very good. I recommend it.

If you guys organize a Firkin field trip let me know. I have wanted to make it up there but it is a little too far north for my regular bar tastes. This would give me a reason to make the trip.

[Ill hophead]

Nooo...that's not what I said - you take your own risks doing that. All I know is that when Kaiser's was rebuilding, Morgan's pizza filled the loss. They are very close in style, both very good.
OK, I got ya. Well I wouldn't mind trying some Morgan's pizza also. Do they have any good beer over there?

If you guys organize a Firkin field trip let me know. I have wanted to make it up there but it is a little too far north for my regular bar tastes.I don't know about Steve but I go to Firkin very regularly. We met another guy named Eric on the bus to the Great Taste who says he lives within stumbling distance to Firkin. My girlfriend and I would be happy to meet up there with some people sometime. We were actually thinking about meeting with Eric sometime this week before the Great Lake Brewfest. I can pretty much meet up there any day after 3pm. Where are you from Brewcrew? And are you going to the Great Lakes Fest too?

[brewcrew76]

Originally posted by Ill hophead
Where are you from Brewcrew? And are you going to the Great Lakes Fest too?

Not sure which you were looking for so I will give you both. I am from Milwaukee originally but I live in Bucktown now just a little South of Piece/Goose Island. I am going to Great Lakes. I will be wearing a red Wisconsin Badger hat and probably a Goose Island t-shirt.

I would probably prefer to hit the Firkin on a weekend since I don't make it to the suburbs much because I hate dealing with all the traffic.

[Kalleh1]

What turned up was a plate roughly the size of a large tea-tray, plied so high with food that I could only just see my lunch companion sitting opposite me.

While you surely are correct, Richard, about portions being too large in the U.S., the nachos you had were from Hoolihan's, which is well known for its huge portions.

[Thirdrail]

has anyone had any experience with 3 floyd's just across the state line in indiana?

[fretlessman71]

What sort of experience? Other than the common knowledge that Three Floyds probably couldn't make a bad beer with one mash tun tied behind their back? :)

Got a 6er of the Pride & Joy and Robert the Bruce just a few months ago from Osh. HOO boy!

[Thirdrail]

ahh good to hear....i just moved back to the area and 3 floyd's is only a few minutes away

[steveh]

Originally posted by Thirdrail
has anyone had any experience with 3 floyd's just across the state line in indiana?

Just do a search (Floyds will do) in the Tasting Notes forum or this forum.

S.

[chazwicke]

Originally posted by Thirdrail
ahh good to hear....i just moved back to the area and 3 floyd's is only a few minutes away

You lucky dog!

[Osh]

Originally posted by fretlessman71
What sort of experience? Other than the common knowledge that Three Floyds probably couldn't make a bad beer with one mash tun tied behind their back? :)

Got a 6er of the Pride & Joy and Robert the Bruce just a few months ago from Osh. HOO boy!

Let me know when you need more.

Don't know if my paint store just started selling Ska beers or I just walked past them. That Nefarius Ten Pin Imperial Porter is climbing towards the top of my " gotta have" list.

[Thirdrail]

Originally posted by chazwicke
You lucky dog!

i'm going for the first time tomorrow

[chazwicke]

I went there on a Thursday but the tour was not until late in the afternoon. I was there in the morning.:(

I know Wortchillergoal is looking to trade for some Gumballhead. Do you think you might be able to hook him up with some/

[fretlessman71]

Originally posted by Osh
Let me know when you need more.

Believe me, I will! And let me know when you've gone through the stuff I sent you and what you thought of it.

Don't know if my paint store just started selling Ska beers or I just walked past them. That Nefarius Ten Pin Imperial Porter is climbing towards the top of my " gotta have" list. I see it every time I go to Wilbur's - once I get down towards the bottom of my porter list I just may go for it!

For the curious: http://beeradvocate.com/beer/profile/923/16329/

[Thirdrail]

Originally posted by chazwicke
I went there on a Thursday but the tour was not until late in the afternoon. I was there in the morning.:(

I know Wortchillergoal is looking to trade for some Gumballhead. Do you think you might be able to hook him up with some/

i think i could arrange that

[Ill hophead]

Right now 3F just has a tasting room which is really just 4 tappers in their warehouse with a few tables set up. Nothing special but worth checking out, especially if you're so close. But they've just built a pub attached to the warehouse which is ready to open as soon as they get their liscenses. Should be within a month from what I hear. I talked to a brewer there who said they're working on some experimental batches that will be on tap only at the pub. I'll definitely be going down there from time to time once it opens.

[Ill hophead]

Don't know if my paint store just started selling Ska beers or I just walked past them.No, you weren't just walking past them. Ska just started getting distributed in Chicagoland this month. I saw them at Armanetti but haven't tried any yet. I've been liking the Gonzo Imperial Porter lately so I'll have to give that 10 Pin a try.

[chazwicke]

Originally posted by Ill hophead
I talked to a brewer there who said they're working on some experimental batches that will be on tap only at the pub.

:eek: I hope you guys know how fortunate you are.

[Thirdrail]

there was a bunch of people there and after talking to some seems to be a regular thing with these people....personally i ran the gambit of what they had on tap
alpha king
robert the bruce
califonia uncommon
gumballhead
and one other that i cant recall the name of

[chazwicke]

GUMBALLHEAD ON TAP! YUM!

[Ill hophead]

there was a bunch of people there and after talking to some seems to be a regular thing with these people....I know if I lived that close I would be in there every day too. At least for a growler fill.

GUMBALLHEAD ON TAP! YUM!Yeah, the Map Room had Gumballhead on tap for a while and it was yummy for sure. I wish I could afford to drink it in bottles but at $5-6 for a 22 oz. I really can't. Well I could, but with so many other good beers at the same price or cheaper I choose not to. It's good but I don't think it's THAT good.