The Taproom (aka Anything and Everything Beer)

blissfullychaotic said:
That's a hard choice, it really depends on his or her taste profile, do they enjoy sour things, or bitter things, or maybe chocolate things or coffee things? If we wanted to keep it simple I would say The Bruery Mischief https://www.thebruery.com/beer/mischief?category=regional-styles
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Yeah, my first beer was a Coors Light. I don't know what a good recommendation would be for someone who's never had alcohol before. Something sweet like a coffee porter or even a Guinness might be good.
 
mdmost said:
Any breweries to check out while in downtown Chicago? Going there next weekend.
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blissfullychaotic said:
Haven't explored much of Chicago's breweries but I do enjoy off the color, that might be a good place to check out.
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Off Color is good, I really like Revolution Brewing. Half Acre, Begyle, and Maplewood are good small ones if you are on the north side. Goose Island in west loop, Lagunitas has a sick place in Pilsen.

Where in Chicago are you going to be? If you are in true downtown, Goose Island is probably the closest.
 
LeSamourai said:
Let's say there's a hypothetical person who's in his or her mid-30s but is leaving the controlling religion he or she was raised in that prohibited any alcoholic beverages. What would you recommend this person have for their first ever drink?
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I myself prefer Porter's or stouts, but if you are near or can get some Ballast Point, they are very solid in their output. Some Sculpin(or any variant of it, they have like mango or pineapple and stuff) is a great IPA, Victory at Sea is one of my favorite Stouts but it's a bit heavy for some.

Best way to do it(I think) would be to grab a flight and check out a few different styles in one go, without breaking the bank.
 
mdmost said:
Just north of the Loop but making trips to Wrigleyville. I know Revolution was on my brother's itinerary.
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Ok, nice. Yea Revolution is solid and Maplewood and Metropolitan are right there as well. Goose Island's got a tap room at Clyborn and Sheffield, which is on that route. Otherwise Begyle isn't too far away from Wrigley.

If you go to Revolution, Kuma's Corner is nearby for good burgers, although my favorite place for burgers is DMK.
 
mdmost said:
Just north of the Loop but making trips to Wrigleyville. I know Revolution was on my brother's itinerary.
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If you're going to be in the Wrigleyville area, I recommend either Corridor or Dryhop for beer and grub! Corridor is our old neighborhood favorite (the pizzas are especially good!). Then scooting north along Malt Row in Ravenswood: Begyle (as @trickyseven mentioned), Dovetail if you like old-school German-style beers (though their new sours are more my speed!), Half Acre, and Empirical.

There are quite a few in close proximity west of the loop, too! We recently did a crawl: the new Division Brew Yards (Around the Bend + Illuminated + Bold Dog breweries together in a pour-your-own style beer hall with food), then On Tour Brewing, Great Lakes Brewing (good if you're looking to try a variety of breweries because they serve tons of local beers, very few of their own), and Ballast Point (my favorite Cali import — great food too, and they have a rooftop I've been meaning to check out).
 
EvanBenner said:
If you're going to be in the Wrigleyville area, I recommend either Corridor or Dryhop for beer and grub! Corridor is our old neighborhood favorite (the pizzas are especially good!). Then scooting north along Malt Row in Ravenswood: Begyle (as @trickyseven mentioned), Dovetail if you like old-school German-style beers (though their new sours are more my speed!), Half Acre, and Empirical.

There are quite a few in close proximity west of the loop, too! We recently did a crawl: the new Division Brew Yards (Around the Bend + Illuminated + Bold Dog breweries together in a pour-your-own style beer hall with food), then On Tour Brewing, Great Lakes Brewing (good if you're looking to try a variety of breweries because they serve tons of local beers, very few of their own), and Ballast Point (my favorite Cali import — great food too, and they have a rooftop I've been meaning to check out).
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Corridor is great too. Great brunch spot. I think I've had On Tour as well.

Me to @EvanBenner right now

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Corridor is on the list now! So this is a sports trip for my brother and me. Going to Chicago on Thursday, Notre Dame for Liverpool on Friday, Cubs game on Saturday, day drinking on Sunday before our late flight out. I'm in charge of sports. He's in charge of breweries so any info I can pass on to him is appreciated.
 
LeSamourai said:
Let's say there's a hypothetical person who's in his or her mid-30s but is leaving the controlling religion he or she was raised in that prohibited any alcoholic beverages. What would you recommend this person have for their first ever drink?
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An icy cold lager after mowing the lawn. Froo froo drink on the beach. A Manhattan downtown. Bourbon with grandpa. Gin and tonic on the deck after work. A flight at the local brewery....
 
Splunders said:
An icy cold lager after mowing the lawn. Froo froo drink on the beach. A Manhattan downtown. Bourbon with grandpa. Gin and tonic on the deck after work. A flight at the local brewery....
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I guess the point would just be for me to try something. I keep sitting there thinking that if I pick something too fancy I won't have the taste/experience to appreciate it, but I don't want it to be total crap either.
 
Well, my hunch is that whatever you try, it won't be fireworks. My first drink was an Icehouse beer. It was and remains terrible, and I wouldn't change it. Your first drink may very well taste horrible, but it'll be something you won't forget. Finding something you like/appreciate will come with time.
 
Hey Chicago fam, any can't miss places to eat while we're in town? We're staying near the Magnificent Mile, planning to go into the loop on Thursday. Saturday is Cubs game so we'll be up that way most of the day. It's probably verboten but Giordano's is on the list somewhere as I got to get some Chicago style while I'm there.
 
mdmost said:
Hey Chicago fam, any can't miss places to eat while we're in town? We're staying near the Magnificent Mile, planning to go into the loop on Thursday. Saturday is Cubs game so we'll be up that way most of the day. It's probably verboten but Giordano's is on the list somewhere as I got to get some Chicago style while I'm there.
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Hmm, all my top favorites are outside of Mag Mile/Loop/Wrigley area (aside from Corridor, which is a short walk from Wrigley).
I suppose there's also Cafe Tola both near Corridor and in River North for delicious empanadas + coffee. And you couldn't do wrong with tapas at either Purple Pig or Cafe Iberico. The Northman cider bar has a new location along the riverwalk, but I don't know how the menu compares to their flagship here up north. Big Star tacos has a location at Wrigley now too, though I bet it'll be bonkers.

Pastoral is a great option for deli sandwiches downtown.

If you want the best view of the city, skip the Sear Tower Skydeck and go to the John Hancock Signature Lounge. The cost of a drink there is cheaper than the price of Skydeck admission.

If you find yourselves near Wicker Park, Pub Royale is our absolute favorite place to eat in the entire city (best paired with drinks before/after at Queen Mary's Tavern).
 
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