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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 :-)

John Barleycorn in Lincoln Park

2009-01-15T01:10:00Z

BAR REVIEW: John Barleycorn in Lincoln Park in the Lincoln Park area of Chicago,IL

The new and improved John Barleycorn Bar in the neighborhood of Lincoln Park has been revamped to make it more like its counterparts in Wrigleyville and Schaumburg. Sure this gives the Barleycorn bars more of a "uniform" feel and look, but now this once charming Lincoln Park bar feels more like a suburban bar. Not that there is anything wrong with suburban bars, but if I wanted a suburban bar, I'd drive out to the 'burbs. Around the neighborhoods of Chicago, I want neighborhood bars. Neighborhood bars make you feel like you walked down the block to take a seat in their friendly confines; Suburban bars are situated in strip malls and have parking lots in front.

Sure the revamp may have changed the vibe once given off within this neighborhood bar, but the core is still there: You can still have a ridiculously good time at John Barleycorn. The beer taps are always pouring and the crowd is always hot. In fact, thanks to the revamps that took place, you can now fit more people into this Lincoln Park hot spot.

Overall, the look may have changed, but the outcome is still the same. John Barleycorn in Lincoln Park is a staple of the Lincoln Park neighborhood, and it will always continue to be. No matter how much it tries to be a suburban bar.

John Barleycorn in Lincoln Park is located at 658 West Belden Avenue in the Lincoln Park area of Chicago, Illinois, USA. Phone: 773-348-8899.

John Barleycorn in Lincoln Park is Recommended by Gonzalo

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