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Zed 451

2008-12-05T00:40:00Z

BAR REVIEW: Zed 451 in the River North area of Chicago, IL

A recent addition to the River North drinking and dining scene is Zed 451. This hip destination reminds me of a Spa I frequented in Tokyo, Japan. Only of course, Zed 451 does not have hot baths, nor does it have a strong Japanese presence. I am primarily associating it with a Japanese Spa because of the beautiful wood decor and warm ambiance being emitted through out the space.

There are 2 ways to indulge at Zed 451: Dining Experience or Drinking Experience. As the host and bartenders will inform you, each experience deserves its due. At the bar/lounge area, the only food available is the wonderful appetizers and a nice international selection of wine, cocktails and, of course, beer. Although their beer selection is not as unique as I would have hoped, it does get the job done. They do get kudos for having a local beer like Goose Island 312...even if it is in a bottle.

Overall I really enjoyed the scene and vibe I got from Zed 51. Not only is it a great place to take a date, but also it is a great place to wind down your day after a long day at work. The attention to detail is evident through out the whole establishment.

Zed 451 is located at 739 North Clark Street in the River North area of Chicago, Illinois, USA. Phone: (312) 266-6691.

Zed 451 is Very Recommended by Gonzalo

Vertigo Sky Lounge

2008-11-13T21:54:00Z

BAR REVIEW: Vertigo Sky Lounge in the River North area of Chicago, IL

Look! Up in the sky: It's a new drinking destination. Welcome to new heights of drinking at Vertigo Sky Lounge. Situated at the top floor of the new Dana Hotel in the River North area of Chicago; Vertigo Sky Lounge is the new drinking destination other bars look up to.

Furnished with chic furniture, hip crowds and stellar views of the surrounding High Rises of the River North area, Vertigo Sky Lounge is not your average lounge. Primarily a mixed drink menu, Vertigo Sky Lounge does have a small selection of beers. Kudos to them for having local favorites such as Goose Island 312 and Goose Island Matilda on draft.

Since the beer menu is not extensive, the main appeal to this lounge for a beer drinker would be the cool vibe resonating off everyone and everything. Even the bathrooms are cool! Actually, the bathroom area is probably one of the coolest areas of Vertigo Sky Lounge. Never before have I seen a bathroom area where the set up encourages small talk with the opposite sex. You will realize what I mean when you go wash your hands or tidy up.

Overall, you should enjoy your visit to Vertigo Sky Lounge. If anything, sit back and enjoy the sights and sounds of Chicago as seen through the large floor-to-ceiling windows of this 26th floor Lounge.

Vertigo Sky Lounge is located at 660 North State Street in the River North area of Chicago, Illinois, USA. Phone: (312) 202-6060.

Vertigo Sky Lounge is Very Recommended by Gonzalo

Three Floyds Broodoo

2008-10-30T01:21:00Z

BEER REVIEW: Three Floyds Broodoo by Three Floyds Brewing Company

Broodoo is a Seasonal Fall brew by the Three Floyds Brewing Company. It is categorized as an IPA, but it is not as hoppy as other IPA's. That is okay though since most Fall Seasonal IPA's tend to be not as hoppy. Broodoo does carry with it all the citrus aroma one would associate with an IPA. Overall, Three Floyds Broodoo is a beer you should check out before it goes away.

Three Floyds Broodoo is Recommended by Gonzalo

Goose Island Harvest Ale

2008-10-20T00:21:00Z

BEER REVIEW: Goose Island Harvest Ale by Goose Island Brewing Co

The Harvest Season begins and ends with Goose Island Harvest Ale. Brewed by the Goose Island Brewing Company, Goose Island Harvest Ale is one of the special seasonal beers made to compliment a special time of year. The special time of year is fall, the special beer is Harvest Ale. The flavor reminds you of the Goose Island India Pale Ale, only not as hoppy. With an amber color and a citrus-like aroma, the Goose Island Harvest Ale goes well at any Fall event: Football Games, Thanksgiving Dinners, Holiday Shopping, etc.

Yes, Holiday Shopping. Enjoy a pint of Harvest Ale as you relax at the local bar near the mall.

No matter how you decide to enjoy Goose Island Harvest Ale, make sure you enjoy it soon because it is only around for the Fall.

Goose Island Harvest Ale is Highly Recommended by Gonzalo

The Wrightwood Tap

2008-10-17T02:59:00Z

BAR REVIEW: THE WRIGHTWOOD TAP in the Lincoln Park neighborhood of Chicago, IL

Dog owners search no more. If you are looking for a bar where you can drink fresh beer and enjoy the company of your four-legged best friend, your bar is The Wrightwood Tap. This local Lincoln Park watering hole is a "Dog Friendly" establishment. You can bring your pet dog in and converse with the other dog owners. When I visited the Wrightwood Tap, there were 3 dogs hanging out while their owners enjoyed fresh pints of draft beer. Out of all the drinking establishments I have visited in Chicago so far, this local bar is the only one where you can experience a wet nose against your feet.

Beer wise, the Wrightwood Tap has the popular favorites. But you don't come to this bar to drink “hard to find” beers or micro brews. No, you come here to enjoy a decent beer in the company of your neighbors and dogs. Of course if the bar becomes too packed (as is the case through out the weekend nights), dogs are not allowed.

The Wrightwood Tap is located at 1059 West Wrightwood Ave in Chicago, IL. Phone (773) 549-4949.

THE WRIGHTWOOD TAP is Recommended by Gonzalo

Prost!

2008-10-17T02:57:00Z

BAR REVIEW: PROST! DEUTSCHLAND/CHICAGO in the Lincoln Park neighborhood of Chicago, IL

The neighborhood of Lincoln Park in Chicago, Illinois, USA, has a bar for every occasion. If you want to celebrate St. Patrick's Day, you head out to one of the many Irish Bars. If you want to catch a major sporting event, you embark to one of the many Sports Bars. If you want to celebrate Cinco De Mayo, you'll find many of the bars become "cantinas." Up until now, if you wanted to celebrate Octoberfest, you had to venture out of Lincoln Park for a German themed bar. Well, that is until PROST! opened its doors. Prost! means Cheers! in German, and you'll be doing plenty of cheering in this German drinking establishment.

Everything from the picnic benches, to the chandeliers, to the Boot mug, to the German Hefeweizen beers, screams Octoberfest. The fun drinking environment welcomes all who want to have the experience of being in a Munich-style beer hall without having to pay for the airfare. The food offered at Prost! are pure German dishes and go great with a stein of lager. Speaking of lagers, Prost! has a wonderful selection of German beers. My recommendation: Spaten Optimator. It's a Doppelbock beer (a strong Bavarian specialty lager) and goes great with friends and good German food.

Check out Prost! now before the Octoberfest celebration begins, because I'm sure this bar will be a popular destination for all those wanting to celebrate the new season. Of course, you will want to visit Prost! during Octoberfest and any other weekend night!

Prost! Deutschland/Chicago is located at 2566 North Lincoln Avenue in Chicago, IL. Phone: (773) 880-9900.

PROST! DEUTSCHLAND/CHICAGO is Recommended by Gonzalo

Plymouth Restaurant and Bar

2008-10-17T02:55:00Z

BAR REVIEW: PLYMOUTH RESTAURANT AND BAR in the South Loop district of Chicago, IL

You will fall in love with the roof top bar at PLYMOUTH RESTAURANT AND BAR. High on the 3rd floor, nestled between classic Chicago buildings, this rooftop bar can (and should be) an ideal place for any occasion. I'll even go as far as to say it would be a great place to propose marriage. The small but quaint roof top deck area has just enough room for those who are lucky enough to know this haven even exists. Don't let the narrow deck space discourage you from visiting this beautiful drinking establishment. Sure the rooftop may be busy on the weekends during the summer (what roof top in Chicago isn't?), but if you visit Plymouth Restaurant and Bar during the week, you can find a seat at the bar or amongst the tables. Of course if you are not into a beautiful setting or into enjoying a beer outside during the fantastic Chicago summer, Plymouth Restaurant and Bar does have a bar section on ground level too!

When an opportunity to enjoy a fresh pint of beer while engulfed in the beautiful Chicago Architecture that the South Loop has to offer presents itself, you should seize it. That very same opportunity is present and alive while you are at the beautiful rooftop of the Plymouth Restaurant and Bar. A definite destination if you have company from out of town!

Plymouth Restaurant and Bar is located at 327 South Plymouth Court in Chicago, IL. Phone: (312) 362-1212. Website: www.plymouthgrill.com

PLYMOUTH RESTAURANT AND BAR is Recommended by Gonzalo

Goose Island Beer Tent at Ryan Field

2008-10-17T01:57:00Z

Last Saturday I attended the Michigan State - Northwestern football game at Ryan Field in Evanston, Illinois. I enjoyed a great game between two strong rivals in the Big Ten. Before the game I walked behind the stadium to the baseball field where Northwestern has their "Wildcat Alley" area. One tradition I've enjoyed before Northwestern football games is drinking a complimentary cup of beer at the Goose Island Tent.

Who among us can turn down free beer ?

I highly recommend going to the Goose Island tent before attending a Northwestern University Wildcats football game at Ryan Field.

Bye Bye Yankee Stadium

2008-09-20T17:50:00Z

By the end of the 2008 Major League Baseball (MLB) Season, old Yankee Stadium will be no more. I say "old Yankee Stadium" because the new and improved Yankee Stadium is being built directly across the street. The stadium that has hosted the most MLB World Series Champions will close its doors forever. Knowing full well that 2008 would be the final year to experience the stadium that Babe Ruth called home, I made sure to pencil in a visit to Yankee Stadium. Of course, a visit to Yankee Stadium would only work if I can cheer on my home team: The Chicago White Sox.

September 15, 2008 is the memorable date that will live with me forever. On that date, I watched the New York Yankees in their famous pinstripes uniforms take on Mark Buehrle and my White Sox. Sitting in section M24, which is located on the main level by 3rd Base, I experienced every sound, sight and smell associated with Yankee Stadium. Some of the more memorable experiences was hearing the "YMCA" Song during the 7th inning stretch (not really a memorable experience, but more of a weird experience); beer vendors selling Coors Light instead of the traditional Miller products I am used to at Comiskey Park (a.k.a. US Cellular Field: Home of the Chicago White Sox); running into the White Sox fans I saw at Carnegie Deli earlier in the day (actually, they sat right behind us); New Yorkers booing Alex Rodriguez (a member of the New York Yankees); camera flash bulbs going off like fireworks every time Derek Jeter attempted to break the Yankee Stadium Hit Record (he did not accomplish this feet on Sept. 15, but he did accomplish that feet on Sept. 16); paying $8.50 for a beer; enjoying the sight of the full moon as it panned across the outfield; hearing and seeing the elevated train; the Goosebumps I felt when "Enter Sandman" played from the stadium speakers as Mariano Rivera (the Yankees closing pitcher) made his way to the pitching mound to save the game; the annoyance I felt when the song "New York, New York" played through the stadium speakers after the Yankees victory; gazing at the white frieze along the outfield billboards; finally, the packed subway station outside Yankee Stadium.

No matter what team you root for, every baseball fan respects the history and allure of the New York Yankees and Yankee Stadium. The stadium has been home to many important baseball players and has seen its share of success. Behind Fenway Park in Boston and Wrigley Field in Chicago, Yankee Stadium was/is a historical ball park that attracts visitors from all over the world. History fills the walls and memories will echo forever.

Will the new Yankee Stadium create the same type of nostalgia? Only time will tell.

Steam Whistle: A pilsner to be proud of

2008-09-05T02:38:00Z

BEER REVIEW: Steam Whistle by Steam Whistle Brewing, in Ontario, Canada

American’s sure do not have a wide variety when it comes to high quality pilsners. Sure, you have your Bud and Miller…but once you take a step beyond and experience a premium pilsner, you will not want to go back.

Steam Whistle is a premium Canadian pilsner. What is unique about this beer is the fact that it only uses four natural ingredients: spring water, malted barley, hops and yeast. The web site points to the brewmaster’s and staff’s passion as being the fifth - and I think you will agree once you try it. The simplicity pays off in taste, as there are no complex flavors trying to receive the attention of your taste buds.

The first thing I noticed when putting back a bottle of this fine beverage was how smooth it was. The fresh, crisp brew went down quickly, smoothly and enjoyably leaving a nicely balanced, mild hoppy and malty aftertaste. Steam Whistle’s light gold color is also parallel to its light, refreshing taste. While ever-so-slight, the mild citrus notes enhanced the flavor even more so and makes for a great summer time drink.

If you ever find yourself in the great north, make sure to pick up one of the very better pilsners out there. And when you are finished, be sure to blow across the neck of the bottle and enjoy the satisfying steam whistle sound. Canada’s very own Steam Whistle. You will not be disappointed.

*special thanks to Derek White for providing the opportunity.

Steam Whistle is Highly Recommended by Ben

Dark Knight Bar Night

2008-09-04T02:12:00Z

Deep in the shadows, nestled in between towering skyscrapers, covered by a thick mist...this is the description you would conjure when thinking of bars located in the city where Batman dwells, Gotham City. Fortunately for the citizens of Chicago, Illinois and the world, the bars used in the film "The Dark Knight" are very welcoming and offer great pints of beer. If you are not familiar with "movie magic," the city of Chicago is where the majority of the filming was done for the "The Dark Knight" film. Many familiar Chicago landmarks, buildings, streets and establishments were used to create the look and feel of Gotham City. Chicago was unofficially Gotham City. With this in mind, BeerBin.com created an event that invited guests to drink at the Chicago Bars that were used in the film. Basically, guests got a chance to drink in Gotham City Bars. The two Chicago Bars we visited were Berghoff and Twin Anchors.

Both bars are true Chicago establishments and now thanks to the wonderful film, will be part of movie history. Berghoff is what remains of the famous Berghoff Restaurant. Located in the heart of Downtown Chicago, the restaurant was one of Chicago's oldest and most beloved restaurants. Although the restaurant as it was known is closed, the building is still open for business. Beer and food can still be found at the Berghoff. The German Dishes and Berghoff Beer, along with the beautiful wood facade, create an ambiance typical of an old Chicago restaurant. One can see why director Christopher Nolan chose the Berghoff as the setting for an important scene with Commissioner Gordon, Sal Maroni and the Chechen. This scene establishes what the mob is willing to do in order to restore "mob order" (i.e., set the Joker loose) and the scene also reaffirms what Batman does best (i.e. work outside of a corrupt system in order to bring justice. Case in point by obtaining the "evidence" necessary to draw a warrant for the arrest of Sal Maroni, the Chechen and their men; an arrest which Commissioner Gordon is more than happy to oblige to while they enjoy their meal at the Berghoff). Thanks to "The Dark Knight", the owners of the bar created a special drink to celebrate their movie stardom: the Dark Knight Bar Special. It's a stein of Dark Lager with a shot of Bourbon. Batman would be proud.

The Twin Anchors Restaurant is another great Chicago establishment. Located in the historic Old Town neighborhood, the Twin Anchors is another one of Chicago's oldest restaurants. Known primarily for their BBQ Ribs, Twin Anchors Restaurant has also been known as a former hang out to the great, late, Frank Sinatra. You can see why Twin Anchors is considered a "Must Visit" when in Chicago: delicious food, along with an above average beer selection and a great neighborhood ambiance... all recipes for success. In addition, now they can claim to be the bar where Two-Face starts to extract his revenge on those he feels wronged him. In a pivotal scene, Harvey Dent, now known as Two-Face, tracks down one of the corrupt officers who betrayed Commissioner Gordon's trust and in doing so, set up the events that would transform Harvey into Two-Face. The corrupt officer is sitting at the bar when Two-Face approaches him and let's his "lucky coin" decide his fate. Thanks to "The Dark Knight" you can enjoy a free beer if you bring in your movie stub (so save your Dark Knight movie stub). Reason enough to check out Twin Anchors.

Based on the response we received from the Dark Knight Bar Night event, you can expect us to relive the Gotham City experience again. Keep checking BeerBin.com periodically as we will keep every citizen posted on when we will visit Gotham City again.

Berghoff is located at 17 West Adams Street, in the Loop, Downtown area of Chicago, IL, USA. Phone: (312) 427-3170. Website: http://www.theberghoff.com/

Berghoff is Highly Recommended by Gonzalo

Twin Anchors Restaurant is located at 1655 North Sedgwick Street in the Old Town neighborhood of Chicago, IL, USA. Phone: (312) 266-1616. Website: http://twinanchorsribs.com/

Twin Anchors Restaurant is Highly Recommended by Gonzalo

Miramar

2008-08-23T18:03:00Z

BAR REVIEW: Miramar in a suburb north of Chicago named Highwood, IL.

Generally, I try to avoid the Suburbs when it comes to drinking or dinning. The City of Chicago has plenty of restaurants and bars to keep me satisfied. From time to time though, you hear of restaurants in the Suburbs worth venturing out to. Miramar Bistro, Bar & Banquets in the suburb of Highwood is worth leaving the confines of the city for. Located conveniently by the Highwood Metra Station on the corner of Highwood Avenue and Waukegan Ave, Miramar catches your attention from the moment you set eyes on it.

This corner restaurant is a cross between a French Bistro and a Cuban Bar. White rectangular tiles adorn the walls and Parisian-style taps await you at the bar. Beer wise, Miramar has a small but distinguished beer selection. It brings a joy to my soul to see Goose Island Beer outside the City of Chicago, and Miramar pours a nice glass of Goose Island 312. Speaking of pouring, the bartender pours a great glass of Stella Artois. There is a right way to pour Stella Artois and most bars ignore the pouring method outlined by Stella Artois, but Miramar comes the closest. A perfect head on every Stella Artois chalice!

Another beverage you should try at Miramar is a Mojito. Very few bars I have visited in the States make a great Mojito. Miramar does its Cuban influence proud by serving an excellent Mojito!

Of course, the food is worth trying as well. Miramar is after all a bistro first, and a bar second. Few restaurants do such a great job of mixing all the elements of a wonderful evening quite like Miramar does. My only complaint, if any, is that Miramar is located in Highwood instead of being conveniently located in the River North area of Chicago. Trust me though; the trip up north to Highwood, Illinois is well worth it.

Miramar Bistro, Bar & Banquets is located at 301 Waukegan Avenue in Highwood, Illinois, USA. Phone (847) 433-1078. Website: http://miramarbistro.com/index.html

Miramar Bistro, Bar & Banquets is Highly Recommended by Gonzalo

Drinking in the Rush/Division Area

2008-08-14T21:46:00Z

A fair representation of the nightlife scene of Chicago, Illinois is on display at the Rush/Division Area. Locals and out-of-towners gather to drink and celebrate any occasion at the area in and around Division Street and Rush Street. A lot of the hip, trendy restaurants can be found on Rush Street, while the late-night bars are found on Division Street. By late-night, I mean the parties don’t stop till 5 a.m. on Saturday nights. The Rush/Division Area is practically the only area in Chicago that boasts plenty of late-late-night bars (the other area is the Greek town area).

The Rush/Division Area offers you plenty of drinking options. Favorites like Mother's Too, Finn McCool's and Butch McGuire's are found on Division Street. The reason I list these bars as "favorites" is because they offer you more than just the standard "light beers" and Guinness. Goose Island beer, Hacker-Pschorr and some other surprise brews are found at these favorite bars. Of course though, if you are visiting the Rush/Division Area, chances are you are not necessarily worried about what kind of beer they have on tap. You are more interested in the "eye candy" at the bars. Well, fear not reader, the beautiful people of Chicago and the world converge at the Rush/Division nightlife scene. People from all walks of life gather to have fun and make mistakes in the Rush/Division Area

When the music fades and the sun begins to rise, be ready to get a serious case of "the munchies." Some bars in the Rush/Division area have kitchens that stay open late, like Dublin Bar & Grill, but for the most part be ready to munch on gyros, hot dogs, burgers or pizza. This food is readily available to you at the late-night food establishments of Division Street.

My suggestion on how to make your Rush/Division Area experience that much more enjoyable: rent a Trolley from Chicago Trolley & Double Decker Co.. There is something special about renting a Trolley, filling it up with booze and cruising the streets of Downtown Chicago as you embark on your next drinking destination. You might be wondering why you would want to rent a Trolley when all the bars in the Rush/Division Area are easily in walking distance. Well my answer to you: Why not?

Trolley or no Trolley, a good time will be had by all at the Rush/Division Area.

Martini Club

2008-08-07T21:51:00Z

BAR REVIEW: Martini Club in the Portage Park area of Chicago, IL

One of the few bars that I have ever seen with an inflatable pool, Martini Club on Irving Park Road in the Portage Park area of Chicago deserves a visit. The front of the bar has a beautiful European atmosphere, but step into the back and you have a Miami-style lounge with trendy music and an actual pool. Waitresses serve you in their bathing suits and pool parties are regularly held during the summer.

Aside from having a pool, the other attractions of the bar are the cute and friendly European waitresses, European Beers on draft and good food. Of course, if you are a Martini drinker, the Martini’s will not disappoint at the Martini Club. Of the beers, try an Okocim on draft. Okocim is the Polish beer of choice around Chicagoland.

The only downside to this otherwise great drinking destination is the location. Martini Club is located on west Irving Park road, in between Austin and Central Avenue. A sure fire way to get there is by driving or taking a cab. Public Transportation would not be an ideal route, unless that is all you have to work with. Trust me, Martini Club would be worth checking out at least once.

Martini Club is located at 5737 West Irving Park Road in the Portage Park neighborhood of Chicago, Illinois, USA. Phone: (773) 282-9444. Website: http://www.clubmartini.us/

Martini Club is Recommended by Gonzalo

Drinking in Zihuatanejo, MEXICO

2008-08-06T21:16:00Z

The residents of Zihuatanejo are a fun, laid back crowd. I'm sure the beach lifestyle has something to do with it, but I also want to suggest that it is because of their ability to drink openly in public. The town of Zihuatanejo is located on the Pacific side of Mexico, about 2 hours north of Acapulco and a quick 40-minute flight from Mexico City. Like most of the other beach towns I have visited in Mexico, Zihua (as the locals refer to it) is a great place to unwind and enjoy a cool brew. Waking up to the ocean breeze and being able to enjoy a nice Victoria lager (the beer of choice in Zihua) anytime and anywhere must contribute to the happy mood of the population.

Zihua is not as crazy as Acapulco, Puerto Vallarta or Cancun, but that is where the appeal lies. You are not bumping into 18-year-old drunk Americans in Zihua, nor are you witnessing sorority girls going wild. What you do witness though, is the Mexico you hear about in romantic stories, the Mexico that is filled with passion for food, culture and amity. Zihuatanejo is a place where you can get away from corporate stores and chain restaurants. The town has a “downtown” area that instantly transports you to a time when streets where narrow, when food from restaurants can be smelled a block away and a time when street vendors valued your visit. Being that Zihua is next to the Pacific Ocean, seafood is fresh and delicious. Any fine meal you get goes great with a cold Victoria lager. Have them prepare the beer for you with lime and salt and you will not be disappointed.

After dinner, grab a six-pack of beer and head down to the basketball court located next to the beach in the downtown area. Basketball games go on till the late evening and since the court is not enclosed, you sit under the stars as the sights and sounds of the town engulf you. It has to be said, that having a beautiful beach and a cool beer in your hand make for a great living situation.

For those who do want drunken underage kids going wild, take a 15-minute trip up north to Ixtapa. That is the tourist destination with big hotels and chain bars among the main strip. For all others, find your way to Zihuatanejo and enjoy the beauty life has to offer.