I am in Chicago for a couple of days (daughter graduating from Depaul University) - and taking one day for myself to go visit some breweries and beer bars -
+1 on Hopleaf. Fountainhead (which is not too far from Depaul) has a fantastic selection. Local Option has a nice regional selection, plus some of their own beers. However it’s a bit of a ‘metal’ bar - loud music later in the evening.
May want to list where you’re staying, as you may have some choices that are walking distance that will be more ‘worth it’ than trying to schlep all over just to get to one that might be the ‘best’. Driving can be a real headache there.
I am going to be all over the place. Staying by the O’Hare Airport - and only picking a few. I am going to a few German restaurants while I am there - (I own a Bavarian-influenced brewery/wine bar/restaurant) so like to see what others like me are doing -
For German restaurants my votes would be:
The radler
Funkenhausen
Bouefhaus
Although none of these are really “traditional” German. All the old school German places seem underwhelming to me (although I haven’t been to many of them). Sort of the equivalent of old school Italian places with red checkered table clothes, lasagna and chicken parmigiana.
Went to Funkenhausen a few months ago and it was great. There’s a Haufbrauhaus in Rosemont by O’hare. Just a tap room but my favorite is Buckledown in Lyons, IL.
Thanks Keith - was wondering about Old Irving Brewing - I’ve been to Revolution and the Map Room - love them both, but Old Irving is in my line of fire - I’ll definitely go check them out -
Fully agree with Keith, a blue line tour sounds they way to go here. Which will work well as that gives you West Town, Wicker Park, Bucktown, Logan Square, Avondale and Irving Park as neighborhoods.
Will your day of indulging be a weekend or a week day? (it impacts what’s open early and where you might start first).