We have been here a few times and typically everything is delicious! The duck and dumplings are…read morefantastic and will keep us coming back! This trip we tried the Spanish octopus, however, and it was not good. We are big fans of octopus, but this one was chewy and the sides to accompany it were not to our liking, so we ended up barely touching the dish. The oysters and scallops were on point though! Overall a very good experience each time!

Checked out this pretty unique brewery. Forbidden Root has expanded to a newer location called…read moreCultivate and is known not just for the beers but also the food menu. It has since grown from the original location in East Village to this one in Ravenswood. As the saying goes nothing beats the original and this is where to start on some great local beers and also get something to eat. The prices may be kind of high but it's to be expected for being hipster. Basic thing to know is the beers are supposed to be the main thing of course. It's got quite a few to choose from. The styles are a lot different than just the typical. A lot of ingredients making these more enjoyable to pair with food. Probably what they had in mind when they created these. It's about $8 a pint. Kind of a lot but of course this is a hipster craft brewery though. The best one of these we had was the Toro! It's a Triple IPA that is double dry hopped and citrus forward. There's also notes of pineapple. As for the food it's great but kind of limited for vegetarian choices. It's about $13 for an entree. She got the Kale Salad. It has chickpeas, fennel, fried shallots, herbs, and tahini-orange dressing. This was actually filling surprisingly. I got the Vada Pav Sliders, which are okay for vegans. Comes with mint chutney, pickled red Fresno peppers, and pineapple-tamarind jam. Most of the rest of the menu is meaty. There's also oysters if wanting to get seafood. For sure we could come here again. It's located close to the Ravenswood Metro station. There's a few things for vegetarians.

Hopleaf Bar is hands down one of our favorite spots for dinner and drink in all of Chicago!…read more One key to a successful dinning experience at Hopleaf is knowing the three different spaces to engage. When you first walk in, you have to show your ID since this is an adults-only bar establishment. (1) You can then choose to sit in the front bar area, if you want a full menu, but use the bar for ordering service. (2) If you keep walking through the front bar area, you reach the host stand at the top of the ramp. This is where you can put your name in to sit in the main dining room, upstairs, or outside. (3) However, you can also walk through to the left of the host stand to another bar area that has full menus, but bar service for ordering. This is our preferred spot because we can often find a seat and order with the bar. Do note that, during busy times, part of this bar area is managed by the host stand and will be labeled as such. The extensive beer menu is our favorite. We have our favorite food items, so all our decision making revolves around which beer we will get. They always have a bit of everything style-wise, from all over the world, but with a local-brewery focus. Seasonal emphasis is also taken into consideration when they curate the beer list. It is always rotating and we love it! Beers are served in the recommended glasses from the breweries. It's a great drinking experience from start to finish! Our food orders are eternally set: I get the Nueske Ham sandwich with fries and aioli. My husband gets the Reuben sandwich with fries and aioli. This meal is so perfect we'll probably never get anything different, despite the menu being delicious across the board. The wildest we get is sometimes splitting the two sandwiches. No reason to mess with a good thing! Other notable great things about Hopleaf: (1) Kind, knowledgeable, and professional staff. (2) Reasonable prices for high quality and great variety products. (3) Clean Belgian Bar decor/vibe with lots of space for folks to enjoy their time. (4) They are open late and serve food late. Thank you for being an amazing local spot, Hopleaf! We'll see you soon!

Simply, all around excellent!…read more This was one of those cases where I stopped in, started a review, and then it sat in my drafts collecting dust. Thus, a return visit was a must! Primarily because I genuinely enjoyed it, and secondarily because I enjoy writing. Hopleaf boasts a tremendous and awesome beer list! It's truly hard to do it justice in a review. I will say they offer a wide variety of different kinds, origins, styles, bottle versus draft, and so on. For those who aren't beer lovers, there are cocktails, ciders, and more! For food, I was able to try both the Pork Belly and the Slagel Burger. The pork belly was much better than I expected! The exterior was delightfully roasted, and the interior was soft and savory with a good balance between meaty and fatty bits. The pork was well-sauced, and the accompanying accoutrements were similarly fantastic, helping to round out the pork, and adding freshness. On my first visit, my main memory of the burger was a very high salt level. However, this appears to have been addressed on my second visit. Now, is it the best burger in the city? No. However, it is excellent in its own right. The smashed patties have good flavor and a proper char around the edges. The vegetables are present but not so overwhelming that it becomes a hard-to-eat salad, and finally, it is delightfully cheesy! Where service is concerned, the bar staff were friendly and welcoming. They took great care of me and other patrons approaching the bar. Food came out in a reasonable timeframe, especially for items cooked to order. In terms of their vibe, I feel as though the best way I can describe it is to say it's a larger, elevated dive bar. It isn't cramped or dark, and there's plenty of space. At the same time, it isn't at all uppity and preserves that neighborhood establishment feel (though I would certainly go across town to visit on occasion). Finally, regarding value, when the bill came, I felt the amount due was more than reasonable considering the quality of food, beers, and service I received. Thus, while I am generally not a big beer drinker (I'm more of a spirits/cocktails person), I'm not totally against printing out their beer menu and crossing out items as I try them. That is to say, I look forward to coming back again and again.

Here is yet another brewery. It's one of the not as known of the craft breweries around here…read more Spiteful has some cans available in beer and liquor stores. Getting to the actual taproom has the advantage of being able to try stuff you can't get anywhere else. The place isn't that big and parking sucks but they have a big selection on tap and the prices are good. After checking out a few other local craft breweries around here, we came here and tried a few. It has a kind of limited amount on tap but it's a pretty small place. There's still a pretty good variety. It's about $7 a pint. They have fruity, hoppy, and more on tap. Among these, Turnstile Hopper so far is my favorite. It's a hazy IPA. This has a hoppy taste and is 6% ABV so it's stronger than many. Here they don't have food besides chips. It's $1 a bag, crappy choices. They do allow outside food and have some delivery partners. Good local brewery. It's on Balmoral close to Half Acre, yet another one. Try some beers from both of these.

Cute place but generally the beers were too similar to one another. Ordered at the bar.read more

Our self-guided brewery tour through Chicago's North side landed us at Hop Butcher, and it was…read moreprobably our favorite spot of the trip! Paid street parking available directly outside this establishment! The interior is laid back, with bar or table seating, and a huge mural that gives you a glimpse into the amazing artwork used throughout the brand. Our server was helpful at deciphering which of their many IPA to try and also where to go for our next stop on the journey. The beer itself was AWESOME!! They focus heavily on IPAs, which gives us hop lovers so many nuances to choose from. I love that they focus on one thing and do it incredibly well! Our favorite was the Cold Pizza, which we picked up in their attached store for our home collection. Great space, tasty IPA, and perfect spot for a sip and a board game!

Have been here a few times in the past few years based on their high reviews. Each time it gets…read moreharder to find a beer without lactose. 90-100% of their beers use lactose. Great if you don't mind animal products in your beer. Not my thing. So many other local breweries who don't do this. Other than that, paid street parking is easy and service is friendly.

Really great experience from a friendly neighborhood place!…read more Came on a colder spring day where they were still willing to serve us outside with our dog. So thankfully they were willing to do that! Servers were so friendly to us and our pupper. They even turned the patio heater on for us! This place is a must for anyone out with their dog! All the food was delicious and brought out quick. Loved the Mac and cheese squares! The drinks were well balanced and I had a delightful Bloody Mary! All the portions were generous and well worth the price. Excellent quality all around! The location is amazing in the heart of Ravenswood. It's perfect for a date, catching up with friends, or an impromptu late lunch in early spring! Can't wait for another visit after warmer weather sets in!

Came here for the first time this Friday and loved the vibe. Great service and great French dip!…read moreHorse radish isn't my favorite but good thing they bring it out on the side. Will definitely return.

Great cocktails. Good prices. Attentive bar tenders. Ample setting and a long curved bar. Music is…read moreat a good volume.

Attended a private party in the back of the bar! Enjoyed the cozy vibe with the twinkly lights and…read morecomfy seating! The drinks were really tasty with a nice variety. I ordered the Honey Bee & my husband had the getaway. We found parking across the street in a paid lot for $10. I also luved the 80s music playing in the background. Definitely will be back @ this Lincoln square neighborhood place!!!

Amazing craft beers and incredible service! Right in the heart of Lincoln Square, this bar has a…read morecozy neighborhood vibe and friendly bartenders who know what's good! I'd highly recommend this spot to anybody: first dates, old friend meetups, and everyone in between. Make this part of your next night out in Lincoln Square!

Me and my BBFs were looking for a place to have a drink before going to The Davis Theater to see…read moreParis is Burning (totally iconic movie!). We thought that Sojourn would be open, but there were not, so I pulled out my trusty Yelp app to locate something nearby we could walk to and stumbled across this joint. So I was not aware that this is a sister location to the Uptown Taproom. Totally different vibe in terms of decor: Uptown is light and airy and this joint is semi-dark, kinda reminds me of a bar you would see in a rural college town. There is a small bar and several high top tables inside and a cute outside area. There is a set of four leather (I assume) chairs in the back of the bar that we sat at, which were comfortable. My BFFs got cocktails and seemed to be happy with them. While they did not have bubbles in a bottles, they did have Underwood, which was ok for me. For a quick drink on a Monday before a movie at The Davis, I would consider coming back here. The place was clean and the bartender was friendly and nice, with a nice smile. And they have bubbles.

There's just something about a burger that actually lives up to the hype--and Little Bad Wolf does…read moreexactly that. Stacked unapologetically high, this burger is everything you want and more: juicy, perfectly seared patties layered with melty cheese, crispy bacon, and those golden, crunchy fried onions that take it completely over the top. Every bite is rich, savory, and just messy enough to remind you you're eating something seriously good. The toasted bun somehow holds it all together (barely), soaking up every bit of flavor without getting lost in the chaos. And then... the shoestring fries. Thin, crispy, golden perfection--light but addictive, with that ideal crunch that makes it impossible to stop at just one (or ten). They're the kind of fries you keep reaching for without even realizing it, especially dipped in that creamy, tangy sauce on the side. And let's not forget the drinks--just as good as the food. Refreshing, perfectly balanced, and the kind you sip slow while taking it all in (but somehow they disappear way too fast). It's not just a burger--it's one of Chicago's most iconic bites for a reason. Bold, indulgent, and absolutely worth every single napkin you'll need after. The ambiance inside is GORGEOUS!

My husband and I walked in on a Sunday evening for dinner and were able to be seated right away…read more The atmosphere is dark and moody, and it made sense once I realized it was the same owners as Gretel. Loved the 90s female R&B playlist they had going! Little Bad Wolf has been on my list FOR YEARS to try the burger! My husband got the burger with fried onions and I got some Bao because those also looked delicious and were a popular menu item. Honestly the 3 stars are only that high because of the service. Our server was friendly and attentive + the food came out hot and quick. Unfortunately, the food was pretty disappointing. The burger was swimming in a puddle of grease and just picking it up made your hands greasy + was dripping grease. The fries that came with it were floppy, soggy, and sad...but at least warm? I personally wouldn't order this again. The Bao were better, but small for the price and honestly were just okay? It was nice they gave you sauces you could add, but I found the Bao's to already have enough sauce so I didn't need them. Overall I left feeling confused and disappointed. I don't feel the need to come back here - Little Bad Will was a one and done experience for me.

This is for the bar, Leland Tap, which ajoins the store( which is also worth 5 stars)…read more I rarely come here. I used to live in the neighborhood and would buy my liquor here. But each time I do visit, I am repeatedly met with good, regular old hospitality and a good drink. Nicolas, who coincidentally does not often work there is the owners son and is friendly and make a great Gin n Tonic. There is a new gin there too that I got to taste ( I normally order Hendricks) its called SkePtic Gin. I am now, unabashedly a fan of it, and as it turns out, is made by Nicolas himself. Dim the lights, come in for a chill evening and enjoy. Its another bar right off of the brown line at Western and is so convenient, you have no excuse. See you soon!

I bought a bottle of Tincup Whiskey in this liquor store today, 1.75l for $49.99. When it came time…read moreto open the bottle, the little tin cup on top of the cap was stuck. We couldn't get it off and ultimately tried to do so with pliers and the glass broke. Whiskey spilled everywhere and the entire part of the glass bottle under the tin cup was still stuck up there. I brought it back to the store right away, thinking they would replace it, but the owner wouldn't even let me tell him what happened. He kept talking over me and saying it was my fault I broke it. As far as I'm concerned, he owes me $50 + tax. This is the closest liquor store to me, and I promise you, I will NEVER ENTER THIS STORE AGAIN!

This place is right off the Damen brown line stop. Down the block from Lawrence Ave. It used to be…read morea different restaurant a couple of years ago and it shut down, but a couple bought it and revamped the spot. It was three of us meeting for dinner and some drinks. My friend had white wine, hubby had an Espressotini, and I the watermelon-cucumber marg. We ordered the cauliflower ceviche, the Cauliflower wings, and the Brussels sprouts as appetizer. Then as an entree, my friend had the Jalisco Burger, hubby had the Salmon, and I a Salmon Caesar Salad. I personally loved the salad and the appetizers were great. Everyone else ate ALL their food, so I assume they also enjoyed it. The location was actually having an 80s night and there was a Dj and space for dancing. There were some people there dress for the themed night and it was just a great vibe. Talking with our friend and eating made us lose track of time and then it was time to leave but before we did, we met one of the owners who actually recommended I come by and visit. (Shoutout to Marcos ) He is the most warm and sunny person, and he was so grateful we actually came by. We had a shot and honestly I'd come back because of him. He told us a little bit about him, his family and about the restaurant backstory. I truly recommend you coming here, you will have a great time. Oh, and almost forgot, they have outside sitting, so you know it will be a great time when you just want to have an outside patio vibe with friends and some drinks. P.s. As you can tell, there are only two pictures. I was so, involved in the moment with my friend's stories and then the appetizers came and nothing else mattered. We all lost track of time and just enjoyed the vibe, the beautiful night, and time with friends, drinks, and food. Oh and 80s music.

I stopped by Monday since they were donating 15% of tabs to The Friendship Center food pantry. I'd…read morebeen meaning to come by since they so generously donated mac and cheese to them for the Thanksgiving meals for the hungry in our community. It's a nice place. Kind of a sports bar but seems a little nicer than your average storeys bar. Service was friendly and helpful. I got the vegetarian ceviche, and it was delicious! It was served with aioli and a healing serving of chips. I've never eaten seafood and been vegetarian for over 30 years, but my boyfriend had a taste and also thought it was good and said they got the right flavor profile. He got the burger and tots and said both were very good. I'll definitely be back!