Posts Tagged ‘West Loop’

The Beer Bistro

February 4th, 2010

BAR REVIEW: The Beer Bistro in the West Loop area of Chicago, Illinois

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

Market

June 1st, 2009

BAR REVIEW: Market in the West Loop Gate area of Chicago, Illinois

It may be because this bar is brand new, but Market is very shiny. Like a hot new car one would buy, this new multi-faceted restaurant and sports bar has that “wow” factor through out everything! From the beautiful wood trim to the chrome beer taps to the vibrant Panasonic widescreen televisions, and that is just the first floor. Do not dare to leave Market without enjoying a drink on the Roof Deck. An impressive lounge retreat with an outstanding view of the Skyline, the Roof Deck at Market is going to be a popular destination through out the summer.

So Market is a great place to savor a drink, but I wish the Beer Menu were just a tad greater. Granted they do have Goose Island 312 on tap and that is all I really need, but I guess I am just nitpicking. In reality, their beer menu has favorites like Stella Artois, Heineken, Guinness and Corona. Actually, enjoying a Corona and Lime on the Roof Deck while gazing at the Sears Tower (sorry, I mean Willis Tower) sounds like a wonderful way to relax during the summer.

A helpful tip to you, future patron of Market, since Market is located in the sophisticated West Loop Gate area and Oprah’s Harpo Studios are located down the block, make sure you dress to impress. I did feel a bit out of place in my White Sox track jacket. Of course though, I had no problems making my way through the bar.

Overall, Market is a stunning bar that will impress your date, friends and out-of-town guests, most importantly though, you will be fond of this new restaurant and sports bar. When you mix great food, with a respectable beer menu and a stylish atmosphere, you get this new hot spot. Market is located at 1113 West Randolph Street in the West Loop Gate area of Chicago, Illinois. Phone: 312-929-4787.

Market is Highly Recommended by Gonzalo

Beer School

February 28th, 2007

BEER SCHOOL at The Beer Bistro in Chicago

When you give an event a name like “Beer School” you get a great idea of what’s in store. Don’t worry; there are no tests or boring teachers at this school. Beer School at The Beer Bistro is a once a month event that deserves your full, undivided attention. On the last Wednesday of every month, students gather in the bottom level of The Beer Bistro to educate themselves on beer, beer and beer. There are no pop quizzes or chalkboards, just plenty of beer and plenty of knowledge. Professors sample the beer style of the month and discuss the many attributes found with that beer. I sat in on the February class where the professor sampled and discussed Belgian ales. What a treat it was! From ales to lambics, this professor discussed the history behind the beers and the attributes that set them apart. My favorite beer of discussion was the Orval Trappist Ale. The dry-hopped and uniquely complex ale is one of the few beers that taste better with age. Made by Trappist monks in Belgium, this ale is considered a world classic. Most beers of discussion are readily available upstairs in the bar. Luckily for me, the Orval Trappist Ale was one of those beers that required extra attention (extra credit!) and it was found upstairs.

If you are in Chicago on the last Wednesday of the month, you will be wise to attend the next class. The Beer Bistro is located in the West Loop Gate neighborhood of Chicago at 1061 West Madison Street. Their phone number is (312) 433-0013.

Jefferson Tap & Grille

February 8th, 2007

BAR REVIEW: JEFFERSON TAP & GRILLE

The West Loop is a fast rising neighborhood in Chicago area with not too many bars…but the few bars it has makes up for that. Jefferson Tap & Grille is fast becoming one of my favorite Chicago bars. It’s located on Jefferson St (tucked away north of Fulton St), it’s the only bar on the street. In addition to having terrific food, the servers and bartenders do a top-notch job getting you your drinks. As an extra bonus, they are open till 5am on Saturday nights and 4am on Friday nights. Make sure you make this your new late late night bar…you won’t be disappointed.

Jefferson Tap & Grille is located at 325 N. Jefferson St in Chicago, IL
Phone: 312-648-1169
Website: http://www.jeffersontap.com/

JEFFERSON TAP & GRILLE is Highly Recommended by Gonzalo