I am not sure what the Paramount Room is like. Has anyone tried it? It's worth a trip, I think. My daughter sent me an email about it, so I will copy and paste it here. Their Web site doesn't seem to be very detailed yet.
Here was the email:
"In college, beer smashing, beer pong, and beer bongs were not only acceptable, they were respectable modes of social interaction.
But shotgunning PBRs and tapping kegs don't provide the euphoria they used to.
Embrace good taste (and your age) at Paramount Room, Jon Young's (Kitsch'n) latest River West gastropub. With twelve rotating beers on tap and more than twenty bottles and cans, this ain't your average frat party.
Stephen Dunne (MK) has created a menu that will make Cup o' Noodles a distant memory: ale-steamed Prince Edward Island mussels, grilled organic chicken with wilted spinach and lemon butter, and seared Kobe tri-tip steak.
The old speakeasy has been transformed into a dual-level lounge with custom bar, metallic banquettes, and a beer goddess statue presiding over the whole operation. A swanky pool table and plasma TVs round out the decor.
See? Being grown-up isn't so bad.
Paramount Room, 415 North Milwaukee Avenue, at Kinzie Street (312-829-6300 or paramountroom.com)."
It's got a worthy tap selection - anytime I can walk into a bar and not recognize 3 taps, it's a good sign.
11 taps (NOT counting the bud light) - Goose Island Matilda, Spaten (lager), Delirium Tremens, Left Hand Milk stout, Great Lakes Holy Moses, Strongbow Cider, Smithwicks, Guinness, Einbecker Pilsner, Arcadia IPA, and Konings Hoeven Quad.
A dozen or so interesting bottles were listed along with plenty of high-end liquors.
They have a beer flight of the day, but they make the 3 choices. They do sell an 8 oz shorty so you can try more than you really should with full pints.
Staff was attentive and friendly, but the bartender's specialty seemed to be fancy martinis, not beer knowledge. But I was there on the first official day. It's on a busy bike and pedestrian thoroughfare, so they got a good amount of walk in traffic. (I got pulled in off the street by the cool neon-ish logo of a pint glass).
It's decorated with the sort of art that hints upscale, while remaining casual.
The bar and upstairs seems smallish - and downstairs, has two smallish levels, so I'm predicting a popular, over-crowded scene once everybody finds it.
The food looked really good but skimpy for the price, many of the plates running by me seemed more garnish size, then anything fit for a meal - I had their Paramount Burger topped with 'complimentary' bourbon cured foie gras. $16 bucks with no fries or sides, but was one of the best burgers I've had in town.
It's obvious that those behind this place are serious about their beer. It's definitely a worthy stop. If they keep up the promise of rotating taps I don't doubt it will become a regular destination for those seeking unique taps.
Thanks so much for that. We'll definitely head over there with GI Matilda and Delerium Tremens! I have never heard of Left Hand Milk stout. What is that?
Left Hand is from Longmont CO, and a milk stout is one that has had milk sugars added, for creaminess.
I think I've had one of these last year last year at Poor Phil's in Oak Park.
I'll have to return, since I only had time for three - the Arcadia, Koningshoeven and Einbecker. I've never tried anything from Arcadia before, and will look for them again, the Einbecker is a very drinkable pilsner, but the Konings Quad was the real standout. A big, huge, sweet trappist from the Netherlands (It's La Trappe under another label, but I'm not sure why).
Fortunately this place is smack in the middle of the walk home from work to the train.
Originally posted by kiplog
11 taps (NOT counting the bud light) - Goose Island Matilda, Spaten (lager), Delirium Tremens, Left Hand Milk stout, Great Lakes Holy Moses, Strongbow Cider, Smithwicks, Guinness, Einbecker Pilsner, Arcadia IPA, and Konings Hoeven Quad.
Sounds a lot like the selection at Jak's Tap on W. Jackson (if not a little lighter). Jak's is owned by the same folks who own Village Tap in Roscoe Village -- maybe there's a connection?
S.
__________________
Life is too short to drink bad beer.
Well, there's no ownership connection between Paramount and Jak's, just a fond friendship. Mike Green who is one of the owners of Jak's and an owner of the Village Tap in Roscoe Village is a good friend of ours. Stephen (Chef and Partner of both Paramount Room and Volo Restaurant & Wine Bar in Roscoe Village) and I live in Roscoe Village, nearly across from the Village Tap, and have been patrons for years. Any similarities you see between Paramount and "The Tap" are hopefully a testament to how much Stephen respects Mr. Green.
__________________
"Always remember that I have taken more out
of alcohol than alcohol has taken out of me."
-Winston Churchill
Besides the beer, the Prince Edward Island Mussels would probably be enough to get me in the door if I lived up that way. What do they have in the way of Oysters?
I have never heard of Left Hand Milk stout. What is that?
Left hand stout is a sweet creamy stout. . . In my opinion worth seeking out. If they have it on tap when you're there, do not hesitate to try it. . . I was very impressed by it. According to my tasting notes, it rivaled my own sweet stout, but had a bit of a "tang to the aftertaste".
__________________
respect a man's beer & the man respects you.
If by "it" you mean the Village Tap, no it's not terribly walkable from the Loop at 2055 W. Roscoe St., in Roscoe Village just southwest of Addison & Lincoln. On the other hand, Jak's is at 901 W. Jackson Blvd., just the other side of Greek Town -- while probably also not very walkable from the Loop (with any expedience), it's a little closer ride from Wacker.
S.
__________________
Life is too short to drink bad beer.
In addition to the Oysters Rockefeller at Paramount Room, and the oysters on the 1/2 shell, I have to say the Fish & Chips really does rock- the cod comes in fresh and is hand cut that day... being the daughter of a New England fisherman I'm a little picky, but this stuff is good.
ENJOY!
__________________
"Always remember that I have taken more out
of alcohol than alcohol has taken out of me."
-Winston Churchill
Jak's Tap vs. Paramount Room
Linear Mode
