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Tilted Kilt

2009-10-21T14:17:00Z

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

XOCO

2009-09-16T01:02:00Z

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

District Bar

2009-08-21T00:30:00Z

BAR REVIEW: District Bar in the River North area of Chicago, Illinois

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

Roof on the Wit

2009-07-19T18:56:00Z

BAR REVIEW: Roof on the Wit in the Downtown area of Chicago, Illinois

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

Three Floyds Alpha King

2009-07-08T23:31:00Z

BEER REVIEW: Three Floyds Alpha King Pale Ale by Three Floyds Brewing Company

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

Murphy's Bleachers

2009-06-15T03:13:00Z

BAR REVIEW: Murphy's Bleachers in the Wrigleyville area of Chicago, Illinois

On the eve of the Chicago Baseball Cross Town Classic, what better drinking establishment to review than the Wrigleyville staple known as Murphy's Bleachers? When the Chicago White Sox travel up north to play the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field, the whole city of Chicago is either Black (White Sox) or Blue (Cubs). Smack dab in the middle of all the heckling, team pride and home runs, Murphy's Bleachers is located across from the entrance to the Wrigley Field Bleachers. At the corner of Waveland Avenue and Sheffield Avenue, you will find the fine drinking establishment that has, more or less, been in existence since the 1930's. Priding itself on serving strong whiskeys and quality beers, Murphy's Bleachers impresses on all levels.

My baseball allegiance belongs to the White Sox, and let's be honest, there is no "Comiskeyville." The drinking us White Sox fans partake before a baseball game usually happens in the parking lot of the stadium. Well, there is Jimbo's Lounge near the White Sox Stadium, but it doesn't really have quality beers. Plus, Jimbo's has been on the verge of closing for the past couple of years (in fact, their disconnected phone number is a good indication that it might be closed). Anyways, the bars of the South Side are for another article. Murphy's Bleachers on the North Side really impressed me with their beer selection and food menu. Before officially stepping foot into Murphy's Bleachers, I had assumptions that it was a "Cubs Bar" filled with Cubs fans and water downed beer. The bar is filled with Cubs Fans, but it does not have water-downed beer. On the contrary, the impressive beer selection had my jaw on the floor. You can find SKA Modus Hoperandi IPA, Brooklyn Brewmasters Reserve Seasonal Beers, Goose Island Matilda and many more quality ales and lagers. The best part is, they have weekly specials and their prices are very reasonable. In addition, the food menu is pretty stellar.

Overall, Murphy's Bleachers is a must visit whether you are a Cubs Fan or not. The baseball and sports memorabilia hanging around the bar is a testament to the pride Chicagoans have for their teams, even if said team has not won a major championship for over 100 years (yeah, that was a cheap shot). Beer wise, food wise and history wise, Murphy's Bleachers hits a home run all around. No wonder it is always packed during Cubs games. Murphy's Bleachers is located at 3655 N. Sheffield Avenue in Chicago, Illinois, USA. Phone: (773) 281-5356.

Murphy's Bleachers is Highly Recommended by Gonzalo

Market

2009-06-01T04:20:00Z

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

Ginger's Ale House

2009-05-28T01:04:00Z

BAR REVIEW: Ginger's Ale House in the Lakeview area of Chicago, Illinois

Manchester United fans look no further than Ginger's Ale House. This Irish/English Bar in Wrigleyville is home to the Manchester United Fans of Chicago. Aside from being a great Soccer Bar, Ginger's Ale House is a splendid bar. Decent ales from England and Ireland and a fantastic brunch menu help make this Ale House a stand out. You must try the Traditional Breakfast: A fantastic feast that is a remedy for hangovers and hungry stomachs.

The bar is split up into 3 sections and each section is filled with televisions, beer and a lively crowd. It is not hard to see why Ginger's Ale House was once voted "Best Soccer Bar" by USSOCCER.COM for 4 years in a row. In addition to broadcasting the big soccer matches from all the soccer/football leagues, you can also catch Rugby games and play wicked games of Darts. You can expect any big Rugby game or Soccer Match to attract the big crowds, so make sure you arrive early to get a good spot in front of one of the many televisions. When you arrive early, make sure to sit in Sheila's section and she will make you feel special with her Irish accent and great service.

Overall, Ginger's Ale House is a marvelous bar on the North Side of Chicago. It is not a pretty bar like Fado's, but it does have that Irish charm. The ales found at this ale house are great, but they are the typical Pub/Ale House selection. What sets Ginger's Ale House apart from the other bars are the passionate fans and the Bangers that are part of the Traditional Breakfast. Ginger's Ale House is located at 3801 N. Ashland Avenue in Chicago, Illinois, USA. Phone: 773-348-2767.

Ginger's Ale House is Recommended by Gonzalo

Smithwicks

2009-05-26T05:55:00Z

BEER REVIEW: Smithwicks by St. Francis Abbey Brewery

My relationship with the Irish Red Ale known as Smithwicks is like that of a friend I do not get to hang out often with: We know we are there, but for some reason or another, the scheduling does not work. Smithwicks is found on tap at many bars across Chicago. I recognize the tap handle and even gaze at it from time to time, but yet, I find myself drinking something else. I should really get in the habit of ordering a pint of Smithwicks more often (just as I should really get in the habit of hanging out with that friend).

Smithwicks is a smooth red ale from the land of Guinness: Ireland. Actually, Smithwicks is "Ireland's oldest ale" and was first brewed in 1710. You know the beer has to be good when it has been around for close to 300 years. Smithwicks is poured with a bit of creamy head, but not as thick as a Guinness head or as a Boddingtons head. The red Irish ale has a bit of a caramel taste to it, but it is such a faint taste. What you will notice about Smithwicks more than anything else is the dark red hue of the beer.

Overall, Smithwicks is a very drinkable beer. None of the ingredients in the beer overpower your senses. They all come together nicely and produce a beer that helps you enjoy your night even more. Like that friend I do not get to hang out with often, Smithwicks becomes a barrel of fun as the night goes on.

Smithwicks is Recommended by Gonzalo

Burt's Place

2009-03-23T14:14:00Z

BAR REVIEW: Burt's Place in the northern suburb of Chicago known as Morton Grove, IL.

Not necessarily a bar, not necessarily a museum, definitely a pizza place; Burt's Place in Morton Grove, Illinois has been serving the "finest pan pizza" since 1971. Located on Ferris Avenue, South of Dempster Street, Burt's Place is a cozy dining room inside a brown shack in a residential area. Antiques and old newspaper articles, as well as worn in booth chairs, add to the rustic charm that is evident through out the room and by the owner and pizza chef, Burt. For a pizza place, Burt's Place offers quality beers from Great Lakes Brewing to accompany your delicious pan pizza. My suggestion, order the Commodore Perry with a Spinach and Banana Peppers Pan Pizza, the nice hops and fresh aroma of this IPA compliment that pizza quite nicely. By the way, that is why you come to Burt's Place: for the pizza. The pan pizza made by Burt is one of the best I have had. From the caramelized crust to the fresh ingredients, Burt knows how to make 'em. His pizzas are not as thick as a deep-dish pizza, and they are not as thin as a thin crust pizza. His pizza is all pan style.

Overall, Burt's Place is a must visit. Since the dining room is small, I strongly suggest calling ahead to reserve your spot. When you do visit Burt's Place, make sure to take cash. Credit Cards are not welcomed. Burt's Place is located at 8541 N Ferris Ave in Morton Grove, Illinois, USA. Phone: (847) 965-7997

Burt's Place is Highly Recommended by Gonzalo

Bell's Two Hearted Ale

2009-03-18T23:10:00Z

BEER REVIEW: Bell's Two Hearted Ale by Bell's Brewery Inc

I enjoyed a nice pint of Bell's Two Hearted Ale at the great The Local Optionbar in the Lincoln Park. The friendly Bar Tender, Noah, recommended it as the best beer they currently have on Tap. With the blessing of the bartender, I ordered the pint.

Bell's Two Hearted Ale is a wonderful IPA. The more I drank it, the smoother it got. Two Hearted Ale has the standard characteristics of an IPA: citrus aroma and nice hops. Overall, this ale is a refreshing beer that can be enjoyed anytime of the year and for any occasion. Bell's Brewery Inc is one of the greater Breweries in the United States, and it is a joy to savor any one of their fine brews. Two Hearted Ale is definitely one of my favorites.

Thanks for the recommendations Noah!

Bell's Two Hearted Ale is Very Recommended by Gonzalo

Site Upgrades

2009-03-03T00:54:00Z

I've been fairly busy over the weekend. Basically, I got google maps to work. Also, the site has better looking urls, runs faster, and should be easier to find information.

The Fifty 50

2009-02-19T02:09:00Z

BAR REVIEW: The Fifty 50 in the Wicker Park area of Chicago, Illinois

Since appearing on the Wicker Park bar scene about a year ago, The Fifty 50 has gone on to claim the "#1 Neighborhood Bar Award" issued by Chicago Scene for the Wicker Park area. Once you step into this neighborhood bar, you can see why The Fifty 50 has drawn such praise. Delicious comfort food, decent beer selection and friendly bar tenders (John is a great source of information) all add to the great vibe.

Not only does it have a great vibe inside the bar, once the warm weather comes around, the outdoor patio a fun place to people watch and a great place to relax with your dog. During the cold Chicago winters, you will have to do with the widescreen tv's, warm atmosphere and 40's found in inside. Yes, I said 40's. The Fifty 50 has a rotating selection of 40oz beers they offer for $8!

Speaking of beer, for the most part The Fifty 50 has a plain selection, they do offer Goose Island Seasonal on draft and have Delirium Nocturnum in bottles, so it is not as plain as I make it sound.

Overall, The Fifty 50 does impress. The cozy and hip interior, along with the good food and decent beer selection make this (http://beerbin.com/bars?city=Chicago&neighborhood=Wicker+Park) bar a great destination. The Fifty 50 is located at 2047 West Division Street in the (http://beerbin.com/bars?city=Chicago&neighborhood=Wicker+Park) area of Chicago, Illinois, USA. Phone: (773) 489-5050

The Fifty 50 is Recommended by Gonzalo

The Boundary

2009-02-13T02:37:00Z

BAR REVIEW: The Boundary in the Wicker Park area of Chicago, Illinois

Established in 2007, The Boundary has been making a name for itself in the Wicker Park neighborhood of Chicago. Located on the Division Street strip of Wicker Park, The Boundary Tavern & Grille is the new generation of neighborhood bars. The High Definition Televisions broadcast the local team, while the kitchen serves up some fantastic food and the bartenders offer their input on the many beers they serve.

The beer menu at The Boundary did catch me by surprise. Based on the trendy and yuppie vibe of the tavern, I was expecting a plain beer menu. Just like your Grandma said to never judge a book by its cover, The Boundary has an excellent beer menu. They offer a nice selection on draft, but it's their bottle selection that truly impressed me. Unibroue Trois Pistoles and Anchor Liberty Ale are some of the specialty beers they offer. The best part is their prices are reasonable. Many establishments charge you at least $8 for a bottle of Trois Pistoles, the current price at The Boundary: $6 per bottle.

Overall, The Boundary has all the makings of a bar that will have a strong hold on the Wicker Park area: friendly atmosphere, delicious food, reasonable prices and a wonderful selection of beers.

The Boundary is located at 1932 West Division Street in the Wicker Park area of Chicago, Illinois, USA. Phone: (773) 278 - 1919.

The Boundary is Highly Recommended by Gonzalo

BeerBin.com: Year 3

2009-01-16T01:15:00Z

2009 has arrived and with it, the 3rd year of the BeerBin.com Project. It has been a fun 2 years getting to know the various bars, neighborhoods and patrons that make Chicago the best drinking destination in the world. At the beginning of 2007 we embarked on creating a website that keeps track of the beers being served across the Chicagoland bars. We wanted an easy way for drinkers to know where they can find their favorite brew. With the rise of Microbreweries and the evolving taste palate of Beer Drinkers, consumers need a "directory of beers" to turn to when they want to drink a pint of Bell's Oberon (for example). In addition, we wanted to create a website that helps you find the bar that is affiliated with your favorite sporting team. Chicago is home to Buckeye Fans, Wolverine Fans, Red Sox fans, Manchester United fans and many more fans. All of these sports fans need a drinking destination where they can enjoy the excitement of the big game with other fellow fans. These wants resulted in BeerBin.com.

Although our site is an always evolving stage as we adapt to the ever developing World Wide Web, we are optimistic that 2009 will see a "definitive" version of BeerBin.com. We have some big plans in store for making BeerBin.com a more household name across Chicagoland (and eventually, the world).

2008 saw our site traffic double from the previous year. Thank you to all who have made BeerBin.com a "must see" website before you embark on your drinking adventure. It is you who we have in mind as we go about the grueling task of drinking beer, bar hopping and neighborhood scoping. Thank you :-)