Chicago Spots for a Great Beer (That Aren’t Classic Breweries)
Cruz Blanca
Chicago breweries are no joke. From Goose Island to Lagunitas to Revolution and more, our city consistently churns out amazing local brews…with delicious food to match. And while our breweries are always a fun visit, there are also plenty of bars and restaurants that specialize in a great brew - brewery not necessary. You can head to these places for a great beer, but you’ll want to stay for everything else they have to offer.
Cruz Blanca {904 West Randolph Street, Chicago; 312.733.1975}: Come for the beers…stay for the tacos! Duh. From traditional Pork Carnitas to the more creative Smoke Alley Mushrooms, their dishes are meant to be paired with their amazing list of cervezas. You just have to find the perfect duo for you.
Mable’s Table {1655 West Cortland Street, Chicago; 773.904.7433}: Come for the beers…stay for the Philly Cheesesteak (seriously). This Mama Mable-approved family restaurant in Bucktown is known for their meatballs, but the Philly Cheesesteak, complete with their specialty four-cheese sauce, is a perfect partner for their rotating beer menu.
Roots Pizza
Roots Handmade Pizza {multiple locations}: Come for the beers…stay for the pizza. Beer and pizza is a no-brainer choice of course! Their beer menu pairs great with the infamous Roots Housemade Mozzarella Sticks as an appetizer, too. Basically beer and anything cheesy is the way to go.
The Publican {837 West Fulton Market, Chicago; 312.733.9555}: Come for the beers…stay for the Potted Rillettes from Publican Quality Meats. Or the Pork Belly from Slagel Family Farms. Or the happy hour deals! There’s oh so much to love :)
Prost! {2566 North Lincoln Avenue, Chicago; 773.880.9900}: Come for the beers…stay for the authentic cuisine. No one does beer like the Germans. No, not even Chicagoans. So REAL beer lovers looking for an extra special sip should look no further than Prost!
The Bristol {2152 North Damen Avenue, Chicago; 773.862.5555}: Come for the beers…stay for the Braised Short Rib! Served with parsnip, horseradish, and citrus salad, this pairs perfectly with one of their specialty bottled or canned beers.
Piece PIzzeria & Brewery
Piece Pizzeria {1927 West North Avenue, Chicago; 773.772.4422}: Come for the beers…stay for more beers! This casual pizzeria is always updating their house brews on tap so you can keep coming back for beer after beer and slice after slice of delicious pizza.
Kaiser Tiger {1415 West Randolph Street, Chicago; 312.243.3100}: Come for the beers…stay for the fun and games! The bar food is fun, but this West Loop destination is all about the atmosphere. Gather a few friends on their expansive patio and throw back a few brews while you play games!
Sheffield’s Beer Garden {3258 North Sheffield Avenue, Chicago; 773.281.4989}: Come for the beers…stay for the beer garden. It may seem like an obvious statement, but beer is all the more enjoyable in the right environment. Enjoy their barbecue and bar food in their beautiful beer garden for a perfect night out in the city.
By Kaleigh Glaza | Market Editor