February 4th, 2010 by Gonzalo DelRio
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Since it’s founding in 2005, The Beer Bistro has been a haven for beer drinkers in the West Loop area. With its welcoming bar and laid back workers, The Beer Bistro is a great locale to drink and learn about beer. In fact, the bar was built out of love for beer. It’s true and says so right on their website.
When drinking one of the many beers available, do not forget to enjoy the food. The Beer Bistro has delicious food offerings and a very unique burger called the Gourmet Burger. This burger comes on a pretzel roll with peanut butter, fried egg, bacon and cheddar. Pretty unique, huh? My initial reaction before ordering the burger was “Peanut Butter? On a burger?” I decided to trust the bar tender on this one (she was right about the Sierra Nevada Brew recommendation) and ordered my first burger with peanut butter. After enjoying every flavorful bite of the Gourmet Burger, I wondered why it took me this long to combine meat with peanut butter. This delightful combination would have been ideal during my late childhood/early teen years! Needless to say, the Gourmet Burger tasted great and it really went well with the IPA I was drinking. Order it next time you are in the West Loop and you will not be disappointed.
Overall, The Beer Bistro does a nice job of balancing a mighty beer selection with a cozy neighborhood bar mentality. The servers and crowd make you feel welcomed and the food is always served to your liking.
The Beer Bistro is located at 1061 W. Madison Street in the West Loop area of Chicago, Illinois. Phone: 312-433-0013. Website: thebeerbistro.com.
The Beer Bistro is Recommended by Gonzalo
January 15th, 2010 by Gonzalo DelRio
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One of the best ways to warm up during the winter is by ordering a pint of Victory Storm King Stout. Brewed by the Victory Brewing Company in Downingtown, Pennsylvania, this fine brew was no doubt made to keep you warm during a king-size storm. This imperial stout comes loaded with the essential ingredients to keep your body warm (or numb): a high alcohol by volume and an easy-to-drink taste. Most stouts are heavy and you get filled up quickly, Storm King Stout will keep you drinking all through the night.
When you take your first drink, you will smell and taste some coffee and chocolate notes. What follows will be a pleasant mixture of coffee, chocolate and hops. Before Storm King Stout, I would limit my stout intake to one pint a night. Now thanks to this satisfying stout, I can drink till the storm clears!
So far I have only come across Victory Storm King Stout at one bar: DMK Burger Bar. It is my hope that on my 2010 Winter Expedition of Bars, more taps across Chicago gets familiar with this extraordinary imperial stout. Not only does Storm King Stout pair well with your typical bar food such as Cheeseburgers and Fish & Chips, but it is also the perfect “lone wolf” beer. Meaning that you can enjoy it while you sit at the bar watching your favorite sporting event.
Victory Storm King Stout is Very Recommended by Gonzalo
December 24th, 2009 by Gonzalo DelRio
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The Christmas Season officially arrives with a fresh batch of Goose Island Christmas Ale. Available only during the months of November and December, Goose Island Christmas Ale is a Brown Ale that changes every year. Simply meaning that the recipe of Goose Island Christmas Ale is altered just a bit each Christmas Season by the Brew Masters at the Goose Island Brewing Company. The amount of Hops and the amount of Bitterness are the main ingredients that fluctuate. When I first started drinking Goose Island Christmas Ale, it was known as a Scotch Ale.
As for the 2009 version of Goose Island Christmas Ale, you can expect the familiar mild spice aroma and brownish-red shade when you pour. The best part of any version of the Goose Island Christmas Ale is the taste. It is well paired with any Holiday Feast and goes down great on a snowy winter night as you relax while watching your favorite Christmas movie.
One of the bigger changes that occurred with the 2009 version of Goose Island Christmas Ale is how you can purchase it at stores. No longer can you buy the usual beer bottle size of Goose Island Christmas Ale, it now comes in the larger, Pint Size bottle. There is nothing wrong with a bigger bottle, but now it makes it harder to show up to a Christmas Party when you only have 2 Pint Size bottles versus a 6-pack. Other than that, Goose Island Christmas Ale never disappoints.
Goose Island Christmas Ale is Very Recommended by Gonzalo
December 2nd, 2009 by Gonzalo DelRio
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The real San Francisco treat is Anchor Steam Beer. Here is a beer that is pure Californian. Not only is it brewed in California, but it also uses an old style of brewing that is representative of 19th Century California. This old style of brewing produced what came to be known as “steam beer.” Now a days, the Anchor Brewing Company has trademarked the term “steam beer” and advertises it as “California Common.” Steam beer sounds cooler though.
On my recent trip to San Francisco, I happily drank Anchor Steam at every drinking occasion presented to me: at the San Francisco Giants baseball game, lobby bar of the Ritz, San Francisco Airport, in the park out of a brown bag, etc. Speaking of the San Francisco Airport, they actually have the awesome Anchor Brewery Company Restaurant in Terminal 3. Not only do they have fresh kegs of all the great Anchor Brewing Company brews, but they also have first-class food. The Crab Melt was outstanding. It tastes even better when you pair the Crab Melt with a fine brew from Anchor Brewing. The Anchor Steam Beer is a logical choice, but if you are looking for a little more “zest”, I recommend the Anchor Porter. The rich, smoky, malt flavors of the porter give the Crab Melt a little more of a rustic backyard taste. Either way, you won’t go wrong.
The great news is Anchor Steam Beer and the many Anchor Brewing Company products are not just found in California, but also throughout the world! In Chicago, you can find Anchor Steam at a decent amount of bars throughout Chicagoland, but the enthusiast in me says to go drink Anchor Steam at Twin Anchors Restaurant.
Anchor Steam Beer is Very Recommended by Gonzalo
November 26th, 2009 by Gonzalo DelRio
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Alcoholic beverages served over ice tend to be bourbons, whiskeys or scotches. Well get ready to add Crispin Hard Apple Cider to the list! The Ciders produced by the Crispin Cider Company are best served over ice. Trust me, once you enjoy a crisp, refreshing, pint of Crispin Hard Apple Cider over ice you will want to add ice to all your alcoholic beverages…well, Ciders at least.
Ciders are a bit of a mystery to Bar Patrons in the United States. Personally, I never considered Ciders as a source of alcoholic goodness until my travels to England. There I was introduced to Strongbow Cider, probably the most popular cider in the United Kingdom. At the time, a pint of cider was not for me. It was not until this past summer, when I was first introduced to the concept of serving cider over ice that my open-mindedness towards Ciders developed. From that point on, Crispin Hard Apple Cider found its way to my personal list of “Go To” Beers. Which is funny, because a Cider is not a Beer, but the alcohol by volume (ABV) tells another story.
Crispin Hard Apple Cider is known as the “Original” Cider produced by the Crispin Cider Company. They do have three other cider products, but currently, the “Original” is the one cider most bars would have available. If you come across the Crispin Cider Light, make sure you order a round. It has the same refreshing taste of the Original, but with fewer calories!
The Crispin Cider Company is looking to enhance your pub experience by giving you an extra drinking option when you step up to the bar. No longer will the British be the only ones to enjoy ciders at bars. From now on, not only will the Americans have better teeth, but we will also have a better cider!
Crispin Hard Apple Cider is Very Recommended by Gonzalo
October 21st, 2009 by Gonzalo DelRio
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BAR REVIEW: Tilted Kilt in the Loop area of Chicago, Illinois
Tilted Kilt in the Loop may be the most unique bar in all of Chicago. What makes them unique has nothing to do with the waitresses in skimpy “Scottish skirts”, tight tops and knee high socks; nor is it the Scottish Pub theme instead of your average Irish Pub theme. The most unique aspect of Tilted Kilt is the silent rumble and silver streak you notice speed by the windows of this second floor bar: the Chicago “L” Trains. Since Tilted Kilt is located on Wabash Street in the Loop Area of Downtown Chicago, the elevated tracks of the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) run parallel to the bar. Sitting at the bar, facing the windows, you get a great view of a unique aspect of Chicago. The silver train cars do not disrupt your drinking or eating, nor do they disrupt the big game on one of their various HD Televisions. Instead, they offer a picturesque setting unique to the great city of Chicago.
When it comes to beer and food, Tilted Kilt also provides some noteworthy offerings. They have your typical pub brews like Guinness, Harp and Boddingtons, but they also have Goose Island Seasonal and some of the new Anheuser-Busch beers such as Bud Light Golden Wheat and Shock Top. As for food, Tilted Kilt delivers a one-of-a-kind sandwich called “Sloppy Jane.” The sister to the Sloppy Joe, Sloppy Jane gets the sloppy from the home-made coleslaw dripping on top of the cheese covered shredded beef or turkey. It is the greatest sandwich available in the Loop.
Overall, Tilted Kilt is a welcomed addition to the Chicago Bar scene. From the Scottish Pub theme to the great food and drinks and finally to the great eye candy that includes the lovely Tilted Kilt Girls and Chicago “L” Trains, Tilted Kilt has all the ingredients necessary to become a drinking destination if you are in the Loop area.
Tilted Kilt is located at 17 N. Wabash Street in the Loop area of Chicago, Illinois. Phone: 312-269-5580. Website: tiltedkilt.com
Tilted Kilt is Highly Recommended by Gonzalo
September 16th, 2009 by Gonzalo DelRio
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BAR REVIEW: XOCO in the River North area of Chicago, Illinois
The newest restaurant creation by Rick Bayless is not a bar, but for the sake of this review, I will treat it as one…hey, the place serves Mexican Beer, that’s all that matters to me. XOCO is a “quick-service cafe” that serves delicious street food and snacks typical of Mexico. For those of you who have not been to Mexico and had the chance to experience “street food”, basically what you can expect to eat at XOCO are Tortas, Caldos and snacks like Churros. Rick Bayless elevates all menu items to a higher standard thanks to his exceptional cooking skills.
As for the beverages available at XOCO, you can find refreshing water drinks typical of Mexico, as well as some fine Mexican Beers. My favorite beer available at XOCO is Bohemia. Bohemia is a smooth Pilsner that complimented very well my Torta Milanesa. As far as Pilsners go, Bohemia is one of my favorites.
Overall, XOCO is a great destination for quick Mexican food from Rick Bayless. The food may come out quick, but do expect a wait to order. The line forms out the door during peak dining hours. There are better quick Mexican food joints around Chicago, but for the River North crowd, this is as good as it gets (too bad they don’t stay open all night on the weekends). Plus, you may get a glimpse of the Master Chef himself, Rick Bayless, in action in the kitchen.
XOCO is located at 449 N. Clark Street in the River North neighborhood of Chicago, Illinois, USA. Phone: (312) 334-3688
XOCO is Highly Recommended by Gonzalo
August 21st, 2009 by Gonzalo DelRio
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At first glance, District Bar is just another one of the new “High End” Sports Bars that have been popping up all over the River North area. Once you look deeper though and once you decide to check out the bookshelves (cough, cough, there is a secret entry way to VIP Bar, cough, cough) at District Bar, you will notice that this Sports Bar stands apart from the others.
You will definitely not miss any big Sporting Event while at District Bar: Widescreen HDTV’s engulf the main bar. You can expect to catch all of the upcoming Notre Dame NCAA Football Games, Pittsburgh Steelers NFL Football Games, International Football/Soccer Games, and of course, the local Chicago Sporting Teams are on display.
District Bar has the TV’s covered, but how does the Food & Drink Menu fair? The great news is that the food is delicious and the beer selection is respectable. There is not one beer that really deserves special attention, but you will be satisfied with the beer menu. You can never go wrong when you offer the Samuel Adams Seasonal Beer and other local favorites like Miller Lite, 312, Guinness and Heineken.
Overall, District Bar is worth your time. The hook to this place is the VIP Room that opens secretly via the bookshelves. If you are not fortunate enough to drink in the VIP Room, you will still enjoy your time at District Bar. How can you not? District Bar has plenty of eye candy: the cool crowd and the bright Televisions.
District Bar is located at 170 W. Ontario Street in the River North neighborhood of Chicago, Illinois, USA. Phone: (312) 337-3477. Website: http://district-bar.com/
District Bar is Recommended by Gonzalo
July 19th, 2009 by Gonzalo DelRio
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Since its opening back at the end of May, Roof on the Wit has been the place to go and be seen. Celebrities, Athletes, Local News Anchors and Very Important People have found their way to this 27th Floor Lounge located on the Roof of the Wit Hotel. So after all the razzle-dazzle and positive word of mouth, is the Roof on the Wit all it is made out to be? YES!
Allow me to present a checklist of sorts for my recent visit to Roof: 1) Are famous people present? Yes. Coach Quenneville of the Chicago Blackhawks was right next to our table, as was Kendall Gill, a former Chicago Bulls player. Oh, and I cannot forget to mention local Comcast SportNet anchor David Kaplan. 2) “Gourmet” Beer List? Yes. They only have around 7 beers in bottles, and some of those beers include Hitachino Nest White Ale and a Gluten Free Beer. 3) Hip and trendy atmosphere? Yes. Everyone at Roof comes dressed to impress and to hang out in a very chic, laid back and stellar lounge scene under the night sky. 4) Impressive 27th floor views? Yes. Roof is high above the corner of Lake Street and State Street, so you have views down State Street and beautiful views of the buildings located in the west part of the Loop.
Overall, Roof on the Wit lives up to the hype and is a must visit destination if you find yourself in the Downtown area. You can not say it enough, but the lounge atmosphere is one of the best I have experienced in the city of Chicago. One thing to keep in mind, with all the hype that Roof has gotten, you should expect a line to get in. At times, the line forms all the way to the entrance of the Harold Washington College. Do not let that discourage you, just show up earlier than you normally would.
Roof on the Wit is Highly Recommended by Gonzalo
July 8th, 2009 by Gonzalo DelRio
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The flagship beer of the Three Floyds Brewing Company, Three Floyds Alpha King is worthy of gaining a cult following. After all, the Alpha is the dominant individual and the King rules over all. When you name a beer on two dominating types, your beer better be good. Fortunately this Pale Ale does that.
Three Floyds Alpha King has a good hop flavor, but it does not overpower your senses like an IPA Beer would. The deep orange color enhances the citrus aroma and the 6% Alcohol by Volume (ABV) enhances your buzz. To put in perspective, Miller Lite is 4.2% ABV, Smithwicks is 5% ABV and Goose Island IPA is 5.9% ABV.
Some bars around Chicago carry Three Floyds Alpha King Pale Ale on tap, while many are missing out on the Alpha King. One of the newer bars in the Downtown area that have Three Floyds Alpha King on tap is Theory Sports Bar & Grill. For a listing of where to drink Three Floyds Alpha King, click here.
Three Floyds Alpha King Pale Ale is Very Recommended by Gonzalo
