The Beer Bistro
1061 W Madison St, Chicago, IL, 60607
The Beer Bistro Menu
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Address :
1061 W Madison St
Chicago, IL, 60607 - Phone (312) 433-0013
- Website https://www.thebeerbistro.com
- Click To Get Directions
Opening Hours
- Mon :11:00 am - 2:00pm
Specialities
- Takes Reservations : Yes
Delivery : No
Take-out : Yes
Accepts Credit Cards : Yes
Accepts Bitcoin : No
Good For : Dinner, Late Night
Parking : Street
Bike Parking : Yes
Wheelchair Accessible : Yes
Good for Kids : No
Good for Groups : Yes
Attire : Casual
Ambience : Casual
Noise Level : Average
Music : Juke Box
Good For Dancing : No
Alcohol : Full Bar
Happy Hour : No
Best Nights : Mon, Tue, Thu
Coat Check : No
Smoking : No
Outdoor Seating : Yes
Wi-Fi : No
Has TV : Yes
Waiter Service : Yes
Caters : No
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Joe R.
Beer menu tops 200. Sliders are awesome. The beer float tops it off!
(4)Jacqueline B.
If you're up for a challenge, the Beer Bistro on Wednesdays is where it's at. This friendly West Loop bar serves up a list of over 20 beers for only $3 a can! Are you like me and love trying new beers? Well you've met your match. It's the perfect place to let lose mid work week and enjoy a cold brew. Or 2...or 3... The Beer Bistro truly has a great vibe to it. The staff is very down to earth and every time I've been here it's been nothing but great service. High top tables line the walls and they have 5 big flat screen TVs so you can catch the game. The décor includes vintage beer signs and Hawks apparel including a signed jersey! So if you're a hockey fan, you're in luck. This place loves the sport and even has hockey night specials on Jack & coke, Jaeger, Captain and Kettle One. If it's the weekend and you're looking for more of a party scene, the downstairs (or beer cellar) is a great space and you can even rent it out for your own private party! Now of course with all this beer drinking I'm always sure to grab a meal while I'm here. If you're looking to split an appetizer I highly recommend the steak quesadillas. Filled with juicy steak, mozzarella and cheddar cheese, topped with guacamole, sour cream and pico de gallo this app will have you coming back for more. It's big enough to split between you and a couple friends, but if you love it as much as I do, you might just consider ordering it as your meal! If a good sandwich is calling your name (and you want to stick with the steak theme) I recommend the Bistro Steak Sandwich. It's my go-to lunch order at the Beer Bistro and I have to say, it's quite tasty. The bread is nice and soft and the steak is sautéed with onions and mushrooms and topped with provolone cheese. Plus, it comes with chips or your choice of fries or tater tots (for an extra 99 cents), but honestly I'd stick with the chips. They're not your ordinary snackers - these bistro chips are deliciously baked, light, crunchy and topped with garlic. A fantastic change of pace from your typical pub fries. If you're like me and love a good deal, the Beer Bistro does a fantastic job of supplying their patrons with food and drink specials throughout the week. I think the Beer Bistro says it best: "Need a place to drink and eat before a United Center event? How about any damn day of the week? We are here for YOU!" So check em' out! You won't be disappointed.
(5)John D.
Came here with a group of friends and ordered the beer battered chicken fingers and the Mac and cheese. I sent the chicken fingers back because they were the frozen pre breaded crap you get in the grocery store. The sauces were not made fresh either. It's like Applebee's meets a sports bar. The drink menu was great but the food was not. The Mac and cheese needed salt and some more cheese flavor. The base sauce tasted like what the spinach artichoke dip started with. The service was awesome though. Chelsea was her name I would come to see her. Make your own decision about the food.
(2)Christopher M.
I am SHOCKED Beer Bistro only has 3.5 stars. It's my sincere hope my review pushes them up as this place is great. It looks like the reviews have a lot of people saying the food is only ok. Listen people, it's called BEER Bistro. You should know coming in you are getting bar food, which is almost always just ok. You should be coming to the Beer Bistro for the beer, and as far as beer bars go this place is 12 stars. Fantastic selection with awesome rotating taps. It's close enough to the United Center to walk so it's perfect for pre- and post-game festivities. 108/365
(5)Rachel P.
I met a group here for some after work drinks on a night that was apparently also a "game night." Two levels, although my group was asked to cash out and leave the lower level once the game had started and the crowd had thinned a bit so I'm not sure both floors are open all the time. Drinks were good and reasonably priced; I had a dry hard cider ($6) and a strawberry martini ($10). Decent beer and wine list, few other interesting cocktails. The American pub grub-like menu also looked tasty and seemed like a good value. Appetizers under $10, including a baked goat cheese with marinara, pizzas in the $12-$17 range, and burgers and sandwiches for less than $15. My other half and I wanted to try their slider special (order 1 of each and get a free basket of fries or tots), but the waitress informed us they don't mix and match pre-game, which seems to me like it would actually be the BEST time to offer that special, but anyhow...the turkey sandwich I opted for instead was good - chunks of shredded turkey, good amount of meat, apple slices, and a pretzel roll. We were slightly disappointed in the service. It was busy at first before the game for sure, but it seemed like our waitress couldn't leave the table fast enough after getting a drink order, several times missing that someone on the other side of the table also wanted to order something because she tore off like a bat out of hell the second she heard one beer order, and if you're that busy, asking if anyone else needs anything would be more efficient anyways. We had to rush to inform her we also wanted to order food; she never even asked if we would be eating, even though it was early evening. We had to flag her down for water refills, utensils, she never came by to ask how everything was. Drinks and food came out at an appropriate pace, so the issue was not the bar or kitchen, it was in actually getting to order anything at all. In fact, the only time she stopped longer than ten seconds was to ask us if she could cash us out and move us upstairs, which she followed up with a trip by our new table to make a comment along the lines of us not having found everything ok, seemingly implying to us that she didn't believe she was tipped well enough. Tacky. Don't get me wrong, she got a tip, we didn't spitefully leave a penny or anything, she just didn't provide service that would be worth more than 15%. The space was nice, food and drink was tasty and affordable, and I'd be willing to give the service a second chance on a non-game night.
(3)Alex A.
Convivial...superlative beer selection...good food...friendly staff, among whom some are easy on the eye...good location...silly sweet girl martinis so it's not just a dude place. Oh, Beer Bistro, how I love thee! This is my go-to West Loop spot when driving home from the far west burbs on the crazy nights I work. Beer Bistro, as the name implies, has tons of good beer. The rotating draft selections, about 20 deep, are always great. Then they have a dizzying array of bottles and cans. Love "Overrated," an IPA can from Minne-Snow-ta. Ditto for Ommegang Rare Vos. Their wings are fantastilastic and a steal at $0.25 on Sundees (my pops pronounces it this way, which I get a kick out of). Their Monday $5 pizzas actually equal or best some actual-pizza-joint-pizzas. WTH? Beer Bistro is just on top of its game. Unpretentious. Knowledgeable staff. And Candice...oh, Candice with your evil Megan Fox eyes!
(5)Thomas T.
Not too shabby. Came here on a Sunday night for 25 cent wings and it did not disappoint. I was thinking the wings would be small and this is just a way to get rid of the crappy left over wings, but there were pretty legit. Got 20 wings for 5 bucks which is awesome. Only came in buffalo I believe and was pretty spicy. Not breaded at all though I think. They have a pretty good beer menu here too. The gf got the banana bread beer which was pretty good, tastes like banana bread as you would expect. I got whichever cider was on draft and at first, it was too apple-y, but after I started eating the wings, then it was fine. Good place, definitely see myself coming back sometime.
(4)Jeremy B.
I love this place. The servers are always nice, the food tastes great, and their daily specials are worth coming in for. Great place to watch a game or hang out with friends.
(5)Laura L.
Service is friendly and attentive, food ok, and the TVs are small to watch sports relative to the one in my house or at other bars in the neighborhood. Wasn't busy but the bathroom had no toilet paper but hated to bother the socializing of the staff, except for the one male bartender cleaning the bottles. Also, if you are allergic to dust or have allergies don't look at the loft like AC vent/HAVC tube during daylight hours as its caked with a good black layer of dust that probably started from the last time the Cubs won the pennant. Other than that a good local hangout.
(2)Gus O.
First time to this place. Walked in and nobody greeted me. Finally bartender told me to have a seat anywhere. Games were on, I sat down and took like 10mins for someone to come over. When I ordered, food came our fairly quick. Beer was really good. Had the Delirium Tremens. Waitress was good after that. Good was tasty and definitely fulfilling. Had the pizza. Definitely would come back with a group of people.
(4)Paris R.
BB was recommended to me by a friend. Just had a small bday get together there last night and this place was a pleasant surprise. I called the day before to reserve a table for 5-8 peeps was very surprise to see we got a very nice couch seating with TV. Nice ambience. My servers Aleisha and Lauren were awesome. Tons of beer options and mix drinks were made perfectly. Great selection of appetizers and food. Biggest delight was that giant soft cookie with ice cream. SOOOOO GOOD. everything was very cheap and we had a good time. Kudos to the team at Beer Bistro West Loop
(5)Lucy C.
A haiku: I like to drink beer. I like to eat burgers, too. Come for the specials.
(3)Jamie N.
Called ahead and asked about age restrictions...even with a Hawks game. We were told there was no issue. Walked there from the UC and were told in a borderline rude fashion that this was not the case. Rules are rules but be clear about your rules and don't be rude to people who were misinformed of the rules by your staff. Just sayin.
(1)Mihir P.
I come for the diverse beer list and I stay for the decent inexpensive food and friendly service. But I come back repeatedly for the the basket of bacon for only $4!
(3)Sarah S.
I liked Beer Bistro so much, I went twice in one week! My friend Dan G. introduced me to this lovely spot post a Yelp event last week and then had his going away shindig here a couple days later. So for that, this review is absolutely dedicated to him! :) Dedicating reviews is a thing, right? Beer Bistro is a great place for grabbing some brews with friends in the West Loop. Street metered parking was never an issue for me either time I went, however both times were on weekdays. It's a huge space with decently clean bathrooms and a stellar staff. I had a very shameful moment here with our server that was kind to me although I'm sure thought I was a total weirdo. People were coming & going and I was meeting many I hadn't before, so I kept standing up and shaking the hands of them introducing myself. Well, the server came and me not realizing she was our server did the same to her. I'm such a douche canoe. Very important to note, Wednesdays are $3 can nights! And that's not just lovely PBRs...some truly good cans for $3! I got to try some cool new drinks on the cheap. Even outside of the Wednesday night specials, Beer Bistro has good brews on tap, other great ones in the bottle and their prices aren't half bad either. If you have a big group like we did, they have a very nice sectioned off area with comfy booths and a table in the middle plus a TV for viewing games. It was super sweet and the perfect size for about 15 people.
(4)Claudia S.
Maybe it's not fair to write this review, since, I didn't drunk much while here butttttt the food alone won me over. Then again, maybe it's not fair to write this review since I was already nice and buzzed when I came here, and we all know most food tastes good when inebriated. I don't think that's the case here though. It's been nearly a week and I'm still thinking about the fish & chips. I'm not even thinking about the beer (shocking!), but the food. Tried the southwest burger, and really, how can you go wrong with a burger that has guacamole & jalapenos & bacon & cheese? You can't. Also tried the fish & chips. Solid. Even the little salad that came with it was good and that's not always the case with side salads. I knew I'd appreciate their beer list, but I didn't expect to like their food as much as I did. Service was fine. Nothing outstanding, but not bad either. What I appreciated was the waitress' honesty when asking about a beer. I took a chance and ended up giving it to my friend, which was the only "miss" for me, but that wasn't Beer Bistro's fault, or hers. With a food and beer menu like theirs, I'm looking forward to coming back.
(4)Andre W.
Beer Beer Beer & more Beer! I did not know this location existed as I live near the Fullerton location in Lincoln Park. A good buddy told me he frequents this place as it is near his residence. He had a going away celebration and of course this was the spot he chose to say goodbye. The outing was on a Wednesday which meant we were able to take advantage of $3 can beer night on really good imports & crafts. They had all of the goodies...I drank mainly Wittekerke as it is becoming one of my favorite beers. We sat in the back as it was enough room for 8-9 peeps to sit at once. Service was stellar as they kept the dranks coming without hesitation. Good spot and I will check it out whenever I am in the area.
(4)Jenny T.
Always my go to - great beer, great food, free shuttle to United center....everything I need!
(4)Pham D.
It may say Bistro, but this place is a bar. We went here on a Friday night during a Hawks game, and was pleasantly surprised that our group of 10 can just walk in and sit down in their private room in the back without a reservation. We can then chill amongst ourselves while catching up on each others' lives over a giant selection of beers and cocktail drinks. I was happy we didn't have the noise of the game as a distraction. We also ordered some food and they were quite tasty. Our waitress came by quite often and was quick to help us with everything we needed. We were never rushed to leave even when the bar got packed. It was a very enjoyable atmosphere altogether.
(5)Lisa B.
Came in for the $5 pizza on Mondays. It was actually pretty good! We will definitely return for it! The waitress was a little surly at first, but warmed up quickly and ended up being pretty awesome. Just be careful, they have a lot of beer available so your $5 pizza can quickly become a $50 tab!
(4)Andrew H.
Draft selection is lacking. The only two imports they had on-tap were Delirium Tremens and Stella Artois. No decent Belgians here. Only one sour is available, in a bottle. You won't find a nice De Struise, Mikkeller, etc. here, which keeps this place at least a few steps below the great Chicago beer destinations. The domestic craft selection is okay. I was disappointed that they gave me a can of Tall Grass 8-bit that was 4 weeks beyond its "enjoy by" date. The redeeming factor is the food. Get some sliders; every one of them is delicious. Other appetizers are solid as well.
(3)Mark G.
It's called Beer Bistro, but for me it's more I'm Drunk and I Need Food....Bistro. That is why we ended up here one weeknight. "Where has GOOD beer and GOOD....okay, I'll settle for 'decent' food. But mainly GOOD BEER?" we asked? Beer Bistro was recommended. Seems legit. I don't even remember what the hell I drank. But I remember the food was perfect for the aforementioned being drunk and hungry scenario. I gave my friend half my burger for half of her fish and chips and both were great. The burger came with homemade chips that are called "chips", and the fish came with "chips" that are actually french fries. I WAS DRUNK AND THEY TRIED TO CONFUSE ME. Y U DO DIS? I forgave them. I'm not normally a fish and chips kind of person, but I'll make an exception for theirs, because it was all that and and bag of chips. Not french fries chips though. That would be weird. Beer Bistro is for sure on the list of before and after spots after Blackhawks games that I'll never go to.
(4)Eric S.
Great beer list, especially local taps. And the food is solid. Sliders are ridiculous...get a selection of those if you're not sure what to eat. Great spot!
(5)Lizz M.
Food was a three, service was a one or two at best. I might try it again if anything for the 1/2 off appetizers, but over all I wasn't that impressed. I met up with a couple of friends here and decided to partake in the $5 martinis. While I only paid the $5 for it, it's not something I'd pay more for. I ended up going with a martini that was kind of like a boozey Arnold Palmer. Not bad, and it's called the Beer Bistro after all, not the martini bistro, but it was definitely light on the vodka. We ended up getting an order of buffalo calamari. The buffalo sauce was nice and spicy, but the calamari were way over-done and tough. After we got our drinks, we asked the waitress for some waters. Nothing. Asked again. Nothing. Asked a third time? Yay, water! Then we ordered dinner. A few of the ladies I dined with split their meal and when we all got our food, they asked our waitress for two small plates. Well, we're still waiting for those plates as I type this from not the Beer Bistro. Our waitress, while not the best at remembering things was at least pleasant, so that's where I give her the "you tried" star. I went with the turkey, ranch, and bacon wrap. It was okay, nothing to write home about other than it being way too salty. The highlight of my meal was definitely the tater tots. mmmm, tots. A few other friends decided to join us toward the end of our meal, so we stayed a little longer and ordered the cookie and ice cream dish, which was pretty good with the exception of the burnt edges. Meh, indeed.
(2)Rokey T.
Normally I only get wings at Jake Melnicks because I thought nothing else could compare. But the wings here give them a run for their money. They have a little kick and are crispy You could probably get them to go and they wouldn't get soggy. The burger here is really delicious as well. Someone nearby ordered the pizza and it looked awesome also. I will have to go back and try it. The service was great. The bar is large with a variety of tables and I saw a staircase leading downstairs so perhaps they have another level. Great location too.
(4)Lai-Nin W.
Love this place! Me and the boyfriend come here every Sunday for 25 cent wings, the monthly $4 beer special and to watch the games on the numerous televisions all over the bar. The manager, Chris, is always there and is super nice-- go there more than twice and all of the staff gets to know you by name. On game days it does get a little crowded, but the turnover is pretty fast so you usually don't have to wait too too long before you get a table. Highly recommend it!
(5)Jordan P.
Hidden Saturday gem! Been here a few times for a Saturday lunch and it's never been crazy busy, but they are a Hawks bar and according to the (amazing) staff get pretty busy during games. We've ordered many of the menu options and have never been disappointed. The burgers and fish & chips are fantastic and the fries... oh my. Thin, crispy, McDonald's-like and fantastic. Beers are plentiful and the bartenders super friendly. In fact the entire staff has always been great. All greet you as you walk in, help each other out running food or filling water glasses, and offer suggestions on their favorite beer or food. I hate suggesting you check this place out because I'd hate to lose this Saturday gem! BONUS TIP: turn the menu over to the back. The slider menu is hidden back there which took a few visits to realize.
(5)Maggie M.
Great bar for good food, great beer and watching football. The chili was outstanding and they have a LONG list of sliders that you have to try.
(4)Christina F.
A couple gal pals and I came here to celebrate the end of finals. It was a lot of fun and the prices were pretty good. I'd like to come here on a weeknight, they have some good specials. The great lakes Christmas ale was awesome, and the sliders (cheeseburger, turkey, and chicken cordon bleu) were small but tasty. My friend got a pot pie that was really delicious too. All in all, I'd be back to try some of their other beers and items when there's a deal going on.
(4)Lauren W.
Laid back place that was perfect for a late dinner to start off an evening of beer drinking (we didn't even leave!) Pizza was delicious and loved the beers!!!!
(4)Carolyn L.
I really love Beer Bistro. I always have a good time whenever I head here. The food is delicious (pizza, wings, salads), the service is excellent, and it's a great convenient location right by my work. I've come here for dinner dates, on a West Loop bar crawl, and even ordered in lunch. I'm always satisfied! Awesome front patio during the summer as well. Great place to people watch.
(4)Vrati D.
Awesome drink specials and very knowledgable staff! We come to beer bistro every wed for $3 can night! We love coming here with a group to talk since it isn't too loud, watch games and have a snack. As a vegetarian i find it difficult to eat at bars, but they have some great things on their menu. The pizza is pretty good, thin and crispy! The mac n' cheese is yummmm, as well as the portabella mushroom slider and caprese slider.
(5)J. Chuck K.
The Beer Bistro is a nice laid back place that would be a great choice for any type of outing. As one would expect, the beer selection was vast and diverse. The bartender knew her stuff and was very friendly. Like a lot of bars I've gone to with good beer choices, I thought they would be slacking when it come to the food, but that wasn't the case. Although I just got an Italian panini, it was surprisingly good. I've also been to their location in Lincoln Park, and like this one better. There just seems to be more energy. Whether it's dinner or just drinks after work, check out the Beer Bistro.
(5)Julia S.
Atmosphere is pleasant in that it's casual, relaxing, and not pretentious. Beer of the month (July 2012) was fantastic (Witte from Upstate New York). However, Delerium on tap was warm. Not good. Lastly, one restroom for men and women creates an awkward situation if say someone forgets to lock the door while in the process. Update: I was informed there was a downstairs restroom as well. So, more than one. Good to know.
(3)Dan G.
This week's Three Floyd's event reminded me that my favorite pub was long overdue for an update. We've been coming to the Bistro since it opened. There is always a fantastic selection of beers on tap as well as in bottles. This past Wednesday, Three Floyd's took over the taps and we got to sample some of their beers that we never see. I liked the Krunk Monk, the Moloko and the Pappaskull, but the Bruce off the cask was best. It was packed that night like there was a Bulls or Blackhawks game. No worries, they hooked us up with a table when one was freeing up so we could eat. We've had most of the things on the menu. The buffalo calamari, sliders or quesadillas are good starts. Kris usually gets the pizzas because she really likes them here. I'll often have the Gourmet Burger- Pretzel roll with peanut butter, fried egg, bacon & cheddar. It's an interesting combo that really works. You can expect to see wursts for Oktoberfest and corned beef for St. Patty's day. Oh yeah, they have great tots too. We used to hold our board meetings in the downstairs room. They open that area up on busier nights. It's a long bar with dark wood and a huge mirror. On nice days in the summer, you'll be lucky to snag one of the three outside tables. I have fond memories of chilling out there as the sun set, throwing back hand grenades of the Optimator. The Bistro is usually pretty crowded when there is a game at the UC. You can hop their shuttle to the game, catch the 20 which stops right here, or just chill and watch the game on one of their flat screens. Bob runs a tight ship here and every server knows about the entire beer selection and can describe them in detail and point you in the right direction. We love this place and the best part is I can fall off my stool and be home. Trust me, I've done it. Cheers Bistro. LDK
(5)Jana C.
The food here is okay if that. The burger is amazing and it $3 on certain days. Not sure which days, it was on a Tuesday! The rest of the food was not good. Spinach artichoke dip was the worst I ever had. Huge beer selection at a good price. Beer bistro also has a cute little patio on the street that is shaded. Good lunch spot or pregame for united center events.
(2)Gina S.
Martini is my middle name. It's no secret that I have a mad love affair with martini's (any kind I don't judge) and Chicago is not the most wallet friendly place to be drinking them. Until I discovered Thursday's at the BB and their $5 martini specials! The orange whip martini is paradise. I also had to have a beer. Hello! It's called the "Beer Bistro". I went with the Banana Bread brew, an impulse order based on the name. It smelled more like banana than it tasted, the banana was very light. It was more like wheat bread with a subtle sweetness that finished dry. When one drinks, one must also eat. Me and my dining partner shared a Western BBQ pizza; chicken, bacon, onion, cilantro, mozzarella and cheddar on a hand tossed crust baked till the cheese just started to get golden. I really liked the addition of cheddar, although there was a ton of cheese. All the ingredients together added so many bold complex flavors. Note to self: Monday's are $5 pizza days.
(4)Kaitlyn M.
One of my favorite restaurants in Chicago! Sad I'm moving out of the west loop so I won't be able to swing by for a late night bite & drink
(5)Charlie C.
This is a 3-star place that I will keep coming back to. I have been a good number of times, and will return on Wednesday or Thursday nights. I am sure there are other nights that would suit my fancy, but $2 beers on Wednesday and $1 slider Thursdays call my name. Their sliders are decidedly delicious for $1 each, and with 12 flavors even the most annoying and picky members of your party can be fed (fried fish, caprese, grilled cheese for you non-meat eating types too). Their beer list is solid, the atmosphere is casual west-loop chill. No boom-boom music with college kids and popped collars here, just a solid hangout. Why 3-stars? The deals are what keep me coming back, its not the best food or coldest beer of your life... but a great option mid week.
(3)Yahaira T.
This place has good beer selection, good food for a bar (good tater tots, meatloaf sandwich, PLT (portobello lettuce tomato sandwich) and it's perfect for me to walk to and watch a game, good bloody Mary's too!
(4)Christopher B.
This place was suggested to me and I'm happy I tried it out. For one, parking is easy if you need to drive. Second, it's close to the loop so it's an option for happy hour. There is a great selection of beer both on draft and in bottles/cans. It's a great place to meet up with friends and hang out. It's not too loud but still has a good atmosphere. The staff was really nice, too, and the service was good so no complaints.
(4)Rich K.
Went to Beer Bistro for lunch on a Saturday. Wasn't too busy and we were seated right away. Four different TVs had sports on. Long list of beers and a good bar food menu. We started with chicken nachos and I split a Reuben with my daughter while my wife had a spinach, chicken salad with dried cherries and walnuts that she enjoyed. My daughter's boyfriend had a Caesar salad. The wait staff was attentive and refilled our drinks promptly. The good was good.
(4)Fygar F.
Perfect before a Bulls or Blackhawks game. Great beer on tap and daily specials. Good burgers
(4)Amy L.
Torn between 2-3 stars. A few friends and I came here before a concert and between the 7 of us, we ordered burgers, pizza, sliders, and beer. The general consensus is that the beer, pizza, and sliders were good. However, my burger was maybe lukewarm at best and chips came soggy... an order of tater tots came drenched in salt, but the waitress (when she eventually came back) was nice enough to put in a new order for us. LOVED LOVED the beer float that my friend got though. I'd go back for that!
(3)Rich M.
Perfect place to go for a beer and a burger. Go on Tuesday they have a $3 burger special that can't be beat! Bartender Lauren was great!
(4)Joe B.
It may not surprise you to learn Beer Bistro has a good beer list. More than that, the list is a living document; one that's constantly changing and growing for the better. I've only been here once, but I experienced knowledgeable bartenders and friendly patrons. Therefore, I'll be back.
(4)Angie M.
Beer Nerds Unite! Yep. This is where you go in the West Loop for lots of good beers in both bottles and on tap. Beer Bistro is also known for their tap takeovers, meaning all the taps of regular offerings will be replaced with a single brewery's beers. For those who geek out over beers, this is a huge deal because you're able to sample beers not offered anywhere else. It's pretty cool. Because the tap takeovers are a big deal for the beer drinking community, it can get pretty crowded so don't be discouraged if you can't snag a table right away. Just wait it out. I stopped in for the recent Bell's takeover and was shocked with serious people take these tap takeovers. I spotted several dudes at the bar and a few at tables with the Bell's menus ticking off each beer (and there were A LOT) once they'd sampled them. That's dedication. That's also going to cause some extreme intoxication. I spotted some beers that were over 10% APV. Eek! Service is always lovely at the tables. The servers know what's up and will make some recommendations. Our gal didn't skip a beat when I told her I wasn't overly knowledgeable about beers and wanted something "girlie." It's a bit more challenging to get a beer at the bar when you're standing behind the seated folks, but nothing too deterring. Food looked good, though I didn't sample it. I did notice, though, that you can order a basket of bacon. Yep. It's on the menu as a side item. God, I love living in Chicago where you can actually order straight up bacon at a bar...
(4)Devin M.
Great deals, nice staff, good food!
(5)nicole d.
So they call themselves an "official Blackhawks bar" but game is on select TV's and they don't even stop the music to play the commentary. NOT a place to actual watch the game and food was just okay. On the upside, service is great.
(3)Brad H.
Came here for 25 cent wings on a Sunday. Too many wings and a few local drafts later, we were fat and happy. Decent prices on the beers too. Sat at the bar and enjoyed the place.
(4)Kristen G.
Beer Bistro is my regular spot to wind down after I get off work, since it's right down the street. The staff is ALWAYS very sweet and accommodating to me and my co-workers any time we come in. We have never had any problems with any of the staff here and always receive the best service. They have a great selection of beers and I'm always happy trying some of their ciders! Love the home-made potatoe chips, they're to die for.
(5)Ashley C.
I decided to round up to four stars given that we've had a few really good experiences during the week. First, they have awesome specials. Mondays they have $5 pizzas and Tuesdays they have $2 Angus burgers. What a deal! My one gripe is that they charge you for a side of mayo with the burger. I'd rather have it incorporated into the price versus feeling nickel-and-dimed with all the add-ons. Yet, with good specials, I can't complain too much. Our waitress was attentive and friendly. Our drinks were always full and she made sure to ask about the food. It is called beer bistro and they have a good beer list. My husband quite likes Delirium. I am not a beer person but their cocktails were still tasty. So far, it's a nice West Loop spot that we will check out again.
(4)Bob H.
COME FOR THE BEER Beer Bistro has the best selection of beer in the neighborhood - 15 or so on tap, another 50 in bottles. Owner Bob takes care in the selection, and seems to have an in at Three Floyds, as there's pretty much always one or two of them on tap. (Yes, they can dig up a Miller Light if you really want it. But why bother?) Even if you come for the beer, don't miss the food, which is a couple of notches better than average for a pub. The typical burgers and wraps and wings are on offer, along with good pizzas, a pasta or two, fish tacos, pulled pork, hummus, and the like. Great tater tots if you want. Several friends like the slider menu - there's usually six or eight types, ranging from burger to fish to caprese - and there's a three-fer deal. Airy, high-ceiling interior with antique ceiling fans. A long wood bar with 20 seats. Windows in the back lighten the place during the day and open up the room. Seating options include the bar, several hi-tops (including a couple with a padded bench), regular tables, and a semi-enclosed nook at the back with room for 10 or so on padded couches around a low table. In summer you can sit on the shady Madison sidewalk. The front looks straight up Aberdeen St., There are enough TVs around to catch your game. Bathrooms are clean, although all but one are downstairs. Friendly bartenders, wait staff, servers, and bus staff. As with most of the bars on the Madison strip, the least-crowded time to come in is just after the game starts at the United Center, as they do a big business before and after the games. (Business was a bit slack during the NHL lockout.) Beer Bistro - not really a bistro, but the "beer" part is dead on.
(4)Caitlin A.
This is one of my favorite places to stop in and get a quick bite to eat for cheap. They have amazing specials almost every day of the week and their beer of the month is always $4. Sunday is 25 cent wings, Monday is $5 pizza (medium, cheese only) & $2 PBR's, Tuesday is $2 burgers, and Thursday is $5 Martini's. I think there might be a few others but I do not remember them off the top of my head. The wings are great and same with the pizza. I usually add on pepperoni and goat cheese for an extra $2. Definitely worth it. The sliders are also really good but my favorite is the turkey with apple and brie. There is always a vast beer selection on tap and an even larger selection in bottles/cans. Service is quick and friendly, I have no complaints. On game days it can be full but I am usually able to walk in and sit down right away. They also have a free shuttle to the United Center so whenever the Bulls/Hawks are playing it can be pretty crowded.
(4)Sam M.
The place has a great old irish type bar which adds to the character. If you like beer, this is the place to come because they have at lease 100 beers on tap, bottle, or can. The food is great, I recommend the basket of bacon and the veggie of the day!
(4)Will V.
Beer Bistro has a pretty good beer selection, better than most bars in the immediate neighborhood. I like that they often have something on tap from New Belgium and Three Floyds, and they have quite a few taps. They have a great $2 burger special on Tuesdays. It's a good burger, not a great burger (props for the pretzel bun though), but the $2 special makes it great. The service is always friendly, though sometimes the bar and wait staff isn't the most attentive. The atmosphere is nice, and the music usually isn't too loud. What keeps me coming back here is the beer, definitely. And the $2 burger doesn't hurt, either.
(3)Jona W.
We stopped in here after work one day for the Goose Island takeover. Why? Because Sofie and Matilda are crazy delicious and if I had a say in what would be on tap in the bar in Hell where I'll no doubt be employed as a waitress for all the girls who were mean to me in high school, it would be Sofie, Matilda, and straight chocolate syrup. I'm going to have a hard time reviewing just the venue because after about 4 mini glasses of specialty beers at 10.4% alcohol I was pretty happy with everything. BUT I did notice a few things with which I did not necessarily agree and decided that I would not be back unless there was a whole barrel of specialty Goose Island with my name on it: 1. Regular patrons of this drinking facility seemed ill informed of the "takeover" aspect of the evening. It just did not make sense to them. "Well can I get a vodka cranberry? Can I get a lemon drop? Can I at least get an appletini?" The bartender was pretty rad and had a good amount of patience but finally got tired of saying "It's just beer tonight," then being asked "Well how about a cosmo?!" and just started making fucktard drinks to keep the fucktards from leaning over my shoulder and shouting fucktardy things. If there's one thing I hate it's when man-breasts graze my shoulder. If there's one thing I hate more than that, it's when those man-breasts are covered in cheap satin printed with martini glasses and flames and stuff. Guuhhhhh. 2. There is one bathroom on the main floor, and I really wish that someone had told me of the second bathroom downstairs. Because the regular patrons of this drinking facility like to pee on the floor. I found myself wading through a puddle of urine in the line for the unisex bathroom, and standing in another puddle of (warmer) urine whilst hovering over the fetid toilet to avoid an infection. You know, one of those restrooms where you think "Maybe I should walk around and air out a bit before re-joining my party so everyone doesn't think I pee all over myself?" 3. The general attitude seems to be "Yo bro, it's fuckin Wednesday and I just sold some muthafuckin insurance and I'm HORNY. Let's go to Beer Bistro and un-tuck the hell outta our striped shirts dog!!" Also a lot of "I'm so glad this Ann Taylor top works as a day-to-night look because I just finished a law class and I'm about to get totes wrecked!" Waiting in that unisex bathroom line was so painfully awkward that I almost called myself on the payphone nearby so I'd have someone to talk to besides the poofy-chest-haired slicked back weirdo leaning into my face and leering off to the right of my head like he couldn't decide which one of the four of me was cuter. The food was good. The Goose Island was good. The bartender was cool. The crowd? Not my style. Not even for an after work drink. If I was into that I might as well be into floating in a tiny boat down a pee river during a penis parade. Next stop, Goose Island!
(3)Laurence B.
Awesome beer place if you like beer. Great selection. Loud. It's a bar. They have beer. Lots of good beer. Remember to give your open container to the scary bouncer as you nonchalantly walk by on the way in. You will skillfully avoid a confrontation before it even starts. And then you can get on to the beer. Which they have here.
(4)Tish N.
I had a really great time here. I was impressed and overwhelmed by the beer list. My party and I enjoyed the beer, drinks and food. I was with some hardcore and picky beer drinkers. They all were able to find something that fit their tastes. I will definitely be back. It was kind of crowded but our waitress was attentive and polite. The food was fresh and delicious. I had a really good martini as well.
(5)Amanda K.
This was our last of three stops of the night and it was definitely my favorite of the night. The atmosphere was perfect for the last stop of the night: dim lights, cozy booths, quality music played at an acceptable volume, and friendly staff. We came in around 11:45 and were excited to learn that we could still order food. We put in an order of the Bistro Chips from the sides menu and nachos off the apps. The nachos had chicken on them and the chips were good, but they served the salsa on the side in a small cup and I was desperately wanting more salsa. I am all about salsa on the side if it is for the sake of avoiding soggy chips, but if you go this route you need to be generous with that size of the cup. While the nachos may not have fully delivered, the Bistro Chips exceeded all my expectations. They were golden brown, crispy bites of heaven served with a ranch dipping sauce. I am a sucker for ranch. We ended up ordering multiple baskets of these babies and devoured each basket in 2 minutes flat. I am not a beer drinker and I had also already cut myself off from wine, but hubs did order a beer. He said their beer menu was large which was nice, but they didn't have anything truly exotic or extraordinary. He is a major beer snob so take that with a grain of salt. He rarely finds things on menus that he hasn't tried. Tough life, right? My only beef with this place was the single occupancy rest room. Unless I am at an outdoor concert and have enjoyed multiple glasses of margarita, I don't do the whole waiting in line with a bunch of guys to pee thing. Don't get me wrong, women can leave a bathroom less than rosy fresh, but getting in line behind a guy and the waiting for him outside the door for more than 5 minutes made me give serious thought to trying my hand at public urination outside in -4 degree temperatures just to avoid that moment when he opened the door and apologized to me with his eyes. In summary, pee before you go, order multiple baskets of chips and bring friends you actually want to be able to hear.
(4)Keith A.
beer bistro is actually more like 3.5, but just not enough to bring it to 4. I certainly wasn't let down and there was no false advertising from them, there's a damn good amount of beer here. My friend and I stopped in for libations instead of watching the blackhawks game (didn't even know it was on, heh). Many were here for that, but I was narrow minded in my focus. The draft list was very good and it was nice to see some revolution brews on tap here. The wings were smelling good, but my hunger had been taken care of elsewhere. The staff was very nice and there was a lot of room to move around. Beer Bistro was very solid all around. It also offers up a quality place to go to when in the west loop if one doesn't want to hit up haymarket.
(3)Ryan L.
Great place to hang out with friends and have a beer...many tasty choices to choose from. Great outdoor seating also. Had the Sonoma Chicken Salad Wrap, but be warned: this portion was delicious, yet not very plentiful. My plate was 90% chips, 10% chicken wrap. And there was a random piece of fried fish in my chips (no idea of this was intentional or not). Fantastic service from Camille and cool belt-driven ceiling fans. I also liked that the music wasn't so loud...everyone can actually carry on a convo. I'll be back, but I'll order something different next time.
(4)Steve G.
Went there to get a drink before the Hawks game... Bad decision. Service was poor at best and stay away from the drink "specials." I ordered a Kettle Khaos - on special for $10. What a rip off!! I couldn't believe it. Apparently Kettle One is "top shelf" liquor and usually costs $9 but was on "special" for $8. I also got charged $2 for a splash of monster energy. Plenty of other good bars/restaurants in the area. Stay Away!!
(1)Josh Y.
Love the beer selection. This is my go to place on Tuesday nights before Hawks' games. Burgers are $2 and the beer is outstanding. I've never had a bad experience with any of the bartenders or servers. The servers are usually very friendly and give good suggestions on food and beer. Get there early though on game nights otherwise you'll be SOL.
(4)Laurence K.
Nice selection of beer Had a burger was so so tator tots were fun better places to go though
(3)Lo C.
This place was nice. I had the grilled cheese panini - it had pesto or something, and tomato - delicious. And their chips are really seasoned. Pretty good. Friend got turkey sliders that were tasty, healthy, and nicely presented. Good ambiance - check out the ceiling fan mechanism. Would drink at again.
(4)Brennan W.
Fairly good. The beer selection is good. The food is straight pub, and it's done fairly well. Seems to be missing that thing that makes them different from other pubs/places. You have been here before if you have ever been to a pub/restaurant/bar. The service was great.
(3)Neal D.
Let's get real. You come for the beer and they have a pretty nice selection. The food's alright but I think this is best judged as a bar. As far as bars go, this is a fine establishment.
(4)Shobha T.
I've been here three times and every time I go in hoping that it will be better but no, the customer service is terrible to say the least. The waitresses are rude and short and act like they hate their jobs. If there is one way to run down your bar is hire unfriendly ppl like that. It's really too bad because the bar food is good, esp the sliders, and they have a great selection of beer. But unfortunately, my patience has worn thin with poor service and the unfriendly staff. Will not be coming back.
(2)Tim H.
Beer Bistro is sort of doing two things at once. It's near the United Center, so a good amount of its business comes from sports fans and other standard bar folk. But it also has an expansive beer selection, so it also has an element of craft brew aficionados. And as it turns out, those mix together pretty well. My friends I started frequenting The Beast when a bunch of staff from D4 in Streeterville moved over a few years ago. It's always a lot of fun--a little rowdier than other after work places, but also has good food (for a bar) and great beer. Are you a little too old for a frat party but not yet ready to stick to the wine list? Beer Bistro is for you.
(4)Laila C.
something about this place is a little off. Maybe it's just a little too dark. Maybe the nachos are a little too bland. The burgers are definitely a little too dull. The beer list is fine, but overall...MEH....
(2)Christian W.
Well stocked beer list, educated servers who know their beer, and good bar food. Doesn't take much to please me!
(4)Bob J.
Great spot for craft beer with continuously changing taps and great events. It's a great neighborhood joint and beer bar if you find yourself thirsty and hungry in the West Loop of Chicago
(5)Y.D. K.
Great and popular place to be - despite being fairly crowded everytime I go here (at different times and day too), I still get a seat. Bartenders and wait staff are friendly enough and helpful - I got my beer and food in very decent time. Food has a decent selection of sandwiches to appetizers to enough things to satisfy most anyone. Quality is quite good too... Beer is why I come here - good selection that changes fairly regularly (so you don't stuck with a brew you don't like), so this is a good thing. I'll almost always go here everytime I am in the 'hood...
(4)Joe G.
Came here after checking out the Jordan statue. Angus burger with fries was awesome. Lots of beers & bartenders were helpful. First time in Chicago & pleasantly surprised with this place.
(4)Joanna D.
Went here for lunch with a couple of colleagues. It was very cozy and seemed like a nice place to hang out. Everyone ordered a $2 burger, while I ordered a grilled cheese panini with a side of steamed vegetables. The guys enjoyed the burgers, said they were good. When my food arrived, I was presented with a chicken salad. Mistakes happen. I thought the grilled cheese panini was decent, but the steamed vegetables ( which was just steamed broccoli ) tasted very good. The chips that came with the panini were greasy, hard, yet tasty. Didn't try any beers so I cannot comment on that.
(4)Tal C.
Came here for dinner on a Wednesday night and the place was about half full (or half empty)? I was sort of annoyed at the service from the beginning because the server's first words were "have you decided on a beer?" We weren't really planning on drinking, but because of that leading question, we kind of felt obligated to. I guess I should expect that at a place called Beer Bistro, but it was a Wednesday, after all. Oh well, the service got worse when later, she stopped by with a second beer for my friend. When he told the waitress he didn't order a second beer, she said "oh, I thought I heard you ask for another one." He clearly did not, and told her that he didn't, but she didn't offer to take it away, and still charged us for it, even though the beer just sat there, untouched. The food was okay- sliders were all pretty bland; basically what you see is what you get, nothing really special about them, and the caprese slider isn't even grilled (which I think just makes it a finger sandwich). We also got some salads, all of which were fine. Overall, I just wasn't impressed with the service or the food, so I probably wouldn't go back unless friends wanted to go.
(2)Alan F.
A pleasant good-beer discovery on this year's trip to Chicago--Beer Bistro has been around since 2005, but was new to me. About a mile west of the Loop on Madison Street, this place has excellent draft and bottled beer lists, with a number of brews not overlapping the Map Room, Local Option, or the relatively nearby Haymarket. Lovely Victorian back-bar, purportedly an Irish import. Friendly and beer-knowledgable bar staff. For the food side, I can personally testify only to a pretty good Reuben. Good public transit access; at Madison and Aberdeen on the 20-Madison bus line from the Loop, and about four blocks from the new Morgan station on the Green and Pink Lines They also have a newer second location at 1415 West Fullerton (the former SmallBar location), which I have not yet visited, but which they tell me offers a somewhat different beer list.
(4)Dan M.
This place can be hit or miss regarding to crowd. However, when patrons are in downing some good'l drafts its brings life to this quite neighborhood. Great place to be after or during events at near by United Center (Bulls , Hawks, concerts).
(3)Trisha S.
My first visit to the beer bistro was a bit disappointing. Not only were they out of the beer I wanted, but I found a piece of cellophane in the middle of the second half of my turkey sandwich. And because the service was decent, I have. since returned. My only gripe about this place is with the turkey sandwich. The turkey sandwich for one has just way too much turkey in it. It takes away from the apple and brie that accompany it. If you don't know what sandwich to choose, my suggestion would be to go with the sliders. If you choose one of each you get a free basket of fries or tots and even when the sliders are on special and you have to pay for the tots/fries, it's still a great deal.
(3)Christy L.
Great beer selection with a laid-back atmosphere! It beats the Bluebird in Bucktown but isn't as good, though less crowded, than Hop Leaf in Andersonville.
(4)Patrick L.
Yet another beer bar on my Chicago Tour of Suds. This is another classic-looking establishment, with a long bar on the left, some tables, a little outside seating. Extensive beer menu. It was a little odd, however, that the waitress had to keep passing the tap list around to different tables, as if they only had one copy of it. Oh well, I'm not going to complain - the service was fine. I started off with a Matilda, appropriately served in that sexy Matilda glass that I covet but can't find anywhere. My companions were exhorting me to give it the old five-finger-discount, but that's not my thing, sorry. I'm not going to descend upon your town and steal your beer glasses. That's just wrong. Then I had another Three Floyds Alpha King (probably my most-drunk beer on this trip), and capped my night, and my Chicago beer tour, with a Bitter Woman IPA, from Tyranena. The bar food here was a little bit above average. Steak quesadilla, can't go wrong with that. Yeah, I ate bar food AGAIN......damn, if I lived in Chicago I'd weigh 250 pounds.
(4)Samantha K.
I came here using a Groupon for open bar and food before a Blackhawks game. This place has great beers. Their list is super long and has something for even the pickiest beer drinkers. I'm not a huge beer drinker myself (Stella makes me perfectly happy), but our waitress found a blonde beer that I ended up really liking! My boyfriend has been wanting to try Gumball Head for the longest time. It's probably the hardest beer to find in the western suburbs so when we came here he was prayingggg that they had it here. When he saw it on the list he was so excited he nearly cried... not kidding. The food here was alright... the best thing that we ate was probably the homemade chips. The buffet included sliders, quesadillas, wings, pizza, and flatbread. Honestly, for how long the line was it just wasn't that worth it. I didn't have a chance to look at their real menu so I guess my opinion doesn't really count when it comes to the food. I wouldn't mind coming back and giving it a try though. All in all, everything was good. They should reconsider being a part of groupon since the people in charge of that suck. But thats an entire different story.
(4)Nari H.
A place that has an extensive beer menu, a pretty decent bar/food menu, AND $2 Angus burgers on Tuesday nights?? You really can't go wrong with that. Came with some girlfriends and sat in the back corner lounge area and had a great time. I'd recommend it for anyone. We came on a weeknight and had no problems. Tips: The $2 burger is a standard Angus burger that comes with the bun, red onions, and lettuce. Anything extra is $0.50 each. Fries are extra ($2.99).
(4)Christopher B.
We needed a place to kill some time before heading to the United Center and ended up here. Solid beer selection, decent food, and friendly service. You can easily find better food and a better beer selection in the West Loop, but if I ended up here again I'd be happy.
(3)Kimberly C.
What can I say, I'm a sucker for a great neighborhood bar - and this place has consistently delivered for the 7+ years I've lived in the west loop. I am not even a regular beer drinker, but the food here is awesome, the prices are reasonable, and the service is good -- consistent and without attitude. The place would get five stars if they had a bigger patio.
(4)Johnny T.
I need to try it again. I appreciate the fact that there's a West Loop beer bistro (literally) that is all about the suds. No longer does one *have* to go north to Andersonville or chad to Lincoln Park to get a beer on (you could always go sorta north to Lincoln Square, but that's another review). The bistro space is huge. Again, I appreciate not being smooshed onto other patrons. I like the fact that I can get a drink *and* a stretch on. Points to you, Beer Bistro. I wasn't crazy about the draftiness. The same boon that allows for so much space is a bit of a hazard in the winter time. No matter where I sat (I changed my seating), I could not get warm. I always felt the distinctive 'whoosh' of old man winter preparing to knock my @ss out. I spent the majority of my time hunched over and shivering like I was Shaggy/Scooby Doo and had just sent a 'ghost.' I was also a little put out that there was no Amber option on the draft board. I don't know whether this was a temporary snafu, but Ambers are my favorite to drink and I was hoping that a beer bistro could satisfy my amber + draft desires. I settled upon a Milk Stout which lived up to its name. It was pretty hearty, very creamy and I could barely detect any carbonation. It would probably be better as a post-meal brew. I was okay with it, but I wouldn't order it again. I'll come back -- most likely when it is warmer and there are some Amber drafts on the big board. A big shout out, however, to our waitress. She had beaucoup patience with a group that seemed to hem and haw all evening long. Despite the desire to roll her eyes at our demands (like recognizes like, my sister; my eyes would have been rollin' on the river, so...kudos), she stayed calm, cool and collected. I hope our tip made up for it.
(3)Sean B.
Pros: Beer list, great, but not as good as Hopleaf. Extensive and late-night menu with tons of options. Lots of room. Tater tots +++ Cons: If you have a party there, the back room is a wrap around bench with a coffee table, suitable maybe for 10 people not 25. We spilled over into the adjacent tables as they became available. Our waitress had a short-term memory problem. I couldn't get a refill OR a damn napkin after she spilled beer on my hand. Service is slow. And they messed up some of the details on my order. My burger was eh despite the pretzel roll. Overall: I'll be back, but on specials nights. Too many mistakes for the price on a Saturday night.
(3)Eddie V.
Perfectly acceptable brewpub. Beer selection wasn't anything astounding, but the food was good and the service was prompt.
(4)Susan F.
I like you, I really do! Before the Bulls game on Friday, a couple of gfs and I ventured over here. Great selection of beers, of course, and a huge menu!! I had the sonoma chicken salad wrap with fries--they really give you a lot--worth the price which isn't that bad at all. The fries were great and I really like the chicken wrap--not too fatty. The bottom level is a bit dungeoness (not like the crab...like a dungeon) but there are a lot of booths which is nice. Make sure to get the beer of the month (only $4) compared to $8+ for others, oops! Great location on Madison, just an all around good place.
(4)Claudia D.
My husband and I enjoyed the Beer Bistro when it first opened. The food was high quality and the specials were enjoyable. However, the increasingly rude and negligent wait staff finally undermined all of our positive attitudes toward the Beer Bistro. We no longer go there after being ignored, neglected, and verbally abused by our wait person.
(1)Garret F.
First experience here was a 5-star rating. We just had a casual night at the bar, ordered burgers, fries, and multiple good beers (great selection). We have to recommend that everyone try the burger with peanut butter and a fried egg. I haven't seen this since my trip to New Orleans, but trust me ... its excellent!!! Finally, the atmosphere was relaxed, fun, and a great west loop neighborhood bar.
(5)William S.
I went for the $3 burger specials on Tuesday and while I enjoyed the beer selection, the service and food were okay. They messed up my order and when I mentioned that, they brought out the same burger and added what was missing without taking off what I can't eat (Cheese). But for $3 dollars ($0.50 - $1.00 for additional toppings) I was pretty stuffed.
(2)William L.
Awesomeness @ the Bistro: -Killer specials on food and drink everyday. Wednesday is my fav. -The beer list is phenomenal. -Servers are great with beer recommendations as the list can be quite intimidating. -It's big. (that's what she said) -Awesome place for pre and post Hawks game brewskis. -Parking in the neighborhood is not bad on non-game-days. -Did I mention the awesome specials? My only beef is that it's not close to me or particularly easily accessible via CTA for me...but whose fault is that?!?
(5)Geoff K.
Ahhh the boozed up memories. Broken cell phones, dust ups with opposing fans...a lot of good times went down in this bar for me. I lived down the street from this place for over a year and just moved out of Chicago. This was my local spot. The bartenders and waitstaff were cool and friendly, food was above average, owner was from my hometown go figure, and the people that frequented the joint were laid back. Not only could you go before a Blackhawks game and grab a few beers, then grab the shuttle to the UC and comeback later, but you could also show up to this place on a random weeknight solo and enjoy a top notch draft selection and watch whatever game you wanted (if you asked). The hot wings and fish tacos were the best two things on the menu. Everyday they have some kind of deal (ie $5 pizza nights). $heeeeet I'm missing this place already...someone grab me a tissue please.
(4)Angela S.
I've frequented this place many a time. The beer and food is pretty darn good, but for goodness sakes clean the bathroom already! Upstairs and down they are ALWAYS atrocious. Even at opening.
(3)Dan L.
Went here after a Sunday Blackhawks game. We didn't know what to do when we got in because there was no sign indicating we had to find a seat ourselves and there was still a cash register/hostess table in front which kinda threw us off. A regular from the bar said there was a table in back he saw open we could snag. When we finally found a seat, service was good! Waitress gave us plenty of time to look over the menu of food and beer. They have a huge selection of beer and their food is pretty damn good. The fish and chips were a bit bland, but, it's fish and chips...nothing too magnificent to brag about when you order that. They have a bunch of different sliders you can choose from and the tomato bisque is incredible. Daily specials. Next time I find myself there on a Sunday not so hung over, I'm gonna dominate those 25 cent wings. Can't wait to go back and try more! GO HAWKS!
(4)DJ F.
The best way to describe the Beer Bistro: its my "Cheers". I admit, i frequent this place, so you might think that this is a biased review... which it absolutely is. I'm fine to admit that because I love this place. The staff is amazingly friendly, the beer selections are always changing, and I've never ever had a bad meal here. Every opportunity I get I bring friends and out-of town family here, and their response is always "I wish I lived closer so I could come here more often".
(5)Brent W.
not a bad place, it's your typical Pub (Bistro is a total misnomer) in the West Loop. It'll be a distant memory in the near term if was a betting man.
(2)Kim G.
Pizza is decent, beer selection is good, friendly bar tenders, try all the sliders. Cool belt driven fans!
(4)Andrew P.
LOVE this place. They have a fantastic draft beer selection, they have a really really good burger special on Tuesdays, and they are the perfect place to go to before a Bulls or Hawks game. Beer Bistro can get a little crowded on nice weather days, but my coworkers and I usually don't have a problem finding a table for 4 for lunch or dinner during the week. BIG FANS of Beer Bistro.
(5)Candice G.
I totally dig this place... and it's not my typical type of place. I generally don't get too excited when I realize that the place I'll be spending my night caters to the sports fanatics, but this place did sports right... all low key, and classy like. I was with a large group of friends and we had the back booth area along with a few tables reserved for us the entire night. The staff and establishment as whole were very accommodating and helpful along with the food, for being bar food, was pretty darn good- and the drink selection was superb. The place is clean and friendly and not all crampy like most other places that combine a love for beer and sports. Please note that there is only one bathroom (meaning 1 stall) and it is shared by men and women. I defo spent a fair amount of time waiting to pee but I had good company and the bathroom was maybe 2 hops from our booth area. I would def go back for more group engagements here. They know how to handle parties of 20 to 30 people with folks coming and going with ease and parking, though metered, was very easy to find.
(4)Ted C.
I would give Beer Bistro a higher rating but my first, and what I thought my last experience colors this review. My second time was much more pleasant and I was impressed with it. The beer choices are pretty vast, but a large percentage of it is in bottle form. However, they do have some pretty unique beers out there that I haven't seen. Duvel green? Color me impressed! I went around Christmas and they had a 12 beers of Christmas promotion which while not necessarily original but some of the beers I saw on their list I hadn't seen in others. The beer bistro truly lives up to its name. Food wise, I had a lot of their sliders. The buffalo chicken ones were pretty good, a small, spicy little bite that was a little treasure. The prime rib slider, pretty good that could have used horseradish, good. The caprese slider was pretty good, a little too snooty really, the concept feels a little tired-the bread seemed unnecessary for something that tasted so good. Now that I know the service isn't so standoffish I will give it another shot.
(3)David K.
We live in the neighborhood and go to Beer Bistro frequently. We actually like the place, but lately the quality has been slipping. I think they've been overwhelmed by the crowds generated by all the positive reviews -- and they have an especially difficult time before and after Bulls or Blackhawks games. Our dinner last night (just before the Bulls game) was an example of this problem. I had a turkey sandwich and my wife ordered fish & chips. The sandwich came with house-made potato chips that were a disaster -- way overcooked (almost burnt) and horribly greasy. When I pointed out that the chips were burnt our server brought out another small basket of chips that were exactly the same. Awful. A note to Beer Bistro: these chips are inedible as they are prepared now...you'd be much better off just buying commercially made chips from Lays, etc. and throwing those on the plate. My wife's fish was similarly overcooked and greasy. The fries accompanying her meal were OK but lukewarm. Also, at one point she asked for a Heineken, but our server said that they didn't have any that were cold, so she ordered a draft beer instead. That was fine, except when we received our check we were charged for the Heineken she never had. Our server quickly removed that erroneous charge, but again, this was an unfortunate service lapse. The bottom line? You couldn't find a nicer place for a drink and the staff is very friendly, but if you plan to have something to eat I'd recommend avoiding Beer Bistro when they are busy.
(2)Pete V.
We stopped by Beer Bistro on our way to a Bulls game to grab a burger ($2 burgers on Tuesdays) and a beer. The burger was a great deal for $2. It seemed like it was at least 1/2 pounds and good quality meat. Mine was cooked almost exactly the way I ordered it. I also upgraded to the pretzel bun for $2, which was a prudent investment because the pretzel bun was very soft and chewy, and surprisingly not very salty. A nice enhancement to the burger. I also got a pint of the Two Brothers Heavy Handed IPA - a nice recommendation by our server. It looked like they had about 20 or so beers on tap, and a pretty solid selection with a bunch of local brews. The bottled beer list is even better with at least 100 beers available. They were also doing a 12 beers of X-mas special featuring some solid beers like Delirium Noel and La Chouffe, which was awfully tempting. My only complaint was the frostbite that was setting in as the cold tundra air swept through the place every time someone opened the front door. In fact the party seated behind us all had their coats on while they were eating! Wow, now that is determination. No where else on earth will people endure frostbite to get a $2 burger! By the way, the service was great and our server was nice enough to call the free shuttle to the United Center even after the last one had left. I'd definitely head back here, especially on Tuesday for the burger special.
(4)Becky G.
My go-to bar for a relaxing night with friends and drinking good beer. Their beer selection is outta this world. Probably one of the best in the city. And I think their food is much better than your standard bar food. They have a shuttle to and from the UC for Blackhawks and Bulls games, as well as some concerts. So if you don't like Chicago sports, sorry, but don't bother coming here. Most of the servers are awesome and down-to-earth. There are a couple of sour Sallys, but otherwise, everyone who works here is nice and attentive.
(4)Amy K.
Several different beers on tap and bottled, this place has been a favorite west loop hangout with friends for years. Great deals on $5 pizza's during the week, and nice go to place for a quick bite to eat. I'm a fan of the turkey burger sliders, fish tacos (although not as good as Seattle, duh), fish & chips and very filling salads! A friend was luving the southwest burger with jalepenos and desert is always the warm chocolate chip cookie in a pan with vanilla ice cream. My goal is to try a different beer every time I go which should keep me occupied for at least 1 year!
(4)Jason P.
I really enjoy the bistro. Their beverage list is pretty extensive and they have good food to match. Their staff is also very patient, as I have been here multiple times for huge parties and they seem to handle everything about as well as you can expect. I was pretty stoked to learn that they offer caprese and portabella sliders when we were there on the slider special day. The basic plan of attack on any given visit here is order some tasty food and try and make sure you try at least a couple new beverages to help wash it down. It is a strategy that guarantees success.
(5)Callie B.
Great local bar! Extensive beer list, yummy food, friendly service and awesome daily specials. Great to relax with friends or watch the game. They also have a free shuttle to Bulls/Hawks games. Can't ask for much more!
(4)Sarah B.
I was taken to Beer Bistro last summer by a date who lives in the area. The place was packed! We were able to snag a table in the front of the house, however, and we perused the menu. I understand this place is all about the beer, obviously, but I really wanted a martini after I spied the list. I went with a dirty vodka martini and it tasted foul! Eh, I drank it anyway and ordered a second one that was more fruity. I really never go for the fruity ones but they couldn't handle a regular straight up martini so there I was. I'm not hating--it didn't ruin my night and it wouldn't keep me from going back. I had a burger and fries--both were good--nothing to write home about, but fine. I really liked the atmosphere and decor. It was a nice little spot for our date and I was happy to have tried out a new (to me) place.
(3)Rebekah B.
I like because it's close to my office and the food for lunch is pretty damn good, not mind blowing, but solid, and the beers make the crap job situation pass a little smoother once I get back to the office. Highlights. Weiss beer in beautiful glass. Tater tots. Half-baked cookie with ice cream. Meatloaf sandwich openface on Texas toast with mashed potato cushion. Not bad at all.
(3)Matt R.
Beer bar had a great selection of beer, a great atmosphere and decent bar food. I really like Beer Bistro for a happy hour. The atmosphere is open and the people are friendly. The bartender we had was quite knowledgeable and gave us good suggestions for beers to try. I ordered some food and while it was nothing special, for bar food, it was better than the norm. I would recommend this to anyone that wants a good beer and relaxing place to hang out. Going during the summer only makes it better!
(4)Becky W.
This place has some pretty good fish tacos. You wouldn't expect it from a bar, but I was pretty happy. Other than that is basically just a slightly upscale sports bar, but the food is good and the beer selection wide. And the outdoor seating is nice for lunch in the summer. I don't think I'd go out of my way, but its a good option in the neighborhood.
(3)Allison L.
I went here for the first time last night. Awesome. Yes, the beer selection is great, but more importantly, the server was actually able to tell us about the beers and able to make recommendations. She was attentive, cleared the empties promptly and checked back often to see if we needed anything. Plus, they have delirium tremors on tap. Oh yummy. As far as ambiance goes, I would compare it to the Hopleaf vs the Map Room. I went on a Friday night, got there around 10:00 and it was mostly filled with young professionals out for the night. I'll definitely be back to try out the 25 cent wings on Sundays.
(4)Halley B.
If you like getting your fix from beer then this is the place to go. By the end of my night I had an assortment of beer, including Delerium. So if you want to be like me and meow and furries on your way to the metra then this is the place to go. This place has over 130 beers at a time, with about 15 drafts on tap. The food is decent, but nothing to write home to mother about. I went on a Friday and got there around 7ish. It was crowded, so if you plan on going there get there early, especially if you are going in a big group. If you don't then you have to fight off other ppl trying to get a table. Over all this place was fun and if you like exploring the world of beers then this is a good place to start.
(3)Kelly S.
I've been here twice. I really like the crowd and location. Parking in the area is pretty easy. The beer menu is a little overwhelming, but the staff is very knowledgeable and made great suggestions. They even bought me a shot for my birthday :) Great specials most nights. Can't beat $5 pizza Mondays! We still can't figure out... In the old photo in the back of the bar by the restroom/loungey nook area... what were the white towels hanging from the front of the bar used for???
(4)Ryan F.
Second time here and the service STILL sucks. There was maybe 10-14 people in the bar today. Two waitresses and a bartender. The service was super slow and we just ordered water and Cokes. Coworker asked for Sour Cream and it took at least ten minutes to get it. The food was blah. Will not return.
(2)Tom K.
Excellent tap beer. I always love returning to this place. Above average bar food.
(4)Audra C.
I have a huge pet peeve... I hate it when you're planning a birthday party and the people either want to (a) charge you for a ridiculous amount of money just to *get* an area to hold said party, or (b) act as though you are completely putting them out. Seriously? I'm going to bring you a fair amount of business and I'm willing to work with you? Seriously? Beer Bistro did NOTHING of the above, and were actually quite helpful! I held a surprise b-day party for my boyfriend, which was totally awesome and amazing, thanks to Beer Bistro. They let us use the smaller party area, which sat us very comfortably. The only problem with that area is that it's not conducive to eating. Our amazing waitress (Danielle?) allowed us to order food and sit at another table, and the group kind of bounced back and forth. Granted, we were there on a Sunday night, but they were so easygoing about everything. Did I mention that our waitress was kick-ass? Bar is way cooler than Hopleaf, IMO, although I do have a love for Hopleaf. I think the difference is that Hopleaf seems a lot more pretentious. This place just has good food, good drinks, and great service. I'm looking forward to coming back here many, many times!
(4)Christopher S.
I stopped into the Beer Bistro one night while I was visiting Chicago for business. After a day of meetings and other business trip bullshit, I was looking for a comfortable place that I could get a really good beer. While walking around West Loop, passing a lot of upscale restaurants and night clubs, and not really know where I was I came across this place. As the name suggests, this is a place for beer. They had a comprehensive list of imports and domestic micro brews and a very knowledgeable staff. After some explanation that I was from out of town and that I would like to try a good Chicago area brew, the bartender offered me a number of choices and descriptions of each. I wish I could remember what I chose, but it was good (I'm pretty sure the Delerium Tremens I drank later in the night is affecting my memory). That evening, a pair of businessmen cam in and ordered Bud Lights. I was watching the bartender and observed a quick and uncontrollable look of disgust pass over her face. She quickly and professionally offered some suggestions of pilsners that might appeal to a Bud drinker. At this point, one of the men remarked, "I have never heard of any of these beers!?" I snickered a little into my glass but continued to listen as the bartender described each beer and offered suggestions and samples. Very well done. I probably would have just kicked them out of my bar for the offense. But instead, the bartender likely converted a pair of Bud drinkers to the joys of microbrews.
(4)Cathleen M.
Decent beer selection, yes. Good food is a stretch. Subpar bar food. A grilled cheese with no cheese. Burnt wings. If you're down for some salty greasy pizza with a nice beer selection this is a good place to hit up.
(2)TheWindyCity P.
They got me with The Gotcha. I hate that. Their Monday special says "$5 Pizzas", as in plural. That usually means all their pizzas on the menu should be $5. That's what all the bars around here do. You know, $5 appetizers, $5 sandwiches...West End does it. So I order a pizza, and the waitress says "Are you here for the $5 pizzas, cuz that's just a cheese pizza." Yeah, but yer menu says pizzaSSS? "Well, each ingredient is .99c each." Oh, so it's really not 5$ pizzas, but just a $5 cheese pizzA? "Yes". So I think that just plain sucks, and I go elsewhere. Oh, and there are no $2 burgerS on Tuesday. It's a plain burGER, and the extras are extra $$. So, watch out for The Gotchas they use to get you in there.
(3)H C.
I enjoy Beer Bistro. $5 pizzas on Monday's are a great deal. The pizza is decent sized and more than enough for two people to eat. Although it's only cheese you can add extra toppings for a $1 per topping, also if you order a side of ranch it's .50 a side. The bar itself is nice with all the wood and there is always cheap PBR available to me. I will say though that service is definitely spotty. Once while there we had this awesome waitress but then her shift ended and the replacement waitress didn't give two sh**s about us so we had to go up to the bar and get our own drinks.
(3)Rory C.
A visit to The Beer Bistro was suggested without much enthusiasm by a friend who recently moved to "Little Italy" (if that neighborhood can still be said to exist). Expectations were low; I figured we'd down a couple brews from an unsurprising but passable selection, but there were a few curveballs--Caracole Nostradamus? Rockies Hazed & Infuzed? Deus? Feeling unadventurous, I chose a Dogfish Head 60 Minute IPA on tap, followed by a Surly Bender, also on tap. As time and the effects of alcohol wore on, the Gourmet Cheese pizza became enticing (cheddar, mozzarella, goat cheese, parmesan, american, and provolone). I expected nearly nothing from the food except to fill the growing void in my belly, but the pizza excelled. The innumerable cheeses blended together to create a whole that truly exceeded the sum of its parts, the sauce was assertively sweet and tomatoey without being obtrusive, and the razor-thin crust yielded completely to the business on top without a hint of crispness, which is just how I prefer it. The decor deftly melds a sports bar vibe with aspirations to the glamour of Randolph Street's nearby higher-end establishments, with the ultimate effect that everything kind of cancels everything else out, creating a pleasant neutralness. A man in a jacket with Lit-professor elbow patches sat just feet away from a disheveled, stringy-haired woman bearing a pushcart. The place has no business calling itself a bistro, but the affectation comes off less like misplaced snootiness and more like a kid who wants to follow in his dad's footsteps. I will almost certainly return for that sublime pizza, as well as to cautiously try some other offerings. A couple notes about the menu, which has some flaws: Although I didn't notice it at the time, in retrospect I agree with another poster's comment that the bar didn't reflect an enthusiasm for beer enjoyment. With such a large selection of beers, most of which are fairly obscure to the casual, mainstream beer drinker, descriptions would have been helpful. Their absence seems particularly conspicuous in light of the menu's exhaustive beer pairings, down to the hummus plate (Goose Island 312). You kind of get the impression that one of the staff members was tasked with matching every single beer to some menu item or other, often arbitrarily--Stiegl Pilsner with the quesadillas?
(4)Swati B.
Beer bistro is my go to bar in the west loop/UIC/Hawky-ville area :) If you love beer...this is the bar to hit up. A laid back, post work vibe with good service and a decent food menu. LOVE the caprese sliders, and their tomato bisque soup is great! Can't go wrong with their spinach and artichoke dip or their hummus; and their mac and cheese is great too! They have great deals during the weeknights, and I love that they have the 12 beers of xmas, and now in 2011 they have a card for you to try EVERY beer they sell by the end of the year...that is the goal! This place does get busy during games (especially bulls/hawks, and da bears as well...) Friendly service, and the staff is pretty knowledgeable about what kind of beers you would like/not like which is so helpful. When you look at their list of beers, it's quite overwhelming! I've been to the Map room, and yes they have more beers, but their service is not as great...I love the beer bistro...great for a happy hour, a low key night, or even a date (if they like beer!)
(4)Scott H.
A veritable beer palace that celebrates the entire beer spectrum from a can of PBR all the way to the latest American craft brew to a rare British variety that tastes like banana bread! I've always found the staff here to be very knowledgeable of the product and is eager to offer recommendations based on personal tastes. The last time I was there, we had a long discussion about selecting and cleaning glassware for specific beers. Pretty heady stuff, indeed. The food has always been quite good here as well and the vibe is exactly what I look for in this type of place. Lofty, high ceilings, etc. The belt-driven ceiling fans add a charming touch. Great for groups in my experience as well.
(4)Kayce C.
I found this place during an Internet search for Monday specials. They offer a large cheese pizza for $5! Each additional topping is 99cents. So my boyfriend and I hit this place after work. There was free parking right in front of the door, the place was crammed with people being that is was about 6pm. We got in, found a seat quickly and ordered up some food. This pizza was delicious, my boyfriend isn't much of a loud bar type, but he's dying to go back. They have an amazing deal each day of the week for those on a budget, and the menu looks exciting. their beer list is extensive, I believe they have a 92 beer checklist, once you've tried each of their 92 beers you get a prize! The interiors are nice, brick walls, plush seating, drapery, hardwood floors, old beer signs and posters. The staff was great, I thought the service was excellent for the size of the crowd, We were never left unattended for too long. I think I might become a regular.
(4)John B.
Great beer selection, Good food, Free UC shuttle for games. The servers are always very nice. The only issue I have, and the reason they are not 5 stars is that the food isnt AMAZING. Still for a bar, its above par.
(4)Ross C.
More and better beer than you'll find in the average Scottish pub and they serve a good burger and chips. A great example of Americans doing it better...
(5)Allyson C.
Went here on a Thursday for $5 martinis. I didn't love the first one I tried despite my normal love of mango martinis. Theirs had way too much OJ and too little alcohol. The second one I tried, the Effen Pom, was effen disgusting and tasted like cold medicine. I loved that they had Menage by the glass though and the bar was pretty cool. The food we tried was good enough for bar food. My friend Karie declared the tater tots to be A+ and far superior to those at Sidecar. Could be a good place to go back to during football games.
(3)Lady L.
Pretty great place. Good beer selection, great atmosphere, and good food specials during the week. I would recommend it for meeting up with friends. Update!!! I love BB. The pizza is outstanding, the bartenders are great, and I am so glad that it is my neighborhood bar. I always feel welcome here (unlike the pretentious Third Rail Tavern a few doors down-- check out that review). Matt is a great bartender, never skews you the wrong way with beer recommendations.
(4)Vino o.
I've lived in Chicago for 6 years, and only till now am I able to REALLY go out and celebrate the success of a good pay check. So, often times going out it's new to me and found through a quick search on Google before going out. Judging by the website and a few reviews I decided to take my BF out for a good beer and decent meal. We both ordered beers mine crisp and delightful, my BF's chilly on the outside and vaguely chilled inside. The Spinach and Artichoke dip looked and tasted like it came out of a vat that had been boiling all day, served with stale pita wedges oh I mean "chips". Our server had the talent of swooping past avoiding all interaction. for example; Hows the food? Can I get you anything? hmmm you seem dissatisfied, how can I help? This went on throughout the rest of the evening....oh wait, she did ask "can I get another beer?" about 5 times. I ordered the Chicken and Goat Cheese salad, not bad however the title is not lying there was enough goat cheese on there to feed a family of 5. My boyfriend ordered the Mac n' Cheese with bacon, they failed to include the bacon to which he decided to dig in until we saw our server again. She pulled the food runner aside and he proceeded to bring out a bowl of bacon bits. Needless to say he hated his food and ate about 1/3 of it. When asked by the server whether or not he wanted a box he replied "ugh absolutely not" she turned and walked away. So long story short...the food sucks, don't order the Mac n' Cheese it tastes like mealy cafeteria crud. The service, lazy and unaccountable, and the kitchen smells like unkempt cats.... STIFFED!!!!
(1)Scott A.
This place really deserves 3.5 stars. I came in here to drown my sorrows after bringing my car in to get a new alternator. I called some friends to have them meet me there, but for the first few minutes I was flying solo. I was hoping for even a glimpse of conversation from the waitress while I waited, but she was more interested in a group of people at the other end of the bar that she already knew. She did serve me pretty quickly though, so maybe she is just a business personality or something else unpersonable like that. As stated by everyone else, the beer list was full of options with many different styles, which is a must for a place that deems itself the Beer Bistro. The prices are a little high and the nachos were a little dull, which is what keeps this place from a higher rating from me, but I would go back there again. The beer of the month is a nice feature that more bars need to start offering as an escape from overpaying for a craft beer, so kudos to them for that one. I think with a happy smiling conversational barback and a better entree choice this place would easily morph into a 4 star establishment, and I will probably be back there next time my car craps out on me to enjoy a brew and try my luck again.
(3)Mitch B.
The Beer Bistro is one of the best places to grab a Craft Beer in Chicago! I am a beer buff & this place definitely suites my needs for an awesome selection of brews. They have rows of taps & an extensive collection of bottles & cans. The food is top notch as well. My favorites include the Chicken Wings & Pizza. Here's the scoop, currently Wings are .25 cents on Sundays & Pizza's are $5 on Mondays! If you are a Craft Beer fan check out The Beer Bistro! It even has Delirium Tremens Belgian Strong Pale Ale on tap! This is the only place in Chi town I've ever seen that fine brew on tap!
(5)Paul M.
Food - always very good Drink - great selection, prices are ok Ambiance - upstairs is cool. Typical skinny Chicago bar with more seating in the back. The basement smells like my Grandpa's feet. Service - Has sucked at least 3 of the 5 or 6 times I've been there. Bottom Line - Obviously since I've been there half a dozen times I can't be too sour about this place. I am a stickler for service....at least DECENT service, and this place is a coin flip. We were banished to the downstairs area last week, and based on their demeanor apparently so was the wait staff. They definitely acted like they were the B-Squad of this place. Anyway, I keep bringing friends here when they visit because it's got a cool vibe and beer selection, but we always end up at West End afterwards because of the bitches that work there. Get your shit together, Bistro. You could be one of the greats!
(3)Marie S.
I have a confession... I frequent the Beer Bistro quite often, yet I still have not had a beer there... haha!! :hide: I know they're known for their HUGE and very impressive beer selection (which always tempts me).... but I always end up getting a martini. I think its partly because my friends and I have made BB our Thursday night hangout. And Thursday means $5 martinis and 1/2 price appetizers.... such an awesome deal !! So I'm completely cool with passing on the beer cause their martinis are yummmeh and make me happy !! My favorite martinis are the mango, strawberry, and chocolate shake (done so much better than most places). And the food --- Pretty huge selection of appetizers and pizzas/sandwiches. We've had just about every appetizer and not one has disappointed. Sliders, dips, tater tots, nachos... yumm. Lots of seating - highboys, tables, and seating around the bar. Outdoor seating is prime during the summer. They even have a cool back lounge room if you have a big group. Though, sometimes the staff can get picky about where you sit depending on how big/small your party is. So although its called Beer Bistro and they obviously specialize in beer - they definitely have sooooo much more to offer. Its such a great place to just hang out, drink, and chill for hours.
(4)Alan R.
A great neighborhood joint around the corner from where my wife works. I have really enjoyed the food so far, but the service has been sub-par. The $5 Pizza special on Monday and $2 Burger special on Tuesday are great!!! They obviously have a great selection of beers (mostly bottled). If the service was better, i'd give BB four stars. The servers are not always attentive and can be a bit slow getting your food out, especially at lunch time.
(3)shaun M.
Beer bistro is one of my usual places to go when I am in the city and I want to relax for a bit and grab some good food with some good beer. I highly recommend their pizzas, they have goat cheese as an option and it tastes VERY GOOD! I also recommend coming here on Tuesday for the 2$ burgers or Sunday for 25 cent wings. You get a good sized burger for 2 bucks and they cook them well here. Other than that the beer selection is fantastic. Although I do feel like they charge a little bit too much for some of their beers. As others have said DO NOT sit near the door, every time it opens you feel like you will die from the cold.
(4)Bex F.
Not bad but not awful. We went for dinner tonight and sat at the bar. Those old time ceiling fans and the ornate wood back bar are really very cool. I'd say the best part about this place is the decor. Not being a beer drinker myself, it does seem ridiculous that I'd go here, but the hubs is so it balances out. They do have a crazy amount of beer options, that's for sure. I have to say though, the name seems really dorky and uncreative to me. I had the pulled pork sandwich which was fine, nothing stellar, nothing inedible. I liked the fried onions on it and the coleslaw on the bottom, though it needed to be a larger sploop of slaw. The hubs had some kind of fancy sounding panini which he said was fine. The biggest problem we had was the service -- rather spotty, really not very friendly nor welcoming. The most offensive was when the bartender was clearing the hubs' plate...he left half a sandwich and had every intention of eating it later but she grabbed the plate and threw it out. Didn't even ask if he wanted it boxed up. I felt like I had to fend people off with a fork and hover over my leftovers until I was able to ask for a box. Seems like there's plenty of potential here but I doubt we'll revisit.
(3)James E.
Came here tonight to experience their magical $2 burger - can I get a WHA WHA?!?! Seriously, the burgers are $2 on Tuesdays. And I might add, they were quite tasty. We ordered them medium, but they came out medium-well. But it's like that anywhere in Chicago (which I always find odd) and... well... did I mention that they were $2 burgers? So who's going to complain? Not me. I also got a beer and a side salad with Ranch dressing. Yummy. Only down side, they didn't have any beer from Metropolitan Brewery here in Chicago. I wanted to have some of their beer to help support the hometown beer. But settled for a 312 instead. Oh well, woe is me.
(4)Kari C.
I've become a big fan of Beer Bistro. It has become a staple in our "Friday Night Pub Night" rotation. I love the atmosphere, the people are down to earth and (for the most part) classy, their beer selection is great (duh!), and the food is decent. It's a great place to grab a beer and relax on a cold winter night!
(4)Adam W.
Great beer selection and good food. A nice local spot in the west loop that doesn't have a "chain" feel to it. Staff could be a little friendlier.
(3)Meghan R.
I've been here a couple times with my bf and each time we're filled to the brim with great beer, great burgers and excellent tater tots. Every waitress we've had has always been spot-on with a beer suggestion to go with our meal. The decor adds to the pub atmosphere. I wish there was a larger outdoor seating section but they make up for it with the huge windows that are opened on nice days.
(5)Mark W.
No complaints when it comes to $2 pbr and $6 pizza. Pizza is pretty damn greasy. I placed napkins over the whole thing for a moment before devouring. That helped. It was good though. I mean, it satiated my needs for the time being. Great spot for some pre/post bulls/hawks action. Nice little stretch there on Madison these says. Crossroads right across the street, dont forget about it. op represent. Bulls.
(4)choong l.
It's a nice atmosphere -- high ceiling with firehouse-style exposure to the street with exposed-brick, modern gastropub-ish decor. Perfectly fine place to hang for the evening, except that the music is cranked up to the 11. It was only after walking away for a half a block at the end of our evening that my buddy and I realized we were shouting at each other to be heard all night long -- and we happened to sit at a tiny high-top away from the speakers. The beer list is long, and most of the brews come served in the brewery-label glassware (except for the wheat beer from the tap -- they all seem to be served universally in Franziskaner glasses) and mostly properly poured (except for my buddy's Dilium Tremens, which could surely use a top-off). While the beer list is peppered with the mundane (the Buds, the PBR), there's enough variety to make an impressive selection. What gets me is how joyless the beer-enjoying experience is here. The beer list has no description whatsoever -- just the names -- so those who want to venture out from what they know will have to rely on the servers or the bartender to help... except that on a Friday night I visited, they seemed severely understaffed -- my server barely had time to set drinks on our table before she had to scurry off to serve her other 10-12 tables. Of course, having to shout at my server to be heard doesn't help, but overall atmosphere doesn't make it very conducive to interaction with the staff. At least other beer joints like Hopleaf or even Sheffield's have a descriptive menu that you can use as a self-guide. Compounding the problem is that the beer menu doesn't have prices associated to the items. As such places go, it's not the type of place where everything on the menu is $5 except $6 for Guinness; the choices in the menu can range probably anywhere from $4-5 range to +$15 (for the 750ml brews). With the rushed service, you basically have to point, then they bring out the beer, and you hope that you have a beer-literate friend who will fill you in and hope to God you didn't point to a Trois Pistoles ($18 for a 750ml, which you wouldn't know from the list). The prices aren't high for what you'd pay at a bar, mind you, but in a sad way, the joylessness of the beer-experience had me fancy a notion that perhaps this is a penetrate-the-yuppy-market attempt by Yard House chain (they have an outpost in Glenview). Food is actually pretty good, and very reasonably priced. With this and the great location, ambience and the enticing beer list, this could have been a better experience. Sadly, although the place masquerades as a hophead magnet, it's just a really nice Friday-night type place with a good beer menu, obnoxious noise and very little soul.
(3)Allison V.
This place has daily specials, extra seating in the basement, and a large beer selection. The beer selection is not great, but it is getting better. The tater tots always taste like they have been fried in old oil. The pizza is good, but ask for it to be cooked well-done so that the middle of the crust gets crisp. It can get pretty busy on nights that there are games. Lunchtime usually is not too busy. If you live in the neighborhood it is an okay place to stop.
(3)Mally S.
I ventured here on a chilly day to warm myself with some beer. The beer selection is fantastic (Delirium Tremens on draft!); the food was just pretty good. Maybe that's because I just filled up on beer, but the burger was just alright. Speaking of which, why are burgers so freaking expensive in this town?! Sorry, quick rant just slipped out. Anywho, I did like this place because I felt safe sitting at the bar by myself.
(3)Eliot D.
Well, I have a few quite fond memories of the Beer Bistro. The first being the time I got stood up there by some asshole friend of mine from IIT. "Ya dude, I'll be there in 10 minutes, please meet me there." Then, "Oh shit, you thought I meant tonight?" So anyways, I was chillin in there by myself, and I meet some pretty cute girl who came in with some old guys who had gotten her so drunk she could barely walk, then ordered her a large cookie that she smashed on the floor just before laughing with chocolate covered teeth. She really thought that was funny. Then she thought I was Rex Grossman (I might kind of look like him), but I couldn't play it off like I was... Sorry for that lame story. The beer specials are pretty good, if you like drinking crappy beer. Besides that, the selection is supreme. The pizza is bomb. I suggest the pepperoni and goat cheese. Who would have known that two filthy animals could team up to make such a good combination on top of some dough and tomato sauce? Just eat it and you'll thank me.. The hamburgers are good too. They are on special one day of the week for pretty cheap. I'm not sure what day, but if you figure it out, get them. Its not like those specials at Bar Louie either... you know the two dollar hamburgers, plus a dollar for cheese, a dollar for lettuce, a dollar for tomato, a dollar for onion, you have to get on the bar and do a tap dance for ketchup and mustard.... Its not like that at all. The waitresses and customers are pretty good looking too. I like going to places with good looking people. That serves two purposes. First, I can dream about what I could look like, and second, I can glance at women that wouldn't even think about talking to me, but they don't care because they are in a semi-nice place. The place is kind of small however, so I'll take one star away from my rating because any seat near the door is cold as hell when people keep walking in and out, creating a constant cold-air-blast.
(4)Jason B.
Love the insanely large beer selection. Both draft and bottle. Food is pretty solid; great tater tots and chips! Burgers and sandwiches are your standard bar fare. The seating is limited outside (3 or so tables), but it's nice they don't mind if you have your dog out there with you. There's a big water bowl setup for those hot days! The servers and bartenders have always been really friendly and attentive.
(4)Lauren D.
Beer Bistro is a good location for a beer and some pub-food. Their drink menu is extensive, a bit too extensive (it takes forever to sort though) However this bar has great weekday drink and food specials. Also, they have a formidable basket of tater tots and equally delicious cheese sprinkled homemade chips.
(3)Abby T.
The service here is definitely lacking. I've been given the "hold on" finger one too many times. The only reason I return is the daily specials ($5 burgers, 1/2 off appetizers, wing night, martini night, etc.) and the convenience of the location. All in all, a very cute neighborhood bar w/ alright food.
(3)Donisha L.
I rank this bar with 2 stars because of their horrible service and the fact that the food was not fresh. These two issues alone can ruin a hot Saturday afternoon for a group of friends who just want to grab some grub, booze, and of course beer to mark the beginning of summertime CHI. Thanks for ruining that experience with a not so pleasant waitress and a food wait time of over 30 minutes for a few sliders and some fish tacos. Our waitress was Beth (not sure if this is her name - she didn't introduce herself so I read it off the receipt, therefore if this is the wrong person I apologize in advance...but i doubt I'm wrong) and she was CLEARLY having a bad day. No smiles, she huffed and puffed when we slightly dragged on our order, she rarely came to the table for refills, and at one point she mumbled and I quote "I can't believe I have to go over there" - referencing another table on the other side of the room. I know how it is when you work in the food service industry and you are having a shitty day. But we are a light hearted group and I need you to pull it together Beth! You are ruining the beginning of my summer and because of your stank ass attitude, there is a high probability we won't be stopping here again. Beer Bistro's saving grace - a nice gentleman behind the bar who took note of Beth's frustration and came to our table to refill water, refill drinks, and eventually flag our waitress to bring the check (owner maybe?). He was super nice so I'll give them the rebound half star for that. Food was cold when it arrived at our table. Big no no. We had sliders and fries and generally these things aren't served below room temperature. SN: these are the smallest sliders I have ever seen in my life - great for a diet, not for my fat girl fix. But they have a lot of options so I'll give them back the other half star for variety! Good beer selection - I ended up going with the beer of the month Blanche De Chambly- light and best of all cheap! I think the special was $4.00 for a large glass. Yiiipppeeee! I'll have to try this place out at least one more time before I add it to my list of "banned Chicago pubs". Hopefully they were just having an off day.
(2)Matt K.
From Blyss to Bistro-The West Loop Story. I was in this location about 10 years ago when it was called Blyss and the area was just starting to change for the better. That said, the change is more than complete and this bar compliments it perfectly. I'm a beer fan, so this place was made for me. Lots of rotating taps of micro brewed goodness. Huge bottle selection. Even a couple cans for those nights where you want save a few bucks. The atmosphere is very casual with a friendly staff. Decent place to watch a game or just hang out. Gets crowded on Fridays after work. The food is just average, but they do have a nice burger and pizza special during the week. Free shuttle to the UC is a nice bonus. My co-home bar in the West Loop since the arrival of West End.
(4)Ellen F.
All-in-all, I'm a fan of Beer Bistro. I have a friend who lives around the corner and we tend to go here on the weekends for "lunch," which inevitably turns into "drinks." Hey, that's what Saturday afternoons are for, right? As far as the food goes, I've only had the BBQ chicken salad, which is very tasty and my friend always gets the chicken quesadillas. The atmosphere is nice, low-key, very pub-ish. My only complaint is that $9 for a bottle of Piraat is too much (especially considering it's only $6.50 at the Map Room), but oh well. I'll continue to come back anyway. Oh, and be sure to dust off your glass before you pour your beer.
(4)Bridget M.
On a lazy Sunday afternoon, my girlfriends and I wandered into Beer Bistro to grab a beer and catch up. I was somewhat impressed with their beer menu, but the waitress wasn't as knowledgeable about the beers as she thought she was. After finding out that my first two beer selections were out, I selected an Orval - a Trappist beer that somewhat reminds me of a Belgian version of an IPA. The 11.2oz bottle retails at Binny's for around $6. I was expecting to pay around $7.50 or so. I should have been suspicious when their beer bottle menu didn't include prices. When the bill came, I was shocked to see that the Orval cost $9.00! Had I known it was that expensive, I would have chosen another beer. Sundays are $.25 wing day - awesome. The buffalo wings were spicy - just the way I like them. $.99 extra for about 6 pieces of celery? Not so awesome. $.50 for a little cup of blue cheese dressing - kinda understandable. My friends ordered the hummus plate, and it was awesome. Crisp veggies, warm, kind of sweet pitas, and chunky delicious hummus. I was still starving, so I ordered the chopped salad. I'm always a member of the clean plate club, but this salad was so blah that I didn't bother. It did have awesomely large pieces of bacon, but it didn't have adequate blue cheese or other non-lettuce things. The dressing was too fruity for a chopped salad. The service was fine, but the waitress was not friendly and came off as almost rude at times. Our bill for 2 appetizers, 3 beers, and a lackluster salad came out to about $53 (including tip). All in all, Beer Bistro has a nice beer selection and OK food, but it's a little overpriced for my taste. I would give Beer Bistro 2 stars, but they get an extra star for an extensive (if somewhat unimaginative) beer list.
(3)Kyle M.
Great atmosphere for a game, after work drinks, late night drinks, or a gathering of friends at anytime. I love the beer list here and how it rotates fairly regularly. Beer Bistro uses social media avenues to even let customers know whats on tap or on deck. I love when bars keep up with their patrons. They usually get some rare stuff or have great beer nights. With that said, the food is pretty standard, borderline sub-par. I've given their menu a few chances and it always seems to come up short. Whether its a dull cheeseburger, undercooked fries, or an uninspired plate of chicken strips, the food isn't the main showcase from Beer Bistro. It's too bad because there aren't a lot of places in Chicago that boast a great beer list and great food with this type of atmosphere. Heck, after a few of their craft beers, anything tastes good. So if you do eat at Beer Bistro I recommend the sliders.
(3)Audrey T.
This is a great default place as a go to, if for no other reason other than they have great weekday specials. Whatever you're in the mood for, they generally have a day for it. Their pizza is good and their beer (can be) cheap. The place is actually really authentic with one of those old-timey belted fan systems, as well as a detailed and huge wooden bar surround. Although I do have to say... I had pizza here one time, and within hours I was curled up in a ball on the bathroom floor. But the 3 other people that had the same thing I had were just fine. So, "it's not you, its me". This place needs Half Acre on tap for another star.
(3)Lawrence L.
My favorite local drinking establishment. They have an extensive and monthly beer selection. Always good prices and a fun atmosphere. The staff are friendly and helpful. The pizza is a good and gets a nice browning before being served. A must try if you are in the West Loop
(4)Colin E.
Every time I come I here I have a major problem. There's way too much fantastic beer that I have the most difficult time choosing what I want to drink. If you live in the west loop and love craft beer this is the place for you! Food is tasty as well.
(5)christine p.
Fun local spot I go to wayyy too often, the people who work here are super friendly, kinda slow with the orders sometime but the food is pretty good and affordable! I'd check it, Monday has 5$ pizza's the buffalo chicken is my fav!
(4)Marie B.
Great Beer selection.
(3)Raychel L.
This place has the atmosphere I look for in a good bar that serves tasty food. They have an AMAZING beer selection. On the menu they even suggest a beer per entree. The food was great too. I had the sliders (pulled pork, cheeseburger, and buffalo chicken). The pork was nothing special, wouldn't order it again. The burger was yummy - super juicy and flavorful and the buffalo chicken was nice and spicy. My boyfriend had the turkey and ranch wrap with fries, good as well. What is great about this place besides the relaxed, old school atmosphere is their daily specials. We went on Monday, before the bulls game, and it was $5 pizzas. Wasn't in the pizza mood but they looked really good. I mean $2 burgers on Tuesdays? After sampling their cheeseburger slider i'm there. I'll definitely be back!
(4)Lisa L.
This was a welcome addition to the West Loop/Greektown list of drinking and eating options. I was glad to see that the extensive exist of beers included many of my favorite brews, of which many were often put on special. Beer Bistro's list also includes some really unique specialty beers, but watch out when ordering because some are really expensive; it's kind of irritating because the beer menu doesn't list prices, so don't get trapped! Also appreciated is the cheap pizza night on Mondays when medium (fairly-large, really) pizzas are $5 a piece. Beer Bistro is a good place to pregame before Blackhawks games at the United Center, or to head to after UC events let out. It's also a great place to grab beers with your team mates after a game at Johnny's Ice House, though it's a bit more of a walk than The Stanley Club or Westend.
(4)Andy M.
A great bar though similar to third rail. The food is more plentiful and really good. There is a wide variety of beer on tap and everything about this place is great. The staff was helpful and always checking on customers. Likely the best bar on the Madison stretch as it is the perfect size and environment.
(4)Carol K.
Still love this place! The food is quite good- check out their $5 large pizza's on Monday nights where you pay only a dollar for each topping! They also are one of the few places in Chicago that carry my favorite beer (Kronenberg 1664) so I'm hooked! If you don't like crowds you might want to time your visit when there is not some sporting event going on at the United Center as it gets a bit crazy before and after games. You'll see many of the same faces each time you visit here as it is a bit of a neighborhood joint- but that's okay. Pretty soon- you just become one of the gang!
(4)Jon C.
This bar is a must for all beer connoisseurs... Their selection is unbelieveable... Ranging from Belgian Doubles to local craft beers, if you have a craving, I am confident this place has it. The beers can be spendy but that is the reality of Chicago. The atmoshpere of this place could only be improved if it had a beer garden. The Bistro is also home to some diehard Blackhawks fans. Thus, if hitting up a game at the "Madhouse on Madison", stop in and grab a pint before cheering on Toews or Kane.
(4)Tom A.
Love this place. Food is pretty good. Beer menu is awesome. Wait staff is darn good too. It gets pretty busy when there are hawks games so be advised, otherwise it's a manageable atmosphere
(4)Cameron Y.
A great old school pub with a friendly staff and a vast beer selection.
(4)Jason W.
Great food and great staff. This was my local drinking est. for over 5 years, and I still visit every chance I get. The Tap takeovers are great and the themed dress on the holidays are a lot of fun. My favorite is Bob on St. Patty's. Oh..and 12 Beers of Christmas...good time!
(5)Michael E.
Ok....Ok....so I was hitting bars last night on the West Loop....what can I say....this part of town is growing on me! In addition to Twisted Spoke I headed down to The Beer Bistro. This bar has a look and feel as if it has been there for years. But of course the draw for me is what I thought would be a nice beer selection....man was I surprised?!? It wasn't nice....it was fantastic! They had more beers than I could shake a stick at, but in the end I selected a nice little IPA with a 9% alcohol content.....hey, what can I say, I like my beer with a kick! Bartender was great...funny too. Wait staff came by every 5 to 10 minutes to check on just beer drinkers.....nice! The outdoor patio is great, though small, and the windows in front of the establishment were wide open last night to add to the great weather. Overall a low key neighborhood bar that is a great little stop or perhaps an entire evening, just sitting and enjoying your brew.
(5)Neil M.
Great Beer, not so great food. Beer Bistro is my local and I come here often. They have a wonderful, extensive beer list and there are usually some new ones to try each time you go. The Tap TakeOver nights are good fun. I've spent more time and money than I care to admit making my way through their beer list, but it was all good. The servers are generally attentive and friendly. The only thing dragging the Beer Bistro down is the quality of the food. It has never been very good: usually way over-salted, perhaps to disguise the quality of the ingredients. This weekend was the last straw however: I come down with a severe case of food poisoning, definitely as a result of something eaten at the Beer Bistro. (I'll spare you the details, but let's just say that there would have been an R-rating had my night been made into a movie). And I had not over-drinked: one burger and one beer was all it took to ruin my weekend. I'll be back for the beer, but not for the food. I understand that there is always a specter of poor hygiene at any food establishment, but after last weekend, I won't be eating here again. The beer though: keep 'em coming.
(3)julie q.
Love the Beer Bistro. Awesome beer selection, $5 martini and 1/2 price app nights, fun and nice wait staff, and i disagree with a lot of the posts on here - I think the food is really good for typical bar food. This place is 1/2 between work and home so going here is pretty simple. And I've never had a bad time here...food, drinks, or fun.
(4)Rhonna V.
Love the daily specials! Great Beer Selection!
(5)Eden S.
I've been quite a bit. Its not far from UIC and this is why we go: $2 Thursday burgers yo! Wide selection of beer (like 100 different types) Tots The reason why I gave it a 3 was because the wait staff is sometimes nowhere to be found. I understand it can get a bit crowded during United Center games (which is a plus cause they do offer a ride there) but waiting between 15-20 mins to get a drink can be a damper. The food is okay. I would go on a night when they have specials, however if you go and get buzzed, then the food is amazing haha. They have tons of tvs, and most are on different games, also a plus. Most times my tab is around $15-20.
(3)Vanessa D.
New review: I came here more frequently back when this place first opened and I still lived a few blocks away. Back then it was great-- wonderful beer selection and GOOD bar food all convenient to my house. I'd even take out-of-town beer-nerd friends to this place because they do have a good selection and it was closer than going up to the Hopleaf in Andersonville. Last night I came here with my two friends. One of the friends, like me, used to frequent this place quite regularly over the first couple of years that it was open. The service was always good back then. Last night, the service was not good. We were there for a few hours and had quite a few (RATHER EXPENSIVE) beers and some food. We sat at the bar and while the bartender was pretty attentive for the first round of drinks there were long periods where she wouldn't come by, which ended up in us not ordering food for almost an hour after arriving! Then we got the bill and found it pretty stupid for them to charge extra ($0.50) for the mayo we had with our fries. My friends told this to the bartender but she was all "sorry, I have to ring it into the system that way and there's nothing I can do". Which is fine, it's not her fault. However, then the manager came by and he was a COMPLETE douche about it. He did the whole "sorry, that's business" and "that's what you're gonna see at any other bar or restaurant in the area". Now, if we want to get technical about it MOST bars and restaurants in the area serving fries/frites these days ALWAYS provide sauces, so, no I haven't been charged for a tiny cup of mayo in the past. Yes, it was only 50 cents, but give me a break. We spent about 100 bucks there that night between the three of us and they had to nickel and dime us like that? Anyway, in addition to this guy completely lacking customer service skills, the straw that really broke the camel's back was when he was all "Well, it was very nice meeting you" to my friends. Give me a break, don't be a dick and then give that fake response. Say you have to go attend to other things, but don't say it was NICE TO MEET THEM when you clearly treated them like crap. So, the manager needs to take some customer service lessons and perhaps the owner needs to adjust the menu/charging to not charge for A CONDIMENT that should come with the food anyway. I won't be coming back.
(1)Justine L.
Thursdays are half-priced appetizers and they're all good! Sliders are awesome as well. There are a billion different types of beers and I cannot remember what we had. Regardless, the staff always provides great recommendations once you give them an idea of what you want. The service was also great- the waitresses helped us scope out a bigger table for our party and remembered what beers each of ordered throughout the night. Would def come back time and time again.
(4)jenise r.
Went here awhile back for lunch. I had some beer battered tenders which I loved because they were so crispy and their meatloaf dinner. I need to start writing reviews asap so I remember more about the place =( Sorry guys. I did enjoy the place and would love to go back during the summer and they did have a nice beer selection.
(4)Molly L.
I came here before a Blackhawks game (or as I called it, a Red Wings game). A word of advice to those looking for dinner before a game at the United Center: MAKE A RESERVATION! I called at 11am the day of and barely got a 5:30 reservation. The beer list is awesome! Especially around the holidays with all the special Christmas brews. 5 stars for the beer list! Unfortunately, I wasn't in love with the food. If we go back, I'd definitely order something else. Maybe a burger because the bite I had of my boyfriend's was good. I got 3 sliders: caprese, pulled pork and cheeseburger. The cheeseburger one was good. The other two were just OK. In summary, I'd definitely come back again to drink, but maybe I'd hit somewhere else for dinner.
(3)Nicolas H.
Decent bar but I wasn't impressed by the bistro part of their name. The food options were your typical bar fare and from what I tried of the quesadilla nothing special at all. Good spot though to have some drinks before events at the UIC pavilion, but it also seems to be a venue of choice for Blackhawk fans (as they have a shuttle service to the United Center). As for the extra seating in the basement, it's pretty gloomy down there. Reminds me of drinking in a friend's basement (which when I was young was fun, but when you are an adult is just depressing)...
(3)Eman S.
I've been making my way to a bunch of West Loop bars and we were told to get to the Bistro for the good food and beer. They were right, this place was pretty damn good. Lets be honest, any place that has a dozen sliders on their menu cannot be bad. I ordered a pulled pork slider and a BBQ salad and they were both really good. The others at the table got a bunch of sliders and fish tacos and everyone really liked their food. I don't really remember anything about our server, so I guess that means that nothing stood out good or bad, but I do remember the selection of beer and that was really good! Definitely going to go back to this place and try more sliders.
(4)Dana E.
Came in for lunch with our 2 year old on a Saturday afternoon . The place was about 1/3 full and our sliders and chicken sandwich took about 45 minutes to get to us. Lets just say 45 minutes seems like an eternity to wait for food with a two year old. The sliders were okay the tater tots were awesome but my chicken was burnt and dried out I think they must have had it on the grill for the entire 45 minutes. The place is not horrible but since there are so many better choices in the area we will not be going back.
(2)Laura L.
Sliders. Eat the sliders. Sliders. We went to go visit Beer Bistro's 5th birthday party with stars like Elmo gracing us with his presence. (Yes the red monster from Sesame Street). With $2 drafts for the party how could we say no? I am a wuss when it comes to trying new beer so I stuck with Allagash, but for the educated there is anything and everything you can think of. And yes that does include PBR, Schlitz, Pimm's, Old Style and Milwaukee's Best in a can! Sliders. Eat the sliders. Sliders. Especially portobello mushroom. Yum. $2 a piece. Try one of each and you can get free fries and tots. I had mashed potatoes instead. Yum.
(4)cassie r.
I'm pretty sure if I tried this place on a night besides Friday, or had more time to enjoy it, I would be giving Beer Bistro a higher rating. Alas, that wasn't the case, so here are my thoughts: This place gets super crowded -I'm not saying it was a sardine can of groping 20 year olds, but there weren't any tables to sit and enjoy a beer or two. I prefer to sit back and enjoy a brew - and I don't enjoy feeling like I'm in the middle of a dodge ball game, more focused on avoiding people than enjoying my drink. This place does have a great vibe though - young crowd, lots of Blackhawks fans, and an AMAZING beer selection. And anyplace that has Dragon's Milk on tap is a place I must return to. As long as I can manage to avoid the SRO option again, I'll be good to go.
(3)David M.
Good beer selection. Service average. Manager/owner was blatantly hitting on women while I was there and food is ok.
(2)Kathleen G.
Wandered over Sunday after Taste of Randolph. Great beer menu, though because they rotate their stock frequently sometimes they don't have everything on the menu (happened 3 times). Waitress was knowledgable about the beers and service was friendly. Didn't get any food but the pizza looked & smelled yummy (very cheesy & plenty of toppings).
(4)David M.
This is a tricky one.......it gets 4plus stars for the beer menu...excellent with a number of seasonal / special brews on draft...also for knowledgable staff...name a brew you like and they will get you another you will like as well...very good. But less for the food...is WAY too typical bar food...mediocre to medium but not good to great....sigh! Go there, but don't expect to be wow'ed by the food unless you like kinda mediocre burgers...it could be so much more!
(3)Erin S.
I went there for Saturday dinner and really enjoyed the food at Beer Bistro. It's a great place to kick back and drink a beer while watching the game, but also would be a solid choice for a quiet dinner with a friend or significant other. The atmosphere is modern (with exposed brick walls, low lighting etc.) but also very friendly and Chicago-esque. There were people from all walks of life - big families, young lovers, sports nuts and us, two couples who had just saw a really crappy play and wanted to eat our feelings. When I ate there I had the fish tacos, which were soft shells made with mahi mahi (and had that distinctive buttery taste..yum) served with guacamole and a side of black beans. When they first brought the platter out, I thought there was no possible way I could eat the whole thing. Well, I'm sure you can guess how that turned out. I thought the fish was flaky and delicious and with tangy guac, you can't really go wrong. They also had a really nice beer selection, and good service.
(4)Duane M.
Strictly writing as a hop head, this place is one of the best in the city to get a beer... or twelve. While most of the brews don't come cheap, they have an outstanding selection with new additions all the time. The staff really knows their beer, and more importantly, they know how to serve it. I can count on two hands the number of places I've had a proper pour of Guinness in Chicago and the Beer Bistro is one of them. They have all the right glassware for the style of beer you want and it's served at the prescribed temperature. As for the food, I haven't had anything bad, but I haven't had anything that made my day either. You don't go to a place called the Beer Bistro for the food anyway, but it's always nice to have something in your stomach when sampling a dozen of your favorite drinks. The place does get busy, so get there early and make friends with your waiter/waitress quickly.
(4)Julie A.
I agree that they have a great selection of beer, but heed my warning: If you are going to an event at the United Center, GET HERE EARLY! Wowzer, we were lucky to get there around 5:30, and got the last table. As fast as a snap of the fingers, this place was packed, with people dashing to grab any chair available. Because of the event at the United Center, service was slooooow. We ordered appetizers - chicken quesadillas, calamari, hummus and goat cheese. Bleech. All of it was at a very weird temperature. Like it was made yesterday, and put on a plate today. There was no attempt in anything being barely above room temp. Even the hummus was weird. So other then the food that I tried - I would go back for the beer, but I wouldn't make a special trip out of it.
(3)Shannon O.
I just moved into the West Loop neighborhood, so I'm all about checking out the local bars and restaurants. I went here on a Thursday night and got to enjoy a delicious Starburst martini (not too fruity and definitely strong!) for only $5, along with 1/2 price appetizers. I split the spinach artichoke dip which comes with pita chips--delicious! I also split the GRILLED chicken fingers...super good--a nice alternative to the typical friend chicken fingers. It comes with a great dip that is pretty spicy. The atmosphere is quaint. The perimeter of the bar is lined with tables with a small walkway between the tables and the bar. I was there on a night that there was a Blackhawks game going on, so the place was pretty packed. The Beer Bistro also offers a free shuttle to and from the United Center for Blackhawks and Bulls games--an awesome way to avoid the parking lot at the United Center! This is definitely a place that I will be frequenting now that I live just a few blocks away! From the look on the menu, they appear to have some pretty awesome daily specials throughout the week, along with some tasty sounding food on the menu. After going here again, I may be back to update my review to five stars...but I didn't want to get overzealous after the first visit :)
(4)Angelina S.
It seems that every establishment that occupied 1061 W. Madison is always a favorite of mine. The first time I visited this building was oh so many years ago (let's say 7 years ago) when it was a martini bar. At the time I was in my "Sex and the City sophisticated woman" stage and was all about the cosmos, french martinis and the like. The establishment was quickly becoming my neighborhood haunt. But the neighborhood of West Town/West Loop (whatever people or your local alderman are calling it these days) caters to a meat and potatoes crowd (Carmichael's being just down the street and Billy Goat's Tavern a short walk away). So, eventually, the martini bar faded away. But in it's place (Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Ha-lle-lu-jah), a pub now stands. A pub that serves so many beers that will make your head spin, and once it's done spinning, there are still a few more beers to complete the menu. The first time I visited Beer Bistro, I was so ecstatic that a joint like this had opened in my neighborhood. After reviewing the menu for the first time, I realized they sold my most favorite beer in the whole wide world -- Lindeman's Framboise!!! That sealed it for me, The Beer Bistro was now my favorite place on earth. Each time I visit The Beer Bistro, I just loved the place more and more. The service has always been top notch; all of the servers are extremely helpful and knowledgeable. The Framboise is my fave, but as there are so many libations on The Beer Bistro menu, I have tasted my share of beer and the staff is always great in providing me recommendations whenever I am undecided. The food is great. The dining menu has staples such as burgers, pizza, mac & cheese, wings. But also has items such as fish tacos, paninis and quesadillas. Fare for everyone. I have to recommend the array of sliders (Mmmm, mmmm, good). i also recommend visiting The Beer Bistro during the week to take advantage of the weekly specials; visiting on Tuesdays is a must (how can you say no to $2 Angus Burgers?!!). I have hosted my husband's 35th bday party and the large private booth is both secluded and large enough for about 10 people. If you are interested in hosting a larger party, the private bar downstairs can be rented. Although my visits to The Beer Bistro have been limited since Baby DD's arrival, I have still taken advantage of the take out menu. I at least can take a little piece of The Beer Bistro home with me. I am looking forward to the day when I can step back into the bistro, sidle up to the bar and savor a beer from their extensive menu. I may even try their beer drinking challenge; if you drink all the beers on the menu (you have until June; no need to risk alcohol poisoning to do it in one night!!), you will be invited to The Beer Bistro's outing of the Crosstown Classic at a Wrigleyville rooftop. I am glad that The Beer Bistro's has occupied the space at 1061 W. Madison for these years. You are my pub of choice in the city and I cannot wait to get back to being a regular at your establishment. Save some Lindeman's Framboise and Sofie, Ephemere, Pear Cider, Banana Nut Bread beer (you get the idea) for me.
(5)E W.
Beer Bistro is great for an after work drink. The food is good (for bar food) but: Go there on a Friday or Saturday night ONLY if you want to snag yourself a crusty looking cougar or married man. For Serious.
(3)Karen L.
I heart you, Beer Bistro! I heart you because you serve the best $2 burgers on Tuesday nights! I heart you because you have Crispin Cider on tap I heart you because you are so freakin' cool yet so damn casual I heart you because you can accommodate a larger crowd at a moment's notice Don't ever change! You are perfect just the way you are!
(4)Ann N.
Love this place!! Great selection of beer with a really helpful waitstaff. While there me and my boyfriend met the owner and the manager and it was our first time there! When you go try to sit at the bar and get Beth. Amazing bartender with a wonderful personality. We ordered a flight of three sliders, the turkey, cheeseburger, and the caprese. It was okay. And we also had the Mac and cheese. It was soupy and the noodles were overcooked, but they also mentioned that the kitchen was backed up so we'd give the Mac & cheese another chance. The star of our meal was the pepperoni and goat cheese pizza. Their pizzas are sooo good. And on Monday's they offer pizzas for $5. Overall, our beers and great service overshadowed the okay-ish food. However they're things we'd give a secod chance too anyway. Definitely stop by!
(5)Bill L.
We went here as a group from work, and found it to be very nice. Just like every other Chicago place at this time of year, its a little cool inside, but the food warms you up and is very good, and a big variety. Service was good and had a fun time. I liked the atmosphere, definitely will come back through and see how this place looks when the night crowd is out.
(4)Mel L.
Beer Bistro is a fun place to try out different types of beer. They have a HUGE selection and the staff is very knowledgeable and helpful. Our waitress was able to go into great detail about each beer we were interested in. This is the way it should be!! Food-wise, we experienced above average bar/pub food. Their pizza was very good and decently sized for the price. The monthly beer special is always good to try!
(4)Kim A.
Great place to hang out, especially for a late dinner, or just drinks and dessert with friends. I've heard good things about the wings and Bloody Mary specials -- definitely something worth looking into now that football season has started. Why the 4 stars? The staff. Seriously, our server knew her stuff, which I suppose is part of the job, but i really appreciated the insight she had to offer, based on the microbrews that I knew I liked. I'm always up for expanding my "beer palate" (that has to be a technical term, right?). Definately adding to the rotation of "spots", as I live in the West Loop.
(4)Jenn S.
There's a reason why this place is called the "Beer Bistro". It's the real deal if you want to try new beers or enjoy one that you already enjoy on a regular basis (properly). This is also a great place to catch a game. I went here for game 5 of the Blackhawks Stanley Cup finals and our waitress was spot on. She actually came by too much (if that's possible). But we really didn't mind. We tried the pizza. It could have been cooked a little bit longer but other than that, it tasted great. Kind of like NY style pizza. I can't wait to go back here and try some of the other food. It was such a great experience on an incredibly crazy night, that I can only imagine that the service is equally as good on non-game days.
(4)Bora U.
Beer Bistro is one of my favorite neighborhood watering holes. It's a great spot for a casual date, to catch up with a friend, or to celebrate. There's a small outdoor seating area that has three tables that fit up to four guests. I've lucked out every time I visited over the summer and into the fall and have scored outdoor seating. There are plenty of high top tables for two and a party section in the back of the bar with lush booths and a large flat screen television. Probably large enough to fit 15 guests. They have food and drink specials every night of the week and the waitstaff are wonderfully bubbly. The Tuesday night $2 burgers are large and juicy. It can get pricey when you add additional toppings like cheese and mushrooms. The burger doesn't come with fries but my friends and I like to share a basket of tator tots in lieu of fries. I also enjoy their $5 dollar pizzas. I'd say they're large enough to feed 2-3 people. The food options on their regular menu are your typical pub fare and I've never had a dish that I didn't like. I'm not a fan of their martinis but it's called the "Beer Bistro" not "Martini Bistro" bistro so I shouldn't complain of that. I've learned a great deal about the range of beers that are out in the world (120 are offered at Beer Bistro) thanks to the well-versed waitstaff. They always have great suggestions when I tell them the styles and flavors I like/dislike. It can get a little crowded and rowdy on the weekends or before/after Bulls/Blackhawk games so I like to plan my visits avoiding those days. Also - beware of the bathrooms - or at least the staircase leading down to the bathrooms. I've probably seen three girls trip down the stairs on three different occassions...too many Deliriums perhaps? Cheers to Beer Bistro! I'm forever a fan.
(4)Cathy N.
I have to disagree with Donisha.....If she is aware of the food industry she would know the ups and downs that are dealt with on a daily basis and would understand being in the food industry she should be a little more patient. I am in the food industry and understand that. I have had NOTHING but great experiences here. No matter how busy or slow it is I get great service and the food is GREAT. As for Beth I have had her as a server and have had nothing but a great experience while being served by her or just seeing her while I was visiting for a quick beer or 2. haha. Like that ever happens. Anyway.....being in the industry should give someone a better understanding of what we go thru daily which should allow for a little more patience no matter what the situation and I cant see there being anything but great reviews for the Beer Bistro and Beth no matter what day you are there so they get Kudos from me!!!
(4)Samantha H.
I have to say I really liked this place. Six of us went here after a 3 mile charity walk (nothing tops off a healthy early morning walk like bar food and beer). It was pretty dead at that time so while our service was good, I can't offer a very good opinion on it since it was slow. The food was pretty solid. I had a turkey bacon ranch wrap, which was good. The chips and tots were decent. Their beer list though, that was impressive. Trummer Pils! How I love thee. They also have beer pairings with each dish on their menu. They have good specials during the week which I have yet to try, but it's on my to-do!
(4)Lauren C.
To be fair to Beer Bistro, the only time I've been here was on an absolutely horrid date. That likely impacted my view of this place. This place initially seemed like it was the West Loop version of Hopleaf, which is my favorite bar in Chicago. I immediately knew my order - a nice cold Maudite. Unfortunately, they were out of Maudite and recommended another similar beer - I took it. The thing that's unfortunate about this bar is that there aren't prices on the beer menu. My Maudite substitute and a Harp pint cost me $23 - which certainly surprised me. Two beers for $23? No thanks. The bartenders were very nice and the space is lovely, which is why Beer Bistro gets 3 stars from me. But next time, I'll stick to Hopleaf.
(3)Nina M.
For some reason last week I wanted sliders all day. I had KFC for lunch with their little chicken slider sandwiches (delicious!). Then for a late dinner I came here and ordered sliders, I really wanted the prime rib slider. That was the only one they didn't have, of course. So I ordered a burger, a turkey and a portabella mushroom slider. Pretty cheap. Burger was good. Turkey was revolting. It looked pinkish and like lunch meat on a very thinly sliced gross cucumber. The bread was nasty too. The portabella mushroom was just as bad. With almost cornbread like square buns. Skip that, the fries are great. The wings were pretty good too. I'm sure the beers are good and overall a decent, neighborhood/sports bar.
(3)nicole h.
My perception of what may be a great hangout is admittedly a bit skewed due to our visit being during the St. Pat's block party...right after the block party shut down. That said, the joint was insanely, obnoxiously overcrowded with overly-enthusiastic, over-served people. Pros-- Cute outdoor seating area. Cool ambiance inside. Absolutely exceptional staff. Admirable beer list (Beer Bistro--whaddya expect? They had my elusive Breckenridge Vanilla Porter. Yum!) Cons-- The food. Tried my buddy's fish tacos. The fish was well done, but it was kinda dry and boring. Needed some sort of salsa. Ideally a fruit salsa. Ordered nachos and they were dry and boring too. Didn't hit the spot for my late-nite greasy munchies.
(3)Gary E.
OK, so out of all of the breastaurants (I just came up with that word for bars with good food although on certain nights it could hold other meaning) on Madison between lets say Racine and Halsted - Beer Bistro is consistently the best option. The food is fresh, the beer list is ridiculously extensive (I'm not a "beer drinker" but I have found a few that I really enjoy). Anyway, we've been to this place countless times over the past year or so but it wasn't until this past Monday that I had a revelation. They have THE BEST F'IN PIZZA that I've had in this city. Hands down. And, on Mondays - its FIVE DOLLARS. Yeah, that's right. Add a buck or two for toppings and you're still 1/2 the cost of the other 6 days of the week. Their other weekday specials ($2 Tuesday burgers, etc) are also a great deal but from now on, Monday is pizza night. How did I waste the last year of living in the West Loop ordering in crappy pizza when this was down the block for a five spot? I don't know the answer, but I know the solution. See ya at the Bistro. Yuuuuuuuuummmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmy.
(4)Emily S.
TONS of beers on tap. My biggest complaint with the beer list is that it lists the beers in alphabetical order, with no descriptions or prices at all. For someone like myself who doesn't drink a ton of beer, this is not helpful. I had to choose something I was familiar with rather than trying something new - I wasn't about to order something random only to later find out it was super dark and $14. The food was mediocre, at best. The buffalo calamari was soggy, but the sauce was good. We went for the $5 pizza special - the only reason we weren't disappointed is because our pizza was only $5! It was really greasy and the crust was soggy and too thin. I would have been annoyed had we paid full price. We'd go back if we were in the neighborhood, but I'd pass on the pizza unless it was Monday.
(3)Stephen F.
This upscale bar is perfect for happy hour or a quick date on the West Side. The bar food is quite nice, as is the decor and service. My only gripe about Beer Bistro is... it's not beery enough. In Chicago, I would expect a true beer bar to have at least a hundred options, or to focus on a country or region and bring in some rare selections. Beer bistro, though leaning toward the low countries, hits neither mark. I counted fewer than a dozen beers I had never tried on their menu. Nonetheless, it's my go-to bar west of the highway.
(4)Adam S.
Great selection of beer, friendly service, and some of the best appetizers I have had in a pub. Pizzas and sliders are phenom. Burger is amazing! I need to be more adventurous with the beer given their selection but I tend to stick to 312. A bit loud at times, but a nice place to meet up with friends in a casual and unpretentious environment.
(4)Moe f.
Was working in the area and swung in for lunch. They have a pretty respectable beer list. Being that it was lunchtime on a workday, was only able to sample 1 beer. It was $3 cans Wednesday and got a nice IPA. Standard bar fare. The chicken and goat cheese salad was good and loaded with chicken. Don't really frequent the WLoop scene, but would go back if in the area.
(3)Ann C.
Great food, love $3 burger night on Tuesdays. Nice people work there.
(5)Justin G.
Went here for happy hour a bunch after work with coworkers. This place has the best beer selection in the area (or at least ties with Jack's tap) and some pretty tasty appetizers. If you have a group, try to grab the little room thing at the back as it's perfect for groups.
(4)John F.
Great beer. Poor food. Friendly service. How great is $2 burger Tuesday? For a regularly $9 burger, not a mini-mouthful burger bite. Well, when the 'medium rare' order comes completely rare, a comletely soggy bun and the fries are passable at best, then you reconsider. I'd completely forgotten that the same thing happened the last time I had a burger there a few months ago. Come on Bee Bistro - it isn't that hard to make and cook a great burger. Get a $10 meat thermometer. And you don't need to buy those pre-shaped perfectly round burgers in bulk, just make your own. Ugh. It is obvious that the people working in the kitchen neither like nor care about food. Next time I'll walk a couple blocks to Wishbone for good eats, then enjoy the Beer Bistro beers.
(2)Jo W.
It's not just a clever name - the Beer Bistro serves beer. Lots and lots of beer. I mean, I have never heard of about 98% of the beers they had. Impressive. (and for you non-beer drinkers, they have some nice cocktails too.) I joined my friend here for dinner and drinks last night, and when it came time to order drinks I admit I was overwhelmed. I told our server, Jennifer, that I wanted to expand my horizons a bit and wanted some suggestions. She was extremely helpful and knowledgeable about their offerings. We discussed what beer I normally drink (Miller Lite *hangs head in shame*), and she suggested a nice Trumer Pils. Sure! My friend was not really into expanding her horizons and stuck with Bud Light. The Trumer Pils was not only delicious, but it came in a really awesome non-traditional pilsner glass. So awesome that the guy sitting at the neighboring table immediately asked our server what it was when she brought it to me. That's right - be jealous of my beer. While we waited for our food, we were able to talk and catch up - the bar was almost full when we came in, but it wasn't noisy at all and it was so nice to be in a bar and not have to not scream across the table at each other. There are plenty of places to sit (though outside was full, of course) and I even spied a sort of semi-private area towards the back with large red couches. The semi-private area didn't really seem to fit in with the rest of the bar's atmosphere, but at the end of the day semi-private areas are always nice. They also had the Cubs-Cards game on TV, so obviously I was in heaven and really liking this place. While the service, the atmosphere, and the drinks were great and worthy of at least 4-5 stars... the food really fell short for me. I ordered the blackened chicken and it had a little too much heat for my taste buds. So much heat that it really aggravated my already angry allergies. The accompanying potatoes and broccoli were fine, but nothing outstanding. My friend had been raving about the cookie sundae, so we got that for dessert. I only had a few bites, but it was really good so it was kind of the saving grace of the meal. Definitely split this one - it's huge. Overall I really liked everything about this place except for the food. Next time (and there will be a next time - hello, have you SEEN their amazing specials during the week?!) I'll make sure to order something different to eat or grab a bite nearby before heading over. And perhaps next time we'll be able to snag a seat outside...
(3)Matt H.
It seems from reading a few of the recent review my experience was fairly typical. It was semi-crowded Saturday afternoon and the servers we had we very quick and very friendly. Glasses did not sit empty for long. The beer selection was fairly impressive even though they were out of a few things. Having a cask selection was a nice bonus as well. The food though is what drags this place down. I had fish tacos. I love fish tacos. Maybe it was a poor selection for a bar-food choice, but if you can't make it don't put it on the menu. These were possibly the worst fish tacos I've ever had. I ate them because I was kinda drunk and hungry, but I didn't enjoy them at all. The other people in my party that had food felt the same way, just average. At least for 10$, they weren't too pricey. It's a nice bar, nice vibe, great servers, great beer list and unfortunately mediocre food. I'd go back for a few beers anytime but make sure I eat beforehand.
(3)Helena B.
Beer Bistro brings my appreciation for beer to a new neighborhood - the West Loop. The beer selection is indeed quite extensive. More importantly, the bartenders are EXCELLENT: knowledgeable, friendly, attentive. They'll make recommendations and give you samples of the beers so you aren't stuck with a pint of something you don't fancy (darn IPAs!). I came with the intent to eat dinner - the menu online looked quite extensive - only to discover, to my delight, that it was $2 burger night! Fifty cents for Swiss and a basket of tater tots to share and the meal was set. I picked up the tab (I'm so sweet!) and was astonished at how low it was. My inner math-nerd kept dividing it out only to be pleasantly surprised each time.
(4)Brian S.
Great beer selection! This is a great place to drink and eat before a Blackhawks game. I took 7 of my patients here this last week before a hockey game and each of them was happy with their food, service, and beer. Finding it was easy enough... Parking in the neighborhood was easy. Atmosphere- high end style city pub. Bright for a pub. The bathroom issues other patrons have complained about have been fixed for sure. Beer- great selection served properly. The right glasses, the right temperatures. Food- great pizza, we had the goat cheese and pepperoni one as an appetizer for seven people with calimari and the pita hummas plate. The pizza was fantastic and I would go again just for this. The other appetizers were done right. Burgers and sandwiches and the fish tacos every that had them really enjoyed. The food was again hot, the burgers had Pretzel roll buns the fries were hot etc. Service-good, not great. The service wasn't bad but it just wasn't happy or friendly enough. Seemed like some of the crowd needed starch outta their jockeys but all in all the nice sort of crowd. Go here for good evening.
(4)Steve S.
Ahhhhh the beer bistro. Massive beer list, good food, great waitresses, food/drink deals Sunday-Thursday. Hangovers guaranteed. No matter what don't venture across the street
(5)Norma C.
Good daily deals on food. I wasn't a fan of the $4.50 Miller Lite during a Hawks game, but the food was decent and the ambiance was typical Madison Ave. crowded, noisy bar.
(3)Jennifer B.
Yay! Finally a bar that doesn't smell like beer! Beer Bistro is a restaurant/bar that resembles the "Cheers" bar just a bit....it has very ornate ceilings and wood along the bar is very old-school. And actually, everyone seems to know everyone's name. The clientele is extremely chill--West Loopers looking for a bite to eat or coming to watch the game. They have a small outdoor patio where you can sit when the weather is nice. The menu is really extensive for a bar...more extensive than some restaurants in The Chi. And they serve tator tots....score! The selection of beers is pretty extensive as well, and they have a beer of the month pints for $4.00. How can you go wrong?
(4)Tara M.
It's official, I am done with Beer Bistro. Sure, it is the closest bar to my office, but I am NEVER letting anyone drag me there, kicking & screaming, again. Remember my story about being peed on by a homeless man on the bus? Every time I walk into this bar I am reminded of that infamous day, because this bar smells identical to the homeless man's urine. And just when you think the stench can't get any worse, you walk into the unisex bathroom and the smell invokes dry heaving. And trust me, I have a high tolerance for nasty bar smells. After all, this is my favorite bar of all time: yelp.com/biz/kams-champa… Their $2 burger specials on Tuesdays sound great, right? But one of the bartenders informed us that the special is only good if you buy a beer as well (even she seemed to think it is a lame deal). Cheese is extra (50 cents I believe) and sides are $2 extra, which isn't a big deal because I do really like their fries. But the burger? FAIL. My coworker and I went there to watch the inauguration, and there were about twenty people in the bar, captivated by the television. The Manager walks out in front of the TV and says, "At least it's only 1,460 more days." Now, everyone is entitled to their own opinion and I would never rate a bar on the political views of their employees, but this probably wasn't the best comment to make in a room full of apparent Obama supporters if you want to get them to come back again. Further evidence that this place is crawling with a-holes. In summary, if you like the stench of stale urine and enjoy overpriced, mediocre food and underwhelming service, you will LOVE Beer Bistro.
(1)Lauren S.
This is a cute little place very close to UIC and the medical district. The beer selection is out of this world. In response to a previous comment i feel like they should put up descripstions on beers for those who are not familiar because im sure the bartenders do not have all the time in the world to be explaining the different beers to people. The food was really good, I got some sliders; the turkey with brie cheese and apples, the pulled pork and the portabella mushroom with goat cheese and chipotle mayo... soo delicious! And the service was really good.
(4)Diana S.
I'm sure this place would have been good if I wasn't there for a party. I like the atmosphere upstairs and the beer selection is great. The food menu had a lot of selections but they were hit or miss. - The nachos with chicken were dry and it seemed more like a salad on top of tortillas. There wasn't enough cheese, no guacamole, and not enough salsa. - The fish and chips were over cooked. - The chicken quesadillas looked good, but were dry. + The chopped salad was pretty good. I would get that again. + The mac and cheese was creamy and flavorful. The service: Keep in mind we were there for a private party in the downstairs area. The service was horrible. I asked for a diet coke three times and it never came. Our tables food was missing half of the orders and people just gave up. They were way understaffed and unprepared. We won't be having a private party there again. I don't recommend this place for a private party. The basement had uncomfortable booths with rips and tears all over the upholstery.
(2)Krystyna B.
Beer Bistro, You had me at Hello. Love Always, Krystyna B. (OK, not really, but it didn't take more than a few minutes.) I stopped in around 10pm on a Saturday with a friend. We were meeting up with a college girlfriend, her husband, and their favorites to celebrate the girlfriend's birthday. Although it is extremely rare, we were early. The bar wasn't stuffed to the gills with patrons, but it was fairly crowded. The crowd varied from late twenties to early forties. (Much appreciated as I was not in the mood to deal with drunken, stumbling woo girls). We managed to find a 2-person table near the rear of the space and began to peruse the menu. OMG, it is huge. For someone who rarely drinks beer, it was a little overwhelming. But, the service was EXCELLENT. I started quizzing our waitress and 5 minutes later we had narrowed down my choices. She was knowledgeable, personable, and attentive. Rocking sense of humor. She played off my companion and I with ease. So, despite the 5 minute discussion over beer choices, I didn't feel conflicted over my choice of Delerium Tremens Noel while my companion stuck to the special on tap. YUM to both! So lovely and so easy on the wallet. When our friends arrived, we proceeded to a screened off, semiprivate banquette that fit all 15 of us. Equipped with comfy banquette benches, a large table, and several televisions, it offered us some privacy and kept us in the loop with the Blackhawks scores. And, now that we know that Beer Bistro is an official Hawks bar, we'll be back to sample more of its extensive menu and keep our eye on the games.
(5)Paul Y.
The Beer selection is good, can't argue with that. Draft is around a dozen some limited, bottles galore though. Food is usually okay. Nothing fancy, nothing a frozen dinner meal from Aldi couldn't compete with. Specials, when there's not an United Center event are good. However, everything's about $2 too much. Beers typically range from $5.50 - $8. Food is overpriced for the mediocre quality. Service is hard to deal with, everytime I've been there the all female bartenders/servers are in really bad moods and seem exetremely irritated to take your order. if your looking for a bar in the West Loop, head to Dugan's on Halstead.
(2)Dustin W.
The beer Bistro could never be accused of false advertising, as they offer a nice selection of craft beers on tap, bottle, and cans. BB has a brew to satisfy most thirsts from Miller and Bud products for the average joe taking in a Blackhawks game (HUGE hawks bar) or a variety of Bell's brewery classics that they featured during Bell's night of Chicago Craft Beer Week. They also pour drinks from an extensive bar and encourage the lively raucousness that is quintessentially Chicago's sports scene. Most of the food looked tasty, but have not personally engaged in gustatory events here. All of the staff including the doorman were very friendly and engaging in conversation, with some knowledge about the brews. Beer Bistro would be a great place for a large group to catch a big game and sit back and relax with good suds.
(3)D F.
This place is the whole package. Great (reference 3rd or 4th best selection) Beer List Really affordable specials nights, that are weekly rotating list. My favorite place to go before Blackhawks Games. This place works for in a rush dinner and also very well for relaxing over a night with friends. This is my preferred destination for affordable fare, wide beer list and good service. Been here over 30 times as well, and wanted to get a review up...
(5)Mark T.
Great neighborhood spot with decent enough food. The real draw is, of course, the beer selection. If you like a good beer, this place will not let you down....and during the great snowstorm of 2011, the Beer Bistro was the only place open. Every place on Randolph was closed. The Beer Bistro was a beacon of light! Everyone had an amazing time that night.
(4)Sarah F.
The space is large, and the service friendly. We liked the ginormous beer list and the suggested pairings on the menu. If you need space for a very large crowd, I would give this place some consideration, since they have a large downstairs area. We took advantage of the $2 burger special on Tuesdays. Additional toppings are $0.50, and you'll also pay extra for tots or fries on the side, but it was a good deal. The burgers weren't anything special, and the basket of tots was a little empty IMO. But I'm curious about the big selection of sliders (burgers, buffalo chicken, turkey and brie, portabello, etc.) and whether this place might be a good spot for watching football come September.
(4)Jason M.
So, the name Beer Bistro is pretty lame. I'm really over the overuse of 'bistro' thing. To be honest, though, I probably would've never gone here if it wasn't for the name. I work in the area and needed a spot to meet an after-work date. The place is classy...really enjoyable to be in, with ornate woodwork on the bar and a cozy, dimly lit atmosphere. I'd say that, so far, it's the best atmosphere I've found for a bar in the west Loop. My only issue was the lack of draft beer. For being a "beer bistro" they certainly have plenty of bottled choices. Their draft selections are somewhat lacking, however. There were probably 12 or so, the most interesting being a Left Hand Milk Stout, which I think you can get at TGI Fridays now. ;) Pick up the drafts, Beer Bistro, and you'll be my new home in the west Loop.
(4)Jennifer C.
I lived a block away from this place, and it became our local brew pub. It's totally worth it on the days that they have their food specials. Our favs are: Sunday: $0.25 wings Monday: $5 pizza Tuesday: $2 burgers But, it must be said that the BEST PART ARE THE BEERS. They have 20 beers on tap, and hundreds of bottles. They have a monthly special, and they often rotate what beers are on tap. The wait staff is hit or miss. For the most part, they're really good and friendly, but there are a few who are pretty horrible (read: inattentive).
(3)Sean B.
This is one of my favorite neighborhood haunts. An extensive beer menu, knowledgeable staff and great burgers make this a go-to for me. Bob (the owner) couldn't be nicer. The whole menu is tasty, gives beer pairing suggestions, and I've even had them cater an event before (which went really well).
(4)Heidy C.
Great selection of beer. They have a beer for everyone! I personally am all over the place I go from hoppy to malty to super sweet and they have it all!!!! The servers are friendly and they have opinions about the food it's not just "oh that's good" or "oh I like it" they go into it. Now the bartenders seem a little overwhelmed behind the bar. I mean it is a long bar and for them to only staff it with 2 bartenders seems a little understaffed when you have a bar 2 deep and a full cocktail area. The menu is your bar food with a upscale twist. I had the breakfast pizza they have on their menu and it may sound weird but man is it tasty! I think I would go back just for that pizza...MMMMM now I'm hungry
(4)Sarah S.
I came here the other night before some friends and I went to the Bulls game. They have a great beer selection. We tried the $4 beer of the month and loved it!! They have a lot of choices on their menu-many of them that sounded very good. I decided to get the PLT (portabella, lettuce and tomato) sandwich that came with tator tots. I haven't had tator tots in so long!! They were very tasty. The sandwich was kind of bland, but not bad. My friends meals were mediocre as well. It gets very crowded here around happy hour. We sat downstairs and felt like we were in our parents basement. It was a fun time though!
(4)Devin C.
I've been a consistent patron of this pub for years. While I don't know the staff intimately, I can say that the beer selection is terrific, and the Monday pizzas are smashing. The environment is clean and calming, despite that the clientele may or may not detract from it on any given night. ;) The servers always seem to know their beer well, and love to recommend new ones based on your response. The prices aren't any higher or lower than other bars with a hefty beer selection, but they could always be a bit cheaper.
(4)Craig S.
Great beer selection, very good food and service. What more do you need?
(4)Steve R.
I liked it. Did a sort of friend/business thing here, and it was a decent enough place for after work. Had several of the belgian brews I like, plus a plate of hummus that was...a decent enough plate of hummus I guess. The have a reasonably good selection of taps. The layout is pretty much like any irishy type pub joint, and the crowd is definitely professional. I felt like an impostor, but what the hell...when in Rome.... Overall I see this as a place that would be ideal for daytime drinkin', which seems to be a consensus here. Not so much a stop I would make at night.
(3)Vivian Y.
This is a great bar when it's not too crowded. There is truly a great selection of beers including some of my favorite Canadian microbrews like "Fin du monde" (which literally translates to End of the World, at 11% alcohol yea, I would call it that too!) and Maudite. I've only had their mini burgers here and they were pretty good. My husband and his buddies are regulars here and I don't hesitate or whine when I am invited once in a while. A good place to go before a game at the United Center - a bit of a walk - but very doable, especially in the summer.
(4)Christa R.
As expected the beer list is long and worldly. The problem is that the staff really has no idea what is on the menu or anything about the beers themselves. So, if you're not a beer expert going in, you might have some problems finding the right fit. Once out of 5 times has a server actually been able to suggest a beer to me. Ambiance is very gastro-pub, but not pretentious. B+ for atmosphere. Food is great. Surprising fish tacos. Give them a whirl. Great place to meet after a long day at work. Plenty of TVs, not too loud.
(3)Damon M.
My local Cheers!. In all honesty, what is there not to like about a place that serves 130 different kinds of beer? With $2 cans on Wednesday. That deserves 4 stars right there. Make sure to hook up a Goose Island Bourbon Stout to start your night off right. That doesn't even mention the phenomenal menu they have going on. It's not just your typical "bar food". Bob and staff have gone a few extra steps and put together a "bar" menu that is top notch. I've tried probably half the menu at this point, but my personal favs would have to be: - Fish Tacos - Mahi Salad - Sliders (all are good) - Mac n' Cheese - Chicken Salad Wrap - Burger The fries are great - nice and crispy. They even have an option of tater tots to bring out that inner 5 year old in all of us. The music is off of Bob's iPod, and what a great selection of Rock and rare stuff. Must go if you're a local west looper, or ever in the area. Don't pass it by.
(5)Sam S.
I don't usually write reviews but had a particularly bad experience the last time my wife and I went to Beer Bistro. It used to be one of our favorite places because it was easy to get to and has a great beer list. Alas, its sad how one time can leave such a bad taste in your mouth that you decide to frequent other less convenient places. We went there and ordered a couple of beers and an appetizer. The beer was brought promptly which is always great, but after 20 minutes the appetizer had still not been delivered. The waitress came and told us she just checked with the kitchen and it would be up very soon. 20 more minutes go by and still no appetizer. I am much more easy going about these things than my wife but even I was getting upset. The waitress then came back and said they accidentally delivered the food to the wrong table and they ate it already so she was going to put it in again. 20 more minutes go by (see a pattern?). We finally receive our appetizer which was the spinach and artichoke dip. The chips were stale and the dip was cold (like it had been sitting somewhere for the last hour). So, after over an hour of being there, we have had three beers (I ordered another, my wife refused to) and a cold stale appetizer. I will say that one of the managers came over and apologized and offered to buy us our next round. We were in no mood to stay and drink any more (obviously not in the best mood now). We also were going to get dinner, but during this entire time the waitress never asked us if we would like to order dinner. So after 90 minutes with 3 beers (between us) and a bad appetizer we get up and leave with a serious bad taste in our mouths. This was about a month ago and we have not been back since and do not plan on returning any time soon.
(1)Meredith H.
$2 burgers on tuesdays - good but not great. i'm finding that the beers are really pricey (and yes, i know they are specialties, imports, etc) unless you somehow manage to enjoy whatever the beer of the month is. for some reason, i never do, bah! my west loop love is still with third rail and west end...
(3)Ryan N.
I go here way too often...for the beer. The food is alright, but nothing great. Crossroads has much better food. They do have a lot of food specials which is what I usually get when I go there. Whenever I stray from the special, I am usually disappointed at what I get for my money (4 chicken strips for 7 dollars!?). However, the beer selection is fan-f'ing-tas-f'ing-tic. They rotate what's on tap a lot. They always have solid choices for all sorts of beer lovers, and for that, beer bistro will get my business.
(3)Kristen W.
Fabulous concept, disappointing execution. The beer selection is somewhat interesting but not a huge selection on tap, most are in bottles. The beer on tap is too warm. The service is not so great, and I am really getting sick of crappy service in bars in the West Loop, South Loop area. If my beer is halfway full you should probably start thinking about asking me if I want another one. If my beer has one inch left in the bottom, you should probably hang around by me instead of running off to the back room, never to be seen again. If my beer is empty and you are nowhere to be found? Then I'm leaving. The food is decent here, wings are good. Tater tots are good but how can you screw those up. I don't know, I think i could personally put together a better beer-complimenting menu than Beer Bistro's. I will have to be cajoled to go back.
(3)Elaine C.
Um, on Tuesdays, they have a solid $8 or $9 burger FOR TWO DOLLARS. 50 cents for some cheese. I believe you have to stay in and order a drink with it, but $4.50 for a great big juicy cheese hamburger and a drink (plus tax/tip) is AWESOME.
(4)Martha M.
I wish I could give this place more stars, I really do. They have an awesome selection of beers, the decor is cozy, and I love the West Loop. Beer Bistro is less than a mile from the Metra, and we had no trouble finding street parking. However . . . There are only two bathrooms, both unisex and both only one lou. They were both disgusting. (trust me, I don't use the term lightly. I spent a month in Bolivia, seriously 3rd world, so now I have VERY low standards for bathrooms. usually just plumbing is enough to make me happy.) There was TP all over the floor, pee on the seat and when I sat down . . brace yourself . . .there was water squirting out from the pipe that regardless of how I repositioned my squat, was unavoidable. I seriously threw up in my mouth a little bit. It was also IMPOSSIBLE to get drinks. The bar was packed (it was post Blackhawks game), and there were only 2 bartenders! Both times I went up for drinks I ended up waiting over 10 minutes. Sooo not worth it.
(3)Jeff C.
I've been here a few times for Pub Trivia on Weds. The place is always jumping. It's a great place to go before a Bulls or Blackhawks game, it's right up the street. Good bee selection and plenty of specials. The food is pretty "pub standard".
(3)Raj V.
Great neighborhood spot with great food and beer selection, especially if you like Belgians. I've been coming here for years and it never disappoints.
(5)Jason P.
Next to the Map Room, you won't find a better place to grab a beer. Such an extensive list, you won't know where to start. They also give you a card that has the beers crossed off that you've drank, which is a good reminder that you need to go back. Tons of TV's, sports, and close to the United Center, so this is the perfect place to go before a game or concert.
(4)Ben B.
Saturday brunch was a great deal. The chiliquiles aren't as good as De Cero's, but they are only $8 and that's hard to beat. My wife had the Southwest Burger, which was fantastic. The draft beer selection is good. They had Surly Furious on tap when we were there, which was great but $6 is steep to go with an $8 entree.
(4)Taylor G.
I was very excited to check out Beer Bistro, but after a complete night of food and drinks, all I can say is just, "Oh... K?" My first impression of the place, looking at the extensive beer list online was of anticipation... a generous selection of fine brews from around the world. Upon arriving, I lapped up a delicious Great Lakes Eliot Ness for $4.50. Not a fantastic price, but palatable. Next, being the Tuesday special, I ordered a $2 burger and split a $3 basket of fries with friends. At this price, how can one resist? Let it not go unnoticed that you get what you pay for: the burger was decently good, but looking at its standardized shape and obviously fake "grill marks", it certainly looked like a preformed patty from a generic food distributor. Toppings were a bit sparse for my preference, so I stole extra lettuce from a carnivore friend. The bun was completely forgettable - your standard white bread, not toasted or dressed in any way. It simply soaks up the burger juice and compresses to nothingness. Fortunately, my second beer, a Franziskaner Hefe-Weisse Dunkel was delicious and lifted my mood - once I finally received it. In fact, I had to ask the waitress a second time for my brew because she forgot the first go around. The 25 oz bottle was $6.50, making the price again decent. We finished the evening by sampling the Half Baked cookie (a la mode). This was also decent and huge, a mere $6 split between us. Make no mistake... the cookie is truly half-baked in the center. Some liked it more than others - my preference was definitely for the well done outer edges. The wait staff is eager to answer questions- probably at the hand of management - but they seemed less than astute. Obvious mispronunciations and generic descriptions of the beer seemed to communicate only a textbook knowledge rather than an intimate love of the beer. Maybe the bartenders are different in this regard, but between the two waitresses I had, I left disappointed. Overall, Beer Bistro seems like a decent watering hole if you know your stuff, but don't go in expecting a knowledgeable beer expert.
(3)Patrick W.
So I have a totally new method of going to Bulls and Blackhawks games, and it involves this bar. I figured it all out last night while in the happy haze of being stuffed with $5 pizza and $2 PBR's, their Monday night special.... Get here early enough, and parking on the sidestreets is very do-able. Get here early enough, and there will be a lot of space at which to sit and eat and spread out. (On that, I recommend sitting further from the door on cold nights 'cause *whoosh* it gets cold. And, that door starts opening more and more frequently the closer you get to game time to the point where the place is just simply packed. Ah, and they offer a shuttle to and from the game, which not only avoids having to shell out big bucks for parking, it also avoids the embarassing and awkward situation of being expected to pay a man in the United Center parking lot that just "washed" your windshield with spit. It's packed for good reason. The pizza was good and an amazing deal. Speaking of deals, the $2 PBR's were cheap enough to take all the shame out of ordering PBR at a place with such a fantastic selection of imports and microbrews. The bartender was awesome, offering great service despite how packed the place was. I actually cried a little bit when we found out that the organization we were supposed to be meeting that had our tickets had changed their arrangements without telling anyone and was at another bar across the street.
(4)KM M.
I'm really confused by the negative reviews of this place. I've been here a dozen or so times since moving to the area in March and I've never had a bad experience. Contrary to some reviews, I've found the staff to be extremely helpful and friendly and more than willing to recommend and/or explain the different beers on the menu. Daily specials ($5 martinis and half price apps on Thursdays) are a great way to make sure you try everything on the menu, including $2 can beered on Wednesdays. Their fries are awesome, I love the hummus, baked goat cheese and sliders. They've recently added 2 new sliders to the menu. The pork ones are awesome! The only thing I've tried that I didn't care for was the nachos. I thought they were a bit dry and they were supposed to have beans on them and they didn't. Oh, I can't leave out their awesome music selection. The owner's iPod has the best mix I've ever heard in a bar and makes the drinking/dining experience even more enjoyable. True it's a bit crowded sometimes, and true it's filled with a neighborhood crew most nights, but that's what it is, a perfect neighborhood bar.
(5)Justin B.
I'm not sure if I should be damning Bob or thanking him immensely. I think thanks are in order though. Bob is what all bartenders should be: knowledgeable about his beers, fun, attentive, and willing to have a shot or two with a customer. So, Bob, thank you! This giant stein of Spaten is for you, this shot of Jameson is for you! But next time, let's skip that Red Headed Slut, if you don't mind ...
(5)Kier R.
I love this bar. It has good bar food, awesome selection of beers and plenty of screens for my sports watching gratification. It can get really packed at times but I guess that is just a testament to what a cool place it is. So there.
(5)Guilherme B.
Beer selection--superb, sliders--outstanding... The bartenders and waitresses tend to know a great deal about the beers and know how to pair them. It's also a great place to go if you're in the area for a Hawks or Bulls game
(5)Jacquelyn C.
This place has an extensive list of unique brews, which is pretty awesome. They also have great food (aside from the nachos). I don't know how one could screw that up, but they were not all that I had hoped for. My Server was really nice and knew a great deal about the drink & food menu. I am so glad she brought the giant cookie with ice cream into my life. It was moist, decadent and picked up the slack from our nachos. I definitely have the intentions of going back! Bravo Beer Bistro, Bravo!
(4)Melissa S.
As a bar this place is decent. Clean, neat, newer and all that. Kinda yuppified sportsy bar, but that goes with the 'hood. Food, however, is just average. I had a grilled cheese panini and fries and my roomie had some sort of chicken sandwich with the chips. Shoulda gotten the sea salt covered chips with my sandwich because the fries were very blah. Also...service leaves MUCH to be desired. In summation~ Beer selection = pretty gosh darn good. Food and crowd and ambience and service = pretty darn blah. (except for the fresh herb goat cheese pizza, which merits an additional half star - it is yummy!)
(2)Vicky C.
Do NOT go to this place. The food was mediocre at best and apparently their credit card machine automatically puts a hold of 20% on top of your bill on your credit card. It held on to that amount 4 days. I went on a Thursday night and had the worst experience and service. It took our waitress at least 15-20 minutes to get our drinks after walking past our table at least 10 times. The wings were just OK, didnt include ranch or celery sticks. I had the fish tacos which were tasteless. I could have made better fish tacos at home (and I have). Again, the waitress walked past our table for at least 30 minutes without stopping or asking if we wanted the bill. Terrible service. The place wasn't even busy so it was hard to understand why the service was so bad. I almost never NOT TIP and to show how bad the service was, neither my friend or I left a tip. We put a line in the tip on the receipt. To my surprise the next day, it showed a full amount of the bill plus 20% on top of it. Of course, it looked like the waitress wrote in her own tip which was ludicrous. I called the bar and spoke to the manager. He told me of the new credit card transaction machine was automatically holding onto 20% on top of the bill and mentioned that other customers were calling about the same issue. Aside from credit card machines that shouldn't be allowed to do this, the owner of the bar should not be using such a machine in his restaurant. I will never go back to this place.
(1)Danny S.
A great place to get a drink in the West Loop. I've met a former co worker here on several occasions and have loved the service and beer selection. They lose a star for the food. It's passable and uninspired to say the least.
(4)Katelyn G.
I like a place with a vast menu and one that puts the right kind of beer in the right kind of glass. I wouldn't consider this bar a bistro by any means though they have a cozy atmosphere and it is a nicer bar, but, not a bistro.
(3)Michael L.
Free mayonnaise! Eat your heart out, Vanessa...
(4)Rahul G.
Very relaxed environment. Wide variety of beer. Food was solid. Enough televisions to see a game from any angle but not overwhelming to the point that you can't just talk to your company. Seems to have very attractive specials so I am sure I will be back there again soon.
(4)Frankie J.
Heeeeey!!! How's it goin'!!! I haven't seen you since...wow, check her out... We just havd a few friends come wiff to here... Beer? Yeah, I'll have one. Oh, wait...I gotta finish this... What's on special? Yeah, it's more hoppy and more wheaty, but does it have alcohol? Den bring it. $3.50 something different? Nice! Oh, i have my Beer card and I need to fill it. Food? Yeah, I'm STARFVING. Special? $2 Burgers? 1/2 price appetiters? $5 pizza? Yeah, when? Oh, different daze... Don't you have those little mini-burgers? Wings? Chicken nachoes? Nachooooooo!! That movie was so FUNNY. Nachooooooo!! Hows the pizza? It's okay... Man, there's, like no place to sit! So, i have lean up against this table... sorry, I didn't see you sitting there. Hey, don't you have a back room? Yeah, i went to a party there once. I LOVE THIS PLACE TOO...Nachooooooo!!
(3)Erin C.
Hmmmmm. I wasn't really impressed with this place at all. It's in a nice spot in the west loop, but both the food and drinks were lacking here. Which is kind of the point of a bar/restaurant. I went on a Thursday for half-priced appetizers and $5 martinis. I assure you I didn't order a virgin martini, but that's about what it tasted like. Even if a drink is on special, you still have to put alcohol in it. That's really the point of a drink, right? For dinner, I had a burger ordered done medium. It was overcooked, chewy, and flavorless. The parmesan chips served on the side were pretty nice, however. My friend paid extra for the fries, but they were pretty ordinary, so i'd stick with the chips if i were you. That's about all I have to say about that. Positive: lots of cute boys there. I'm off the market so wasn't pursuing, but boy if i was, there was a virtual smorgasboard to choose from! Nice!
(2)Rachael J.
This place is alright. The beer selection is good. The food is okay: Standard pub flare, with generous portions and not much flare. A convenient place for dinner after attending an event the UIC Pavilion. Staff has always been polite.
(3)Joey B.
Passed this bar on multiple occasions, stopped in for a few drinks recently. Menu looks great, heard wonderful things as well. Service was awesome as well. Looking forward to going back.
(4)Janet T.
I love this place! It's the local pub with the cool bartenders with awesome playlists on their ipods--seriously the music is usually great. You can get quarter wings on Sunday while watching the game and $2 burgers on Tuesdays--and really good burgers. Did I mention all the different types of beer and that they have tater tots? Outdoor seating too! I heart you Beer bistro.
(5)betsy b.
Now that the bathroom is redone and I'm not afraid of it I added another star. The place has consistently great food and friendly service. The staff is very knowledgeable and great at suggesting new beers to try. The owner, Bob, is super friendly and always walking around chatting with patrons. I can't think of a better place to be down the street!! Love their tots and surprisingly they have great fish tacos.
(5)Cassie K.
This is the go-to bar and restaurant for when we aren't feeling adventurous enough to try something new. The pepperoni and goat cheese pizza is to die for. I started writing about the buffalo calamari and my mouth started watering. The BLT was okay and the steak sandwich was alright. Their chips are delicious. I highly recommend any of their pizzas- and of course the beer selection blows my Coors-Light-addled mind. I can't wait for summer when the front windows are all the way open! OH and the one time I tried to use the bathroom some old drunk guy had left the door open and was taking a wiz. Beware.
(5)marty p.
great neighborhood bar. The beer selection is unbelievable, and if your stomach is growling - the food is good too (just awesome hot wings). The wait staff is great, they will do jeager-bombs with you all nite long. And one of the best selling points for me is its a 2 block walk from my loft. Check it out - great place
(4)Chris K.
A group of 7 of us went here before a Blackhawks game in the late afternoon on a Saturday. While the huge menu of beers is a great idea, I am not sure it means that much when they are "out" of over half of the beers. Everything worth ordering on the draft beer list they were "out" of. After continually being told "we are out of that", we moved onto ordering food. Like the beers, the "we are out of that" statement came up at least 4 or 5 times when 7 of us tried to order food. A few people ordered sliders, and instead of bringing them out on plates with the order for each person, they mixed them all up and brought them out on a big plate. We did not come here for a buffet style experience, so figure out how to put the food people ordered on a plate and put it in front of them. If you cannot do that, don't bother working as a server or trying to run a place that serves food. Service was also terrible. No one should have to wait over 15 minutes for a server to bring you a beer when all they have on their plate is 3 tables. This place used to be great, but in the past year or so it has fallen sharply downhill. Whoever manages this place needs to do a much better job of getting the staff in order. Do yourself a favor and go to West End before any events at the United Center. I will not be going back to this place for a long time.
(1)Billy D.
Great beer menu from exotic IPA's to local favorites to cheap canned beer's like Schlitz and Hamms. Me and my work buddies will go grab a $2.00 burger and have a beer and some laughs usually on Tuesdays. I like the spot but I can see it getting pricey if you aren't going for the specials. As far as the $2.00 cheeseburger goes it can't be beat for the price but once you tack on fries, a beer, and a tip you won't leave without spending at least 10-12 bucks. Still a good spot to watch a game on a nice day because they have outdoor seating in the summer and the front windows come off and create a nice breeze through the place. So if you are a beer connoisseur or just prefer a PBR give the Beer Bistro a shot I don't think you will be disappointed.
(4)Lakshmi R.
Their selection of beer is jus phenomenal - they have a few chocolately beers, fruity ones and one even tastes like Banana Bread ( i personally would not recommend that one) I work a mile away from Beer Bistro and try to get out here @least once a month for some really good beer selection and pretty good burgers. Last I time i went, I tried some new beers. Goose Island Bourbon County Stout is jus AMAZING. As a rule, I go for the lighter beers but this one was jus blew me away. Good location, nice atmosphere and a huge variety of brews you won't find everywhere.
(5)Krys J.
Their vast beer selection earns this place 2 stars, otherwise this place was a nightmare. First, someone who works in this place needs to realize that heat should be adjusted depending on the temp. outside. If it is 1 degree outside it would be a good idea to move the thermostat a bit to the right. As a result, we ended up moving tables 3 times, all the while maintaining layers. Second, the food was mediocre at best, even for regular bar fare. Third, the staff could be a bit more attentive to how much they have already overserved their customers. My friend and I were so harassed by a group of fiercely drunk men that we had to flag down a waitress and ask her to get the bouncer once they had thrown the glass ashtray on the floor and knocked over our drinks. Again...nightmare.
(2)J A.
Overall, Beer Bistro is a decent pub. The service is friendly and a little spotty, but you go there for the beer selection, right? The owner is extremely knowledgeable about the beer, which you'd expect. The bartenders are getting there. (the servers? not so much) And what an amazing beer selection they have. Yes, prices are a little high compared to Map Room but the rent is much higher downtown so I guess it makes sense. I like that the menu items have accompanying beer selections so that you get the most from your experience. The food is decent pub food. The selection will appease burger people and salad people alike. And any place that serves tater tots with a sandwich is fine in my book. They have pretty good specials, too. 25 cent wings and $5 cheese pizza (BBQ Chix Pizza is awesome). Enough TVs for sports watching but not a sports bar. The outdoor patio is nice. The air conditioning is never cold enough (you can live with it) and the unisex bathrooms can use way more service.(total bummer) Thank goodness this place replaced the drug infested clubby Blyss. It brings a lot of nicer people to the neighborhood. Thanks for moving to the west loop.
(3)Jean C.
We came here Friday night to watch some NCAA and the staff was happy to turn on the game we wanted. Service was great and the beer selection was nice. The food was good but I have had better. The place was pretty open when we arrived around 8pm but packed when we left at 10pm. Great place to meet up with friends for a few cocktails. I am looking forward to coming here on Tuesdays for their $2 burgers and Thursdays for their half priced appetizers!
(4)ER S.
This place was not bad at all. When we couldn't get into Jerry's (they close at 6:30???) we wandered down the street and into this place. 6:30 pm is absolutely the peak time at this place, but they found a table for my husband and me and our 4 year old daughter. She ate all her mac & cheese and most of his tater tots. My pizza was good and it all came pretty quickly. It's mostly bar food, but it's pretty good bar food, and they were very nice. I would definitely go back if I were in the neighborhood.
(4)Melissa B.
I am biased as i live a few blocks away...but feel lucky that it is one of my neighborhood spots. I highly suggest it as a place to stop before anything at the united center. It isn't the cheapest place so i recommend taking advantage of whatever the special is for the day-Thursday's are half price apps and $5 martinis! The service is almost always good with a really friendly wait staff.
(4)Sarah F.
I really liked this place. I can't decide whether or not the name Beer Bistro is lame or I like it - but all the same, it's a fun place in the West Loop. The menu is huge (both food & beer - and cocktails actually), and the food is really great! Great app list and really nice, big salads! I'm not a huge beer-drinker, but know enough. I found our server to be wonderful at picking different beers out for my dining companion and I to try. She was pretty dead on with everything she picked for us! Overall, I really liked the interior vibe of this place too, and a pretty decent after-work crowd. Love the neighborhood after-work crowd of the West Loop - sooo much better than Wrigleyville, etc. I've gotta go back for that 'Beer Float' dessert.
(4)Scott M.
**UPDATE** They have daily specials that are good deals, but they do not tell you that Thursday's special isnt until after 5 pm...so the half price app's are not all day like every other special they offer. It really sucks that they dont have any signs or notes on the menu to let you know. I go there often and the specials are all day everyday, so it was a shock to get the bill today and have it all be full price. its a bummer, such a good place...but yet...not really clear on thier Thursday specials. :( Great burgers, great home made circle cut fries, THE BEST bbq chicken salad, great atmosphere. MON: $5 Pizza's, TUES: $2 Burgers, SUN: .25 Cent wings! Sometimes the staff isn't the nicest...but maybe they just had a bad day. I haven't had a Jim Beam there yet.
(2)Jennifer B.
Relaxed atmosphere, great specials, friendly staff, extensive beer selection. The food is uncomplicated. Outdoor seating area is definitely a plus.
(4)Dave C.
despite the fact that this joint is frequented by people i wouldn't typically drink around, i had a blast! our large group had a back area reserved so we crammed in and got our drink and food on. if i recall correctly, i was enjoying whiskey and cokes for $5 a glass. our waiter lady made sure to take care of us even though we were a sizable group and eventually, the evening devolved into me using the gigantic display bottles of vodka for provocative and inappropriate photos. Jerry's Sandwiches is right down the street so what you can do is load up on yummy sandwiches and then get trashed! a hot date, indeed. spring break!
(4)Skazoo M.
I was there twice on a Friday night in January 2007 before & after a (lousy) show at the UIC Pavillion. Once around happy hour (4 - 6 pm) and then I went back from around 10 pm - 1 am. I'll talk first about the beer, then the peripherals. Beer: Outstanding selection (!) listed on menus, but the menu doesn't list specials, indicate tap/bottle or tell you the PRICE! When your beer can range from $5 to $10, it would be good to know that ahead of time. My favorite of the evening: Corsendonk Abbey Brown... smooth and delicious and cost $8. Happy Hour: Sat in the non-smoking section in back, but smoke still evident from the front. Plenty of seats at 4, but they were all gone shortly after 5. Not very loud so it was easy to have a conversation. We ordered a hummus plate appetizer (~$6) and the goat cheese & pepperoni pizza (~$12). The hummus was average, but the pitas were served warm, which I like. The pizza had a thin crust and was quite good - lots of cheese, not too greasy. Our waitress seemed a bit overwhelmed (perhaps they were understaffed?) but did a good job. Evening: It was very full at 10 pm and we were lucky to find a small table up against the front window. It was freezing cold and kind of smokey. Much louder, but could still hold a conversation. Got a basket of some kind of deep fried potato chip this time... mmmmm, greasy goodness with coarse salt. Our waitress did a fabulous job given the crowd and table bussers were hypervigilant, almost intrusive. Bathrooms: 1 upstairs (in the very back) and 2 downstairs. All were reasonably clean and well-maintained.
(4)Mike L.
It's less than a mile from the United Center. The upstairs is cramped and did not visit the downstairs. Lots of old B & W pictures on the walls to make it seem older than it is, the bar is nice. Did not sample the food but it seemed typical pub fare. PBR as the lone macro the rest were micros and some Germans ( Spaten Optimator) among the 12 taps. Good selection of bottles, varied. Not a bad place to stop before going to a game.
(3)David B.
I came here with a friend before a Bulls game and the place was packed. We lucked out because two guys stood up right as we entered and we grabbed their table. Classy-looking place with a lot of beer signs on the walls, a nice long bar, and tap handles that you can see from across the room. The waitress took a while to come by, but was fast once we got her attention. Looking at the giant pink elephant tap handle, we ordered two Delirium Tremens. The waitress brought our beers out... in bottles. Now, maybe they didn't have Delirium Tremens on tap (maybe the Noel was on tap?), and maybe we should have clarified that we wanted beers off the tap. But still, something to keep in mind for the next time I go. It was a Tuesday and they had a $2 burger special. I asked the waitress if it was a normal-sized burger. She replied unenthusiastically, "Yeah but it's just like a plain burger." A plain burger? Conflicted, I ordered the fish and chips. My friend ordered the burger, "but could I get tomato, cheese, etc, etc on that?" The waitress said no problem and walked away. So next time, I will try the burger for $2. My friend said it was good. The fish and chips were also good... but not $2. Oh, and parking will be slightly tough before a Bulls game if you didn't know already.
(4)Anik S.
Beer Bistro - I salute you. An unpretentious watering hole with a wide array of brews and a $4 monthly special. Large and inviting space + a huge glass boot to drink beer out of, whaaaa!?
(3)Jim M.
The weekday specials are nice and the beer selection pretty good. I recommended this place for micro-brews and above average pub grub.
(3)Esme W.
I felt like I was right back in Seattle when I visited the Beer Bistro. It was dark and warm, and, with beer being the main course, I couldn't have been happier. All it needed was a downpour and it would've been the epitome of "Seattle pub". They have about 75 bottled beers and a great assortment of beers on tap. Not to mention a monthly ale special and great food. I recommend the spinach and artichoke dip...you have to work hard to screw something like this up, but theirs was the best I've had. The space is long and narrow, so large groups have to wait a bit for a table together. But it's a great spot if you're with one or two others. I really enjoyed myself here and would definitely go back!
(5)Ashish G.
Beer Bistro was one of my favorite spots on Madison Ave when I lived down the street. I frequently visited the establishment on Thursdays for their 1/2 price appetizer special. They also offer martinis for $5 on Thursday. Great beer selection and definitely way better bar food than the average place. The 5-cheese mac n cheese is delicious. The fish tacos are also one of my favorites.
(4)Donato C.
As far as neighborhood pubs go, you couldn't ask for a better one! There's a real sense of communtity as soon as you walk in the door! The food is tasty and there are daily specials which are really very affordable. The beer list is formidable and the bartenders know their beer. It's also a great place to watch a game, or two!
(4)Steve M.
Well...finally, a cool bar in the westloop. Sure, it's a little bit lincoln park, but the neighborhood is changing rapidly, and I welcome the change. The beer selection is amazing....very clean environment. Waitstaff are good...lets face it, it's a bar, not The Capital Grille. Burger deal on tuesday is fantastic. Bloody bar is terrific too.
(4)Bry H.
This place has the potential to be massively disastrous, because it is so close to my gym. I went there this past weekend, because I wanted a beer- not a lite, but an actual BEER. Boy did they have a pretty good selection. They have a good selection of beer on tap, which made it nice to sample- the bartenders were nice and informed about the new brews on tap. They have two or three Goose Island beers on tap, but I have a hard time drinking them now that Budweiser bought them out. :( Overall, good place to chill and have a real beer. I'll be back.
(4)Dana H.
I agree with the other reviewers, this is a clean and cozy spot. It is a great neighborhood bar/restaurant with some personality. Love the exposed brick and the drapey velvet thing...it kicks the mood up a notch. My first visit was on a Wednesday night w/a girlfriend in this horrific below zero weather...we were looking for comfort food and a place where we could hear each other talk. We definitely found that atmosphere at Beer Bistro. We enjoyed the food and while we drank wine instead of beer, their list of beer offerings is quite impressive. I can't wait to tell my West Loop friends what I found in their 'hood!
(3)Denton J.
I went to a game at the United Center last night and I had to get some dinner first. I had considered Subway until I remembered this spot. And since I'm always looking for a new place to try some good beer, I decided to try it out. It's a long, dark bar in the traditional Chicago style. Fairly well appointed, all things considered. There is a lower-level, in the basement, but I never made it down. The beer selection is pretty good. The list is not the kind of things dreams are made of, but the options are all solid and robust enough that it should keep anyone happy. To me, the best option has got to be the Goose Island Reserve series, with one on tap and several others in the bottle. I had some nice GI Imperial IPA and was a happy camper. My food, however, was only lackluster especially considering the price. I ordered the Blackened Chicken Breast and steamed broccoli. The chicken breast was about the size of a cell phone. The flavor was good and the broccoli was solid, but at $11 I felt a little ripped off. It wasn't too crowded, by any means, but it was a rainy Monday night, so I'm not at all surprised. I don't make it out that way all too often and I don't see this place changing that. However, if I am out that way, I'd be happy to stop by and get some good beer. Hopefully, I'll be smart enough to order a $8 burger and be content with that.
(3)Alice T.
The bar/restaurant is pretty casual compared to other places in the west loop. However, it has a pretty substantial beer selection. The manager was also ultra-nice and let me try 5 different beers before I decided which one I liked. He even opened a bottle to see if I would like it. When I didn't, he didn't make me feel bad about it (or pressured), he simply joked, "I was hoping you wouldn't like it anyways... " and walked away drinking it. It's a pretty chill environment and the service was pretty good. Overall, a good experience.
(4)Carrie F.
I really dig this place. The beer selection is great, and bartender are very attentive and fun. They also have Beer School on the occasional Wednesday night! Clearly, this is where I should have gone for my master's. Damnit. Parking is good on Aberdeen (just west of the Bistro). Warning-Be prepared to drop a few coins...
(4)Clay J.
I love the Beer Bistro. Just so y'all know, my friends and I are re-doing their website. But I would go there several nights a week no matter my connection with the place. Bob is great. So is the wait-staff. The specials are awesome and the place hits the neighborhood feel spot-on. Grab the beer checkoff card and get yourself a "free" case of beer when you finish. I've been to the Map Room and love its selection. But I prefer the Bistro. It's close, it's super friendly and just a good time. It doesn't try to be something it's not. And especially important to me, it's not packed with people that now have a place to go down the street. As a note: it is frowned-upon to take a little nap in the downstairs area.
(5)Richard S.
GREAT beer list, both draft and bottle. Burgers are OK, but other food just isn't that good, especially with other options very nearby. **UPDATE** Restrooms have been redone and are no longer on par with those of Wrigleyville bars after a home win! This is a great improvement. Forget this place before any major United Center event. Other than that, it's still one of my favorite places as a local.
(4)Jenny N.
Went here for the first time last night and was pleasantly surprised. The western BBQ pizza was delicious and the staff was very friendly. Love the extensive beer selection and the great array of draft beers... won't see bud light on draft here! Our waitress could have been a little more knowledgeable about the beers, but maybe I'm being a little too hard on her. Would definitely come back. Cute atmosphere!
(4)Barrett S.
Just stumbled upon this little hot spot for the first time. I was greeted with a smile, served my vodka/grapefruit in a timely matter and then I just couldn't resist the menu of beer. I ended up with Fullers from London, damn good beer!! I can't wait to dive into their daily specials like $.25 wings on Sundays, or $2 on Tuesdays (too bad I travel during the week)
(4)lana v.
This bar is close to my house and I have been here many times. The food is not bad, and the beer selection is great however the wait staff is horrible. Every time I go the waitress is rude for no reason. They never come back to refill our drinks, and are nowhere to be found. I think there are much better places to go with much better customer service.
(2)Kevin C.
Just a great place with an awesome staff. The food is good & can be matched easily with a wide choice of styled beers or other hop flavored libations that complement the whole meal. Not too bad for a friendly neighborhood pub. Going to a Hawks game or Bulls game? Free shuttle service to the UC. How sweet is that? But what makes this place is that the staff is honest and will take care of you. The first time I went here I lost my wallet outside getting into a cab. I knew I had it when I left the bar but had no idea what happened to it after I got in my cab with friends. I called the cab company and every place I went to that night and no one had good news for me. But the manager from the Bistro went outside after my call and found it in a snow drift. The next day hoping for better luck I started making my calls again. The good news came from the staff at the Bistro who reunited me with my wallet WITH THE CASH STILL IN IT! They know beer and they know how to take care of the customer.
(5)Orlean M.
Was very disappointed with the service. My friend and I arrived for late lunch and they were obviously in the middle of a shift change and we were the only ones at the bar. I've worked in the industry before so I understand.... We got our first drink and were never addressed again. We had to call them over to place the order, to get silverware after the food arrived and to get the check. We dealt with 4 different bartenders...each one more rude than the last. While we were waiting for our food the manager brought up a catering order that was made on the wrong day and all of the employees stood at the end of the bar eating mini burgers and talking about . I found that to be very unprofessional and frustrating since we were being so blatantly ignored. With a drinks and food our bill still came to over $60. I still left my standard 20% gratuity even though I didn't know who it was going to and was not even thanked on the way out. As a service provider it is very frustrating to spend my days catering to people and then to be treated so terribly when i finally get to go out. We will not go back since they obviously don't care to have us there.
(1)Leigh R.
We LOVE the beer bistro for so many reasons. The food is awesome (for bar food) the beer selection is to die for and the crowd is always friendly. The Beer Bistro staff is always accommodating and a delight. You never wait for a beer or your food. The place is on the smaller side though so plan ahead and get there early for a sporting event if that's what your hoping to enjoy while at the bistro. They used to have an outdoor area but I'm not sure what happened to it.
(5)Dennis W.
This is my favorite bar to hangout at..I have been coming here for the past 5 years since I discovered this gem and its been like home ever since. The beer selection is amazing and continues to get better each time they change their taps. 127+ beers is pretty sweet if you ask me. I love coming on Thursdays for 1/2 off apps. The chicken tenders and buffalo calamari are so good. Definitely check it out if you are in the neighborhood..its a cool place to watch a game or bring a date.
(5)Benjamin R.
This is kind of a temporary review, we haven't tried that much. They have a really extensive beer list, which is definitely worth coming for if that's all you want. Food-wise, we've had mixed experience. We got a pretzel that was just the worst. It tasted like it was literally made of sawdust, very weird. Also got hummus with veggies. The hummus was fine, but the vegetables looked about 5 days too old. On another trip though we got their chocolate chip skillet cookie, which I thought was one of the better I've had. So who knows, it's a beer place and they have a lot of beers. Go for it. Though it is definitely a "bar" not a beer snob place. When we sat inside at night it was really really loud, and there will be the requisite number of dudes in sleeveless shirts staggering around and yelling at each other. It was much nicer sitting out on the patio the second time.
(3)Jonathan J.
Selection of beers is great, cocktails are nice as well. Service and food were pretty rough, though. We almost walked out when the guy checking IDs told us we couldn't sit outside at 5:30pm on Friday night. Some waitress told us as we were walking it out that it was okay to go out there so we did. We got out first drink and then a friend joined us just after our drink arrived. No one came to take their order for 15 minutes. The waitress just acted like we were a nuisance to her so we ended up going down the street to a whiskey bar. We did order the steak nachos and they were equal to the service. 20 chips covered in shredded cheese, some chopped tomato, sour cream, and a few chunks of steak. Definitely not worth their price and the chips were boiled too long, burning any exposed chip that wasn't covered by cheese (which was a lot).
(2)C. K.
Beer selection: 4 stars. Would be 5 stars but they always seem to be out of at least a few. Food: 1.5 stars. Bland and mediocre. My friend ordered a burger medium rare & got medium well. Nachos were so bland they almost felt like a parody. Veggie burger had a super bland patty & attempted to over compensate for that with a bunch of toppings that don't really go together. Another friend really enjoyed the sliders, so there's that I guess. Service/Ambiance/Prices: 4 stars. It wasn't too crowded on a pretty big game night & the waitress was perfectly fine. All the prices as very reasonable for the neighbourhood. Overall: 2.5 stars. I'd go again just to drink & watch a game, but not order food.
(2)Zac W.
This is a nice neighbourhood bar with friendly bartenders. Food is bar food, simple as that. Good beer selection. Nice atmosphere.
(5)Sonia B.
Beer Bistro gets two stars for good beer selection and good food. They have an overwhelming amount of beers available which is awesome for beer lovers! I tried a variety of sliders (pulled pork, chicken parm, fish, and meatball) and all were very good. They are decent priced as well. I was there for a birthday party on a Saturday night and our server was not happy to be there. A friend of mine waited over 20 minutes for a beer he ordered while the rest of us got our drinks significantly earlier. I also felt like a child who got yelled at because I asked to try a beer that I didn't realize was bottle only. She could've been a little nicer about it instead of yelling out an "absolutely NOT!". I ordered a raspberry beer that cost about $10 for a bottle and I left the bottle on the table w/ my husband while I walked to say hi to a friend, mind you...the bottle was 1/2 full. I came back and the bottle was gone. My husband tried to tell the bar back or whoever that we weren't done with it, but the person wasn't interested. I explained to the server 1/2 of my $10 beer was gone and she offered nothing in return except I'm sorry. Things like that irk me. I liked the place enough to go back, but service is so huge. If you are in the service industry and can't be nice (to someone who wasn't rude) there's a problem. Worth checking out, but I hope you have a better service experience than I did.
(2)Rob T.
Get ready to get blown away! Whether it's Brunch, lunch, dinner the food is always on point! The specials are unbelievable and the staff is always cheerful.... Make sure to stop in, great stop prior a game or concert at United Center - Beer Selection is OutstandingBeer Bistro Rocks!
(5)Jill D.
Great #westloop neighborhood bar. Big menu, good food, lots of TVs, games always on, and staff is cool.
(4)Chirag P.
Another spot I hit up during a beer crawl on St. Pat's day. I guess one of these days I learn to eat during St. Pats. But it was fun, great music and cold beer. I can see that this would be a great place to watch a Hawks/Bulls game.
(4)Thomas K.
Sadly, I must give this place a 2 star. While I love this place, when it came to a key moment in a friends life of a going away party they decided to not reserve a space for my friend and ignore my emails asking for a reservation. I was willing to pay for whatever reservation and I was reserving months in advance, however I was completely ignored by both phone and email on their website. As long as you wander into the bar on a good night, you should have a good time. However, their reservations are complete BS. UPDATE: 2 years later and they *still* do not answer emails. I asked in person how to reserve parties but they insist to go online at their website - thebeerbistro.com . They made no effort to plan my party of events despite being two. whole. months. in advance. And we were a small party of 15 through the night. You can feel free walking through here without reservations, however do not plan any event here. They do not care about small parties.
(2)Megan D.
Great staff. Great Food. Amazing beer selection. Oh and they have Malort...you've been warned.
(5)Tracey G.
What can I say. . . I love this place for about 98 out of a hundred reasons. . .the food is always good and obviously the drink selection is awesome. I love the craft beer places that pair up what you should drink on the menu with each food item. My favorites are the buffalo calamari and the great little mix and match slider option. . .pizza is good too. The only thing I have ever had at BB that I didnt LOVE was plain grilled chicken strips, but everything else is awesome. Even my mom likes to come here with me to grab drinks ad dinner and watch hockey! Its a great neighborhood place for sure. . .love the outdoor patio and the fact that I can bring my dog on a nice day and sit outside, also there are loads of tvs inside to watch games. Only downside is that the place is so good, sometimes its so crowded you can't even get in the door. . .but when its not, its probably my favorite West Loop bar.
(4)Matthew S.
One of the best bars on service and beer knowledge while not being a massive, suffocating place. Like beer? Just go. The food is actually a step or two above the traditional bar menu...and they have this monster cookie buried in the menu that has made the day of many a friend. Throw in the daily specials and this place wins. If it wasn't for Kroll's being closer to me as my lazy neighborhood beer-bar, I'd be here too often.
(4)Jason F.
This place rocks for having the widest selection of beers I have found in Chicago. Next to small bar on division st. in wicker park.
(5)Anne R.
What a great bar! My boyfriend and I went there on our visit to Chicago because a close friend had recommended it. There was a great beer selection and the staff was extremely friendly and accommodating. I recommend this place to any one visiting the area and I am sure that the locals already know about it. Great prices, fun atmosphere, great staff - not sure what else you'd be looking for :-)
(5)Liz C.
Pretty laid back atmosphere. Mediocre bar food. But I am obsessed with their cookie skillet dessert. I love love love their extensive beer selection. It is a good place for a post-work happy hour. Lots of interesting beer and food pairings that I have yet to try.
(3)rob g.
their awesome beer selection is one of the reasons i moved to the area. The food leaves quite a bit to be desired, with the exception of the mac and cheese and the potato chips (i have tried most of the menu). If you want great bar food, there are other places within 4 blocks that have far superior food (Jak's, West End).
(3)Rachel H.
My companion and I stopped in after a hockey game to get some food that doesn't cost a million dollars and come in a cardboard box. Shocking, I know. They have an insane selection of beers including Goose Island Bourbon County Stout which I love, despite its hefty pricetag (my one stout cost more than my dinner alone and my companion's dinner and beer combined, apparently I am not a cheap date). I got a chopped salad which was full of a wide variety of fresh greens including one of my favorites, frisee and the waitress had no problem substituting a different cheese. I like to be difficult, I know. My companion enjoyed the 25cent wings and we enjoyed being able to just hang out a little bit longer without breaking the bank. We absolutely spent more on snacks at the game than we did here. They also have quite a few tv's if you want to catch a game. Thanks to that, I got to spend another Sunday looking into the pretty boy face of my dad's secret gay boyfriend (he wishes), Payton Manning. Great. I'll definitely be back, Payton Manning or not. Or should I say, my new step-dad (again, my dad wishes)
(4)Justin M.
This is a nice bar with a great West Loop location. Minutes from the United Center, you can find many good beers on tap at this establishment. I went here recently with my gf for a little pre -Bulls action, and the place was fairly dead. I've been here before when the crowd was pouring out of the front door, and the service is fairly good considering how small the upstairs room is. They had a nice Belgium beer on tap that I ordered. Our bartender seemed new to the place, as he had difficulties pouring my second round of choice, a weiss beer. Not sure what the problem was, but he couldn't seem to keep the beer in the glass. Oh well, it was still tasty...and I would definitely come back here if I was in the area.
(3)Nicole S.
Came here after a Hawks game on a Wednesday night. It was pretty busy but not absolutely packed. We ended up closing down the place. The bartender was nice and attentive. I had wine but they had a huge selection of beer (like 100 choices?) MUST TRY THE MAC N CHEESE!!! They make it with like 4 different cheeses. Its amazing. Screw your diet and try some!
(4)Hector C.
Stopped in at Bristros before a Bulls game to have a bite to eat. It was a Tuesday night around rush hour. The parking was not too fun, since it was only street parking. However, that is expected in West Town. (free parking 1 block south on Monroe) Its open seating so timing is everything when it comes to finding a table. If you have a group of four or more expect to wait or squeeze together. The waiting service was timely and helpful with picking a beer. (The beer list is crazy long) Come knowing what type of beer you like or you might get stuck trying something you do not like. Tuesday night is $2 burgers. Medium- Medium well is the way to go if you do not want a charcoal burger. The burger was tasty and moist. The fries were a bit too fried, but tasty. I had a Daisy Cutter beer, or something like that, which was not too good. Next time Ill go with more of a Lager beer. Overall the experience was good. This is a good place to meet up with friends before going out for the night.
(4)Kate S.
I have no beef with this place (and, I tend to stay away from beef generally, but I digress). There's a pretty big beer list, yes, but this place is NO Map Room. It's more like a pub/sporty bar, with a neighborhoody crowd. So yes, totally fine if you're rating it on just being a bar, but as for a "beer bistro," I'm slighly puzzled. I wasn't blown away by anything on tap, and unlike the Map Room or Hopleaf which have large selections of draft beer, Beer Bistro had maybe 10 or so. Again, I have no problem with this place--friendly and fast server, fine crowd--but I feel like it's not a thrilling addition to Chicago's beer bar "scene" (by scene, I mean, um, two or so bars? probably a few more).
(3)marisa s.
3 stars for the MASSIVE beer list (but of course, that's what i expect from the name). and -2 stars because the food was sub par. we dropped in on quiet madison after a bulls game on a sunday...and since most things were closed we settled on beer bistro. the sign in the window said 25 cent wings - my boyf was sold on that! my girlfriend and i saw that they had salads, since we were trying to eat healthy...but i never ended up ordering one anyways, ha! my boyf & i ordered: - buffalo wings (ok, not too saucy which i like - but boyf gave them an OK rating) - basil and goat cheese pizza (floppy floppy floppy thin crust - if i waited until it got cold, it would have been easier to eat. the taste was really non-existent, they could have really put more goat cheese on, it was bogged down with more mozz than anything else and the crust was doughy as hell!) my friend and her boyf got: - mac 'n cheese (runny and flavorless) - goat cheese & pep pizza (we've already been through this...flop city) - chopped salad (the ingredients were chopped, but the lettuce wasn't...what? i'm confused!!) we ordered delirium, which i love and love that they had that on tap...and they give you the beer brand's glass, so that's always exciting (small pleasures, people!). service was fine, she did a run down of the beers - but did not explain which each one was like (call me crazy, but the name doesn't help in my ordering...i like to know what it's suppose to taste like. i know that's not her job unless i ask her to explain them, but that would take forever and would be rude to do! but maybe the menu's job? would have been cool to have the descriptions of the many beers.) the food was just OK bar food...if you want to try their beers, go in on a sunday and get the wings for cheap...or just go in for the beer selection any day.
(3)Michael H.
Went there on a Friday night and sat in the downstairs area. Flatscreen tvs all around were good for viewing the basketball game on. The Beer Menu leaves a little something to be desired (at least on tap). Service was good, but the food was average at best. We started with the nachos and the spinach artichoke dip. They were both pretty bland and unremarkable. Moved on to the fish and chips. The fish was overly greasy and there was more batter than actual fish. Overall, the food wasn't terrible. But the prices are not cheap, and not worth it. Besides that, the clientele is every salesmen/saleswomen tool in the West Loop.
(2)T M.
First time at Beer Bistro and tried their $2 burgers and got totally sick. I'll never come back to this place. I called to inform the manager and he said it's fresh angus - I doubt it'd be $2 if it truly were. He was nice and apologized but I'll never be back to get sick.
(1)Mark C.
This is such a great place. I met the owner, Bob- real nice guy- interested in his clientele. The night I arrived they had the US first only release of a new beer called Maredsous- a Belgium, lighter ale. Good, not great. I also tried the Grimbergen, another Belgium brew. A tad darker then the previous. I was there on a Friday night, and had a nice sized BBQ pullled pork sandwich- the cole slaw on the bottom of this 'wich made this the 'mac-daddy'. Man, is this good. They've got tons 'o beers, free shuttle to the United Center and you have you go meet Brook, the bartender. Lots of good people and great tunes.
(4)Yuly M.
Yay finally stopped in this place after reading reviews on it here on yelp. Wow they had a pretty large list of beers which is a plus for me because I'm a beer drinker. So had about 3 different ones. I'm REALLY bad with remembering the names when I'm drinking but they were good. I know that doesn't help but what I DO remember is that there starburst martini was fabulous! I switched out after awhile. They knew how to make a french martini too. So also tried the fried calamari it was pretty good no complaints. Pretty big place friendly atmosphere. Liked da tv's all over. Need to find more places like this chill spot.
(4)Tara V.
Nice neighborhood watering hole. It is often easy to score a seat and enjoy a few pints. I would say this place is pretty average, it really is just a neighborhood bar. They have fairly decent specials and the food is ok. If you live in the area and are in walking distance- check it out. But I am not sure that I would make a special trip to the West Loop just for the sake of going here. It does get a few extra points with me for not being pretentious and just being a comfortable place to chat with friends while drinking a beer.
(3)Jennifer C.
Bob is the shit and while the beer prices could stand to be a bit lower, the bartenders will give you free shots all night long, so if you're into shots, it's a deal.
(5)Paraisia W.
This place has great food. However, the service is questionable at times. The daily specials are a great deal. If you go there on a non-special day you feel like you overpaid
(4)Alexis H.
I was here on a Saturday afternoon, and it satisfied my need for a daytime bar with good food. Day-drinking during spring and summer in Chicago is an unofficial "must do" for me, and I'm always looking for a new place to try out. My friends enjoyed the extensive beer list, and were happy to see that each beer came with its own signature glass, which according to my friends is the sign of a great beer bar. I prefer drinks of the cocktail persuasion and the waitress was more than happy to make recommendations (not that I needed them, booze expert that I am). Their food was pretty good too. We had a BBQ chicken salad, chicken quesadillas, and mashed potatoes, and they were all delish. Every time I go out in the West Loop, there are more new restaurants and bars to try. I'm glad I stopped in at Beer Bistro, and I plan on going back once it's a little warmer out and more people are partaking in my already standard day-drinking routine.
(4)Mo L.
I don't often venture into the West Loop, but maybe this place has changed my mind. This stylish bar has a nice selection of beers. They also feature daily specials to keep you coming back. I recommend the $2 burger night (which I think is Tuesday). Order 2 or 3! I did, and I'm still full. Go with a nice-sized group and take over the comfy VIP booth in the back corner.
(4)Melissa K.
I just went here the other night. The food was good for $2 burgers, the service not so much. Maybe the waitress was upset because we moved two tables together or maybe she just didn't care, but either way she didn't give us much service. It was pretty crowded for a Tuesday night and it looked like they had a lot of great specials. Will I go back, probably. Maybe I'll get a different server next time.
(3)Vanessa G.
Great Beer list, in fact something like 100 beers, and mixed drinks. Love their food, especially the wraps. Always a fun time! Finally a good bar close to my home!
(5)alexis h.
I just can't bring myself to go back here after they got shut down recently. Roaches, dirty kitchen. Ick. They do have a great beer selection which I miss. I'm in search of another laid back place to hang out in the hood with a stellar beer selection. Going to try jack's next.
(2)Don L.
My co-workers and I go here often for $2 burger Tuesdays at lunch and the great selection of beer. The burgers are perfect every time and go well with tater tots. Its uncanny. I tend to order the Goose Island reserve of Matilda they have on tap. (After work, natch.) Also kudos to whoever manages their spot on selection of 80s music.
(4)julie p.
Let me be honest here: I'm a beer nut, and I've got the beer gut to show it. Beer Bistro has a really long beer list, but it's a list populated with the most pedestrian selections possible. It's not good imports and micros, it's the Paulaners, Tsingtaos, Coronas, Red Stripes and Sam Adams of the world. I was looking forward to my first time to this place, but my heart sunk when I saw the beer list. There were a few good offerings on tap (Black Dog, Dogfish Head) but mostly it was stuff you could get elsewhere, nothing like the Hop Leaf. (YES, go to the HOP LEAF instead if you're looking for a good beer list! Or the Map Room! Or...) That said, food's ok, $2 burger Tuesdays no fries included (though Union Park has $2 burger mondays that include fries). It's ok, and nice inside, and the service is fast.
(2)Matt M.
I live fairly close to this place, and it has become my backup "neighborhood" bar of choice when I just want to have some great beers and good food. The beer selection is sick, son. I don't know how many they have, but looking at the beer list brings a tear of joy to my eye. Saison Du Pont! Corsendonk! The pizza is really delicious, and the buffalo calamari makes my pants tight. The staff are always very nice, and there is some nice outdoor seating in the summer. Check out this "radical" joint if you want some great beers in the West Loop.
(5)Sheila Y.
I agree with most of the other reviews that compared to Map Room and Hopleaf this place falls a bit short. The space isn't too bad and I would have liked to sit out on the patio to soak in as much Chicago summer as one can get, but we ended up in the back. The apps were ok (wings and nachos) and the beer was decent. I just don't think I would be coming back here with such wonderful options elsewhere. There is a preponderance of TV's however, so if you intend to catch a game (Cubs, Sox, etc.) this might be a good option.
(3)Jeff B.
The Beer Bistro has a very good selection of beer -- probably almost 100 well-chosen beers. There are a lot of things here that I haven't found in many other places in Chicago. The menu is very good for a casual restaurant. It's definitely a cut above your typical bar/ pub. Burgers are good, but the pizza is great, too, and appetizers are fun to try. The service is usually good and the servers know their beer. I go to the Beer Bistro before Bulls and Hawks games. It's a good West Loop location right on Madison, a little more than halfway between downtown and the United Center. I've never had a problem getting in and out of there before the games.
(4)Vanessa P.
I've only been here for lunch and it's ok. But just so. The specials are usually a good deal, especially the $5 pizza on Mondays. Unfortunately, the service has much to be desired and needs improvement. The servers just don't move fast enough, even when there are only 3 other tables in there. I don't know, maybe the service is better at night?
(3)Marty D.
I've been to this West Loop pub often, and usually have a great experience. HUGE selection of beers, decent food, and great specials. I highly recommend the Mac and Cheese and their version of a slider. Both go down well with a cold one. Not sure what kind of beer to order, just check the menu, and all food items come with a beer suggestion. The crowd is becoming quite eclectic. Business suits, hard hats, and tourists(N.Siders) and locals can be found here everyday. Going with a group, send someone early and grab the semi-private nook towards the back!! When it first opened, the wait staff and owner were extremely helpful in choosing beers, and were incredibly friendly. Our server often would sit and chat for a few minutes. Now this placed is packed, with folks maneuvering to try to get a seat, and it has lost some of its charm....they are just too busy to extend themselves. The owner, who kinda resembles a gnome, or blond Mario brother, still offers great selections if you can hunt him down. Busy or not, I know I will be back. Don't miss the $2 burgers, it's Tuesday's special. Good lunch option.
(3)Jennifer T.
This is a pretty cool place especially if you like beer! The food is yummy! Try the tator tots and the steak sandwhich. I get carryout a lot too because it's so yummy but the place is a cool place to hang out also. They have a small patio with about 4 tables so if you want to sit outside....you might have to wait or come early.
(4)Erin B.
I'd give this place three and a half stars. This was a nice, cozy bar, and wasn't to crowded, but not empty, on a Saturday night. They've got a large beer selection, and if you order all of their Christmas ales (there are 12 of them!) in December, you get a shirt! Whoopee for a free shirt. Hey, that deserves an extra star!
(4)Jeremy M.
Ahh, The Beer Bistro. I began going here because it is so close to my house, but now I think I would continue to frequent it even if I lived farther away. They have a great beer selection and the food can also be pretty good. They have great burgers and I also really enjoy their blackened chicken dinner. Make sure you try their homemade chips, they are excellent! There are a few flat screen TVs hanging around the bar area that are very nice for watching sporting events. My only complaint here is that the bar area is fairly small and can get pretty crowded on Friday and Saturday nights, but what good place doesn't.
(4)Ashley V.
Spent a relaxing weekend day at the bar, drinking recommended beers along with a delicious burger and mac and cheese. The owner couldn't have been nicer, interacting with our group. No airs, just a completely enjoyable experience. We'll be back.
(5)Allie B.
Had a blast here last night. Garage door type open windows made it feel like a giant beer garden even though there were only a few outdoor tables. Such a fun beer list - loved trying something different - I had a corona-like beer called Pacifico and the Bistro Chips - yummy fresh cut potato chips served warm with parmesan and salt. Mmmmm :)
(4)Michelle D.
I was there for a tap takeover......horrible experience. First of all, I specifically went the Beer Bistro since I heard they have a great selection of beers. I was suprised that they have this "tap takeover" once a month, and the one I was there for was AWFUL - Bell's. They trick you by saying that all of the drafts are only $4 - but they come in "10 oz glasses", which are not filled up to the top, so it is more like 8oz of beer - not so much of a deal anymore. I was open to the Bell's takeover and tried three different ones. I am not giving this place a bad rating just because I did not like the beer - but it did not get any better after the beer. I took the waitress's recommendation on all of the food, including the appetizer and main course. All of the food was tasteless and everything that had bread was stale. The crowd appears to have just graduated from the frat house, so maybe they don't expect people to know a good beer from another - so they just don't try. Bad food, poor service, dirty restaurant (silverware, tables, bathrooms, etc). Way more places in Chicago to go and get a really good beer, served by people who actually KNOW what they are talking about. For the manager - next time you are going to have a tap takeover, spend some time educating your servers on the beers - they had no knowledge of the beers when I asked for a recommendation.
(2)Nicola C.
I love this bar, it is very neigborhoody, just what the west loop needed, and they have $2 burgers every Tuesday, they are really good, oh 50c more if you want cheese!!! They also offer beers of the month at great prices, so I have learned to appreciate beer a lot more!!!! Definitely worth checking out, and you can pare beers with your food!!
(4)Laurel D.
The bartenders/wait staff are fantastic here! They are very attentive and will go as far as changing the channel on their flat screen tvs to whatever you desire. There's a nice lounge area in the back that seats ten - 15 people. Prices aren't bad, and groups pretty much keep to themselves. Great for a happy hour after work!
(4)Sean D.
I like the place for its selection of beers and appetizer specials (half off on Thursdays) etc.
(4)Cali K.
This place is great. We usually end up here at some point if we are out, probably because we live a block away. It always makes for a good time, and I just like to say "lets go to the Beer Bistro!" It is funny because in college we had a gay bar called the Bistro... and it was complete opposite of this bar. This bar is great if you just want to grab a beer with your friends, or lunch on a Sunday afternoon. Here is a funny story about the Beer Bistro. I noticed this summer, that they did away with the full open windows in front, and replaced them with standard height windows. I am not sure exactly why the did this, but I like to think it has something to do with what I call the "Freaky Squirrel Incident" One Sunday, my fiancé and I were having lunch inside, but right by the full open window. All of the sudden, in a very mono-tone voice, my fiancé said "there is a squirrel under your chair" He made it seem like no big deal. So, I looked down, and sure enough, there was a little baby squirrel hiding under my chair. I, naturally, screamed and ran to the other side of the room. The staff did a good job of herding the squirrel out with a broom, and I retuned, slightly disturbed, but OK. Then all of the sudden, we looked up into the awning, and saw the mama squirrel hanging down by one paw peering in to find here baby. I felt like the theme music from Kill Bill should have been playing, it was the freakiest thing ever. I thought the squirrel was going to launch itself onto me, and dig her claws in until I surrendered her baby. Meanwhile, the baby squirrel had found its way outside and was hiding under a parked car on the street. Finally, the mama squirrel retracted her mission, and reunited with her baby in the electrical tower yard next door. Needless to say, the incident only added to my fear of squirrels, and I thank the Beer Bistro for replacing the full-open windows with freakishly-psychotic, rodent-free windows.
(4)Chris P.
I was pretty unimpressed by this place. It's like a neighborhood joint, except with a little larger beer selection. The food was not good at all, the service was really bad, and there is very limited outdoor seating. Too many other good places to go to bother here.
(2)Arnold W.
So, I've been here a few times on Mondays and it's my favorite place to go. The special is a $5 pizza which is fantastic. They have an endless amount of toppings and it comes out nice and hot. The atmosphere is awesome as well. The music has been different every time I've been there which is a good thing. There's something for everyone. The service there is top notch. The bartender, I think his name is Robert, is awesome. He's very knowledgeable about the beer and will help you pick the perfect beer if you're having a hard time picking 1 of the 120 beers on the menu.
(5)Laura T.
The beer selection here is unreal. The prices are a bit high, but not ridiculous. To be expected for a place with so much selection. The waitstaff is friendly and very knowledgable. I would give this place a five star but the only thing kinda negative is all the traders and their obnoxious conversation. That aside, Beer Bistro is a gem for this side of town. I'll be back. Oh, by the way, the interior is like being in an old Belgian pub, no kidding. It is very unique and dead on.
(4)Mike K.
I really like this place. Been there many times since I live close by. Cheap eats during the week: $5 pizza on Monday and 1/2 price apps Thursday. Tons of beer on tap, friendly crowd and bartenders. Good place to go with a small group any day of the week.
(4)joanna f.
This is a great, laid-back place to chill and grab a few drinks. They have wonderful food/drink specials every day, including 25 cent wings on Sundays (can't choose the flavor, though). Nice place to catch the Bears games. They have a big beer selection (hence the name), and the spinach-artichoke dip is something to rave about. Burgers are good, too. They have quite a few TVs..very casual and a lot of locals. Not snobby or pretentious at all. The bartenders are friendly and there is a definite group of regulars here. I did swing by on a Friday night once--empties out pretty early. But, this place is walking/stumbling distance from my place, so I will be back often.
(4)B B.
Good menu, 5 dollar pizzas are a GREAT value. The beer list is good and service always seems to be very quick. The bus boys are some of the best ive ever seen at staying in top of your table. All in all its a west loop staple that isnt nearly as busy as the recently trendy west end.
(4)joshua c.
they pair up the beer and food! i love that. there is a wonderful beer selection. the food is good. all of the servers have been pretty good. I really like the owner, Bob. he's extremely nice and helpful. he always remembers who i am. he has even come by my barbershop for a haircut. i've never been in the bar when it's real busy. i usually go on sunday afternoons and eat 25 cent wings. i have not had a lot off the menu, but i've been impressed with what i've had.
(5)Tony G.
One of the best beer selections in the West Loop, and very good pizza, too! They have a very extensive beer list, and they seem to have most of them on hand when I order them, which is good considering the number of bottles on the list. And the food is definitely better than what I expected for a bar. It can be a bit expensive, but they do have really good specials. Many of the beers are $1 or $2 more than you'd spend at most other places. However, the atmosphere and the quality of the meals make the prices a bit more bearable. The service is inconsistent, but usually better than average - though the servers generally aren't as knowledgeable about the beers as I would expect, given the name of the place. It does seem that, even when crowded, it's fairly easy to have a conversation with those at your table, so that makes it a good place to gather for a beer or two with a couple friends after dinner. I can't give it 5 stars because it's just too expensive for what you get, but it's a good place to go for a decent meal and good beer.
(4)Kevin C.
Just a great place with an awesome staff. The food is good & can be matched easily with a wide choice of styled beers or other hop flavored libations that complement the whole meal. Not too bad for a friendly neighborhood pub. Going to a Hawks game or Bulls game? Free shuttle service to the UC. How sweet is that? But what makes this place is that the staff is honest and will take care of you. The first time I went here I lost my wallet outside getting into a cab. I knew I had it when I left the bar but had no idea what happened to it after I got in my cab with friends. I called the cab company and every place I went to that night and no one had good news for me. But the manager from the Bistro went outside after my call and found it in a snow drift. The next day hoping for better luck I started making my calls again. The good news came from the staff at the Bistro who reunited me with my wallet WITH THE CASH STILL IN IT! They know beer and they know how to take care of the customer.
(5)Orlean M.
Was very disappointed with the service. My friend and I arrived for late lunch and they were obviously in the middle of a shift change and we were the only ones at the bar. I've worked in the industry before so I understand.... We got our first drink and were never addressed again. We had to call them over to place the order, to get silverware after the food arrived and to get the check. We dealt with 4 different bartenders...each one more rude than the last. While we were waiting for our food the manager brought up a catering order that was made on the wrong day and all of the employees stood at the end of the bar eating mini burgers and talking about . I found that to be very unprofessional and frustrating since we were being so blatantly ignored. With a drinks and food our bill still came to over $60. I still left my standard 20% gratuity even though I didn't know who it was going to and was not even thanked on the way out. As a service provider it is very frustrating to spend my days catering to people and then to be treated so terribly when i finally get to go out. We will not go back since they obviously don't care to have us there.
(1)Leigh R.
We LOVE the beer bistro for so many reasons. The food is awesome (for bar food) the beer selection is to die for and the crowd is always friendly. The Beer Bistro staff is always accommodating and a delight. You never wait for a beer or your food. The place is on the smaller side though so plan ahead and get there early for a sporting event if that's what your hoping to enjoy while at the bistro. They used to have an outdoor area but I'm not sure what happened to it.
(5)Tracey G.
What can I say. . . I love this place for about 98 out of a hundred reasons. . .the food is always good and obviously the drink selection is awesome. I love the craft beer places that pair up what you should drink on the menu with each food item. My favorites are the buffalo calamari and the great little mix and match slider option. . .pizza is good too. The only thing I have ever had at BB that I didnt LOVE was plain grilled chicken strips, but everything else is awesome. Even my mom likes to come here with me to grab drinks ad dinner and watch hockey! Its a great neighborhood place for sure. . .love the outdoor patio and the fact that I can bring my dog on a nice day and sit outside, also there are loads of tvs inside to watch games. Only downside is that the place is so good, sometimes its so crowded you can't even get in the door. . .but when its not, its probably my favorite West Loop bar.
(4)Dennis W.
This is my favorite bar to hangout at..I have been coming here for the past 5 years since I discovered this gem and its been like home ever since. The beer selection is amazing and continues to get better each time they change their taps. 127+ beers is pretty sweet if you ask me. I love coming on Thursdays for 1/2 off apps. The chicken tenders and buffalo calamari are so good. Definitely check it out if you are in the neighborhood..its a cool place to watch a game or bring a date.
(5)Benjamin R.
This is kind of a temporary review, we haven't tried that much. They have a really extensive beer list, which is definitely worth coming for if that's all you want. Food-wise, we've had mixed experience. We got a pretzel that was just the worst. It tasted like it was literally made of sawdust, very weird. Also got hummus with veggies. The hummus was fine, but the vegetables looked about 5 days too old. On another trip though we got their chocolate chip skillet cookie, which I thought was one of the better I've had. So who knows, it's a beer place and they have a lot of beers. Go for it. Though it is definitely a "bar" not a beer snob place. When we sat inside at night it was really really loud, and there will be the requisite number of dudes in sleeveless shirts staggering around and yelling at each other. It was much nicer sitting out on the patio the second time.
(3)Jonathan J.
Selection of beers is great, cocktails are nice as well. Service and food were pretty rough, though. We almost walked out when the guy checking IDs told us we couldn't sit outside at 5:30pm on Friday night. Some waitress told us as we were walking it out that it was okay to go out there so we did. We got out first drink and then a friend joined us just after our drink arrived. No one came to take their order for 15 minutes. The waitress just acted like we were a nuisance to her so we ended up going down the street to a whiskey bar. We did order the steak nachos and they were equal to the service. 20 chips covered in shredded cheese, some chopped tomato, sour cream, and a few chunks of steak. Definitely not worth their price and the chips were boiled too long, burning any exposed chip that wasn't covered by cheese (which was a lot).
(2)C. K.
Beer selection: 4 stars. Would be 5 stars but they always seem to be out of at least a few. Food: 1.5 stars. Bland and mediocre. My friend ordered a burger medium rare & got medium well. Nachos were so bland they almost felt like a parody. Veggie burger had a super bland patty & attempted to over compensate for that with a bunch of toppings that don't really go together. Another friend really enjoyed the sliders, so there's that I guess. Service/Ambiance/Prices: 4 stars. It wasn't too crowded on a pretty big game night & the waitress was perfectly fine. All the prices as very reasonable for the neighbourhood. Overall: 2.5 stars. I'd go again just to drink & watch a game, but not order food.
(2)Zac W.
This is a nice neighbourhood bar with friendly bartenders. Food is bar food, simple as that. Good beer selection. Nice atmosphere.
(5)Sonia B.
Beer Bistro gets two stars for good beer selection and good food. They have an overwhelming amount of beers available which is awesome for beer lovers! I tried a variety of sliders (pulled pork, chicken parm, fish, and meatball) and all were very good. They are decent priced as well. I was there for a birthday party on a Saturday night and our server was not happy to be there. A friend of mine waited over 20 minutes for a beer he ordered while the rest of us got our drinks significantly earlier. I also felt like a child who got yelled at because I asked to try a beer that I didn't realize was bottle only. She could've been a little nicer about it instead of yelling out an "absolutely NOT!". I ordered a raspberry beer that cost about $10 for a bottle and I left the bottle on the table w/ my husband while I walked to say hi to a friend, mind you...the bottle was 1/2 full. I came back and the bottle was gone. My husband tried to tell the bar back or whoever that we weren't done with it, but the person wasn't interested. I explained to the server 1/2 of my $10 beer was gone and she offered nothing in return except I'm sorry. Things like that irk me. I liked the place enough to go back, but service is so huge. If you are in the service industry and can't be nice (to someone who wasn't rude) there's a problem. Worth checking out, but I hope you have a better service experience than I did.
(2)Gus O.
First time to this place. Walked in and nobody greeted me. Finally bartender told me to have a seat anywhere. Games were on, I sat down and took like 10mins for someone to come over. When I ordered, food came our fairly quick. Beer was really good. Had the Delirium Tremens. Waitress was good after that. Good was tasty and definitely fulfilling. Had the pizza. Definitely would come back with a group of people.
(4)Paris R.
BB was recommended to me by a friend. Just had a small bday get together there last night and this place was a pleasant surprise. I called the day before to reserve a table for 5-8 peeps was very surprise to see we got a very nice couch seating with TV. Nice ambience. My servers Aleisha and Lauren were awesome. Tons of beer options and mix drinks were made perfectly. Great selection of appetizers and food. Biggest delight was that giant soft cookie with ice cream. SOOOOO GOOD. everything was very cheap and we had a good time. Kudos to the team at Beer Bistro West Loop
(5)Lucy C.
A haiku: I like to drink beer. I like to eat burgers, too. Come for the specials.
(3)Jamie N.
Called ahead and asked about age restrictions...even with a Hawks game. We were told there was no issue. Walked there from the UC and were told in a borderline rude fashion that this was not the case. Rules are rules but be clear about your rules and don't be rude to people who were misinformed of the rules by your staff. Just sayin.
(1)Mihir P.
I come for the diverse beer list and I stay for the decent inexpensive food and friendly service. But I come back repeatedly for the the basket of bacon for only $4!
(3)Sarah S.
I liked Beer Bistro so much, I went twice in one week! My friend Dan G. introduced me to this lovely spot post a Yelp event last week and then had his going away shindig here a couple days later. So for that, this review is absolutely dedicated to him! :) Dedicating reviews is a thing, right? Beer Bistro is a great place for grabbing some brews with friends in the West Loop. Street metered parking was never an issue for me either time I went, however both times were on weekdays. It's a huge space with decently clean bathrooms and a stellar staff. I had a very shameful moment here with our server that was kind to me although I'm sure thought I was a total weirdo. People were coming & going and I was meeting many I hadn't before, so I kept standing up and shaking the hands of them introducing myself. Well, the server came and me not realizing she was our server did the same to her. I'm such a douche canoe. Very important to note, Wednesdays are $3 can nights! And that's not just lovely PBRs...some truly good cans for $3! I got to try some cool new drinks on the cheap. Even outside of the Wednesday night specials, Beer Bistro has good brews on tap, other great ones in the bottle and their prices aren't half bad either. If you have a big group like we did, they have a very nice sectioned off area with comfy booths and a table in the middle plus a TV for viewing games. It was super sweet and the perfect size for about 15 people.
(4)Claudia S.
Maybe it's not fair to write this review, since, I didn't drunk much while here butttttt the food alone won me over. Then again, maybe it's not fair to write this review since I was already nice and buzzed when I came here, and we all know most food tastes good when inebriated. I don't think that's the case here though. It's been nearly a week and I'm still thinking about the fish & chips. I'm not even thinking about the beer (shocking!), but the food. Tried the southwest burger, and really, how can you go wrong with a burger that has guacamole & jalapenos & bacon & cheese? You can't. Also tried the fish & chips. Solid. Even the little salad that came with it was good and that's not always the case with side salads. I knew I'd appreciate their beer list, but I didn't expect to like their food as much as I did. Service was fine. Nothing outstanding, but not bad either. What I appreciated was the waitress' honesty when asking about a beer. I took a chance and ended up giving it to my friend, which was the only "miss" for me, but that wasn't Beer Bistro's fault, or hers. With a food and beer menu like theirs, I'm looking forward to coming back.
(4)Andre W.
Beer Beer Beer & more Beer! I did not know this location existed as I live near the Fullerton location in Lincoln Park. A good buddy told me he frequents this place as it is near his residence. He had a going away celebration and of course this was the spot he chose to say goodbye. The outing was on a Wednesday which meant we were able to take advantage of $3 can beer night on really good imports & crafts. They had all of the goodies...I drank mainly Wittekerke as it is becoming one of my favorite beers. We sat in the back as it was enough room for 8-9 peeps to sit at once. Service was stellar as they kept the dranks coming without hesitation. Good spot and I will check it out whenever I am in the area.
(4)Jenny T.
Always my go to - great beer, great food, free shuttle to United center....everything I need!
(4)Chirag P.
Another spot I hit up during a beer crawl on St. Pat's day. I guess one of these days I learn to eat during St. Pats. But it was fun, great music and cold beer. I can see that this would be a great place to watch a Hawks/Bulls game.
(4)Thomas K.
Sadly, I must give this place a 2 star. While I love this place, when it came to a key moment in a friends life of a going away party they decided to not reserve a space for my friend and ignore my emails asking for a reservation. I was willing to pay for whatever reservation and I was reserving months in advance, however I was completely ignored by both phone and email on their website. As long as you wander into the bar on a good night, you should have a good time. However, their reservations are complete BS. UPDATE: 2 years later and they *still* do not answer emails. I asked in person how to reserve parties but they insist to go online at their website - thebeerbistro.com . They made no effort to plan my party of events despite being two. whole. months. in advance. And we were a small party of 15 through the night. You can feel free walking through here without reservations, however do not plan any event here. They do not care about small parties.
(2)Megan D.
Great staff. Great Food. Amazing beer selection. Oh and they have Malort...you've been warned.
(5)Pham D.
It may say Bistro, but this place is a bar. We went here on a Friday night during a Hawks game, and was pleasantly surprised that our group of 10 can just walk in and sit down in their private room in the back without a reservation. We can then chill amongst ourselves while catching up on each others' lives over a giant selection of beers and cocktail drinks. I was happy we didn't have the noise of the game as a distraction. We also ordered some food and they were quite tasty. Our waitress came by quite often and was quick to help us with everything we needed. We were never rushed to leave even when the bar got packed. It was a very enjoyable atmosphere altogether.
(5)Lisa B.
Came in for the $5 pizza on Mondays. It was actually pretty good! We will definitely return for it! The waitress was a little surly at first, but warmed up quickly and ended up being pretty awesome. Just be careful, they have a lot of beer available so your $5 pizza can quickly become a $50 tab!
(4)Andrew H.
Draft selection is lacking. The only two imports they had on-tap were Delirium Tremens and Stella Artois. No decent Belgians here. Only one sour is available, in a bottle. You won't find a nice De Struise, Mikkeller, etc. here, which keeps this place at least a few steps below the great Chicago beer destinations. The domestic craft selection is okay. I was disappointed that they gave me a can of Tall Grass 8-bit that was 4 weeks beyond its "enjoy by" date. The redeeming factor is the food. Get some sliders; every one of them is delicious. Other appetizers are solid as well.
(3)Mark G.
It's called Beer Bistro, but for me it's more I'm Drunk and I Need Food....Bistro. That is why we ended up here one weeknight. "Where has GOOD beer and GOOD....okay, I'll settle for 'decent' food. But mainly GOOD BEER?" we asked? Beer Bistro was recommended. Seems legit. I don't even remember what the hell I drank. But I remember the food was perfect for the aforementioned being drunk and hungry scenario. I gave my friend half my burger for half of her fish and chips and both were great. The burger came with homemade chips that are called "chips", and the fish came with "chips" that are actually french fries. I WAS DRUNK AND THEY TRIED TO CONFUSE ME. Y U DO DIS? I forgave them. I'm not normally a fish and chips kind of person, but I'll make an exception for theirs, because it was all that and and bag of chips. Not french fries chips though. That would be weird. Beer Bistro is for sure on the list of before and after spots after Blackhawks games that I'll never go to.
(4)Eric S.
Great beer list, especially local taps. And the food is solid. Sliders are ridiculous...get a selection of those if you're not sure what to eat. Great spot!
(5)Lizz M.
Food was a three, service was a one or two at best. I might try it again if anything for the 1/2 off appetizers, but over all I wasn't that impressed. I met up with a couple of friends here and decided to partake in the $5 martinis. While I only paid the $5 for it, it's not something I'd pay more for. I ended up going with a martini that was kind of like a boozey Arnold Palmer. Not bad, and it's called the Beer Bistro after all, not the martini bistro, but it was definitely light on the vodka. We ended up getting an order of buffalo calamari. The buffalo sauce was nice and spicy, but the calamari were way over-done and tough. After we got our drinks, we asked the waitress for some waters. Nothing. Asked again. Nothing. Asked a third time? Yay, water! Then we ordered dinner. A few of the ladies I dined with split their meal and when we all got our food, they asked our waitress for two small plates. Well, we're still waiting for those plates as I type this from not the Beer Bistro. Our waitress, while not the best at remembering things was at least pleasant, so that's where I give her the "you tried" star. I went with the turkey, ranch, and bacon wrap. It was okay, nothing to write home about other than it being way too salty. The highlight of my meal was definitely the tater tots. mmmm, tots. A few other friends decided to join us toward the end of our meal, so we stayed a little longer and ordered the cookie and ice cream dish, which was pretty good with the exception of the burnt edges. Meh, indeed.
(2)Rokey T.
Normally I only get wings at Jake Melnicks because I thought nothing else could compare. But the wings here give them a run for their money. They have a little kick and are crispy You could probably get them to go and they wouldn't get soggy. The burger here is really delicious as well. Someone nearby ordered the pizza and it looked awesome also. I will have to go back and try it. The service was great. The bar is large with a variety of tables and I saw a staircase leading downstairs so perhaps they have another level. Great location too.
(4)Lai-Nin W.
Love this place! Me and the boyfriend come here every Sunday for 25 cent wings, the monthly $4 beer special and to watch the games on the numerous televisions all over the bar. The manager, Chris, is always there and is super nice-- go there more than twice and all of the staff gets to know you by name. On game days it does get a little crowded, but the turnover is pretty fast so you usually don't have to wait too too long before you get a table. Highly recommend it!
(5)Jordan P.
Hidden Saturday gem! Been here a few times for a Saturday lunch and it's never been crazy busy, but they are a Hawks bar and according to the (amazing) staff get pretty busy during games. We've ordered many of the menu options and have never been disappointed. The burgers and fish & chips are fantastic and the fries... oh my. Thin, crispy, McDonald's-like and fantastic. Beers are plentiful and the bartenders super friendly. In fact the entire staff has always been great. All greet you as you walk in, help each other out running food or filling water glasses, and offer suggestions on their favorite beer or food. I hate suggesting you check this place out because I'd hate to lose this Saturday gem! BONUS TIP: turn the menu over to the back. The slider menu is hidden back there which took a few visits to realize.
(5)Maggie M.
Great bar for good food, great beer and watching football. The chili was outstanding and they have a LONG list of sliders that you have to try.
(4)Christina F.
A couple gal pals and I came here to celebrate the end of finals. It was a lot of fun and the prices were pretty good. I'd like to come here on a weeknight, they have some good specials. The great lakes Christmas ale was awesome, and the sliders (cheeseburger, turkey, and chicken cordon bleu) were small but tasty. My friend got a pot pie that was really delicious too. All in all, I'd be back to try some of their other beers and items when there's a deal going on.
(4)Lauren W.
Laid back place that was perfect for a late dinner to start off an evening of beer drinking (we didn't even leave!) Pizza was delicious and loved the beers!!!!
(4)Carolyn L.
I really love Beer Bistro. I always have a good time whenever I head here. The food is delicious (pizza, wings, salads), the service is excellent, and it's a great convenient location right by my work. I've come here for dinner dates, on a West Loop bar crawl, and even ordered in lunch. I'm always satisfied! Awesome front patio during the summer as well. Great place to people watch.
(4)Vrati D.
Awesome drink specials and very knowledgable staff! We come to beer bistro every wed for $3 can night! We love coming here with a group to talk since it isn't too loud, watch games and have a snack. As a vegetarian i find it difficult to eat at bars, but they have some great things on their menu. The pizza is pretty good, thin and crispy! The mac n' cheese is yummmm, as well as the portabella mushroom slider and caprese slider.
(5)J. Chuck K.
The Beer Bistro is a nice laid back place that would be a great choice for any type of outing. As one would expect, the beer selection was vast and diverse. The bartender knew her stuff and was very friendly. Like a lot of bars I've gone to with good beer choices, I thought they would be slacking when it come to the food, but that wasn't the case. Although I just got an Italian panini, it was surprisingly good. I've also been to their location in Lincoln Park, and like this one better. There just seems to be more energy. Whether it's dinner or just drinks after work, check out the Beer Bistro.
(5)Julia S.
Atmosphere is pleasant in that it's casual, relaxing, and not pretentious. Beer of the month (July 2012) was fantastic (Witte from Upstate New York). However, Delerium on tap was warm. Not good. Lastly, one restroom for men and women creates an awkward situation if say someone forgets to lock the door while in the process. Update: I was informed there was a downstairs restroom as well. So, more than one. Good to know.
(3)Dan G.
This week's Three Floyd's event reminded me that my favorite pub was long overdue for an update. We've been coming to the Bistro since it opened. There is always a fantastic selection of beers on tap as well as in bottles. This past Wednesday, Three Floyd's took over the taps and we got to sample some of their beers that we never see. I liked the Krunk Monk, the Moloko and the Pappaskull, but the Bruce off the cask was best. It was packed that night like there was a Bulls or Blackhawks game. No worries, they hooked us up with a table when one was freeing up so we could eat. We've had most of the things on the menu. The buffalo calamari, sliders or quesadillas are good starts. Kris usually gets the pizzas because she really likes them here. I'll often have the Gourmet Burger- Pretzel roll with peanut butter, fried egg, bacon & cheddar. It's an interesting combo that really works. You can expect to see wursts for Oktoberfest and corned beef for St. Patty's day. Oh yeah, they have great tots too. We used to hold our board meetings in the downstairs room. They open that area up on busier nights. It's a long bar with dark wood and a huge mirror. On nice days in the summer, you'll be lucky to snag one of the three outside tables. I have fond memories of chilling out there as the sun set, throwing back hand grenades of the Optimator. The Bistro is usually pretty crowded when there is a game at the UC. You can hop their shuttle to the game, catch the 20 which stops right here, or just chill and watch the game on one of their flat screens. Bob runs a tight ship here and every server knows about the entire beer selection and can describe them in detail and point you in the right direction. We love this place and the best part is I can fall off my stool and be home. Trust me, I've done it. Cheers Bistro. LDK
(5)Jana C.
The food here is okay if that. The burger is amazing and it $3 on certain days. Not sure which days, it was on a Tuesday! The rest of the food was not good. Spinach artichoke dip was the worst I ever had. Huge beer selection at a good price. Beer bistro also has a cute little patio on the street that is shaded. Good lunch spot or pregame for united center events.
(2)Gina S.
Martini is my middle name. It's no secret that I have a mad love affair with martini's (any kind I don't judge) and Chicago is not the most wallet friendly place to be drinking them. Until I discovered Thursday's at the BB and their $5 martini specials! The orange whip martini is paradise. I also had to have a beer. Hello! It's called the "Beer Bistro". I went with the Banana Bread brew, an impulse order based on the name. It smelled more like banana than it tasted, the banana was very light. It was more like wheat bread with a subtle sweetness that finished dry. When one drinks, one must also eat. Me and my dining partner shared a Western BBQ pizza; chicken, bacon, onion, cilantro, mozzarella and cheddar on a hand tossed crust baked till the cheese just started to get golden. I really liked the addition of cheddar, although there was a ton of cheese. All the ingredients together added so many bold complex flavors. Note to self: Monday's are $5 pizza days.
(4)Kaitlyn M.
One of my favorite restaurants in Chicago! Sad I'm moving out of the west loop so I won't be able to swing by for a late night bite & drink
(5)Charlie C.
This is a 3-star place that I will keep coming back to. I have been a good number of times, and will return on Wednesday or Thursday nights. I am sure there are other nights that would suit my fancy, but $2 beers on Wednesday and $1 slider Thursdays call my name. Their sliders are decidedly delicious for $1 each, and with 12 flavors even the most annoying and picky members of your party can be fed (fried fish, caprese, grilled cheese for you non-meat eating types too). Their beer list is solid, the atmosphere is casual west-loop chill. No boom-boom music with college kids and popped collars here, just a solid hangout. Why 3-stars? The deals are what keep me coming back, its not the best food or coldest beer of your life... but a great option mid week.
(3)Yahaira T.
This place has good beer selection, good food for a bar (good tater tots, meatloaf sandwich, PLT (portobello lettuce tomato sandwich) and it's perfect for me to walk to and watch a game, good bloody Mary's too!
(4)Christopher B.
This place was suggested to me and I'm happy I tried it out. For one, parking is easy if you need to drive. Second, it's close to the loop so it's an option for happy hour. There is a great selection of beer both on draft and in bottles/cans. It's a great place to meet up with friends and hang out. It's not too loud but still has a good atmosphere. The staff was really nice, too, and the service was good so no complaints.
(4)Rich K.
Went to Beer Bistro for lunch on a Saturday. Wasn't too busy and we were seated right away. Four different TVs had sports on. Long list of beers and a good bar food menu. We started with chicken nachos and I split a Reuben with my daughter while my wife had a spinach, chicken salad with dried cherries and walnuts that she enjoyed. My daughter's boyfriend had a Caesar salad. The wait staff was attentive and refilled our drinks promptly. The good was good.
(4)Fygar F.
Perfect before a Bulls or Blackhawks game. Great beer on tap and daily specials. Good burgers
(4)Amy L.
Torn between 2-3 stars. A few friends and I came here before a concert and between the 7 of us, we ordered burgers, pizza, sliders, and beer. The general consensus is that the beer, pizza, and sliders were good. However, my burger was maybe lukewarm at best and chips came soggy... an order of tater tots came drenched in salt, but the waitress (when she eventually came back) was nice enough to put in a new order for us. LOVED LOVED the beer float that my friend got though. I'd go back for that!
(3)Rich M.
Perfect place to go for a beer and a burger. Go on Tuesday they have a $3 burger special that can't be beat! Bartender Lauren was great!
(4)Joe B.
It may not surprise you to learn Beer Bistro has a good beer list. More than that, the list is a living document; one that's constantly changing and growing for the better. I've only been here once, but I experienced knowledgeable bartenders and friendly patrons. Therefore, I'll be back.
(4)Angie M.
Beer Nerds Unite! Yep. This is where you go in the West Loop for lots of good beers in both bottles and on tap. Beer Bistro is also known for their tap takeovers, meaning all the taps of regular offerings will be replaced with a single brewery's beers. For those who geek out over beers, this is a huge deal because you're able to sample beers not offered anywhere else. It's pretty cool. Because the tap takeovers are a big deal for the beer drinking community, it can get pretty crowded so don't be discouraged if you can't snag a table right away. Just wait it out. I stopped in for the recent Bell's takeover and was shocked with serious people take these tap takeovers. I spotted several dudes at the bar and a few at tables with the Bell's menus ticking off each beer (and there were A LOT) once they'd sampled them. That's dedication. That's also going to cause some extreme intoxication. I spotted some beers that were over 10% APV. Eek! Service is always lovely at the tables. The servers know what's up and will make some recommendations. Our gal didn't skip a beat when I told her I wasn't overly knowledgeable about beers and wanted something "girlie." It's a bit more challenging to get a beer at the bar when you're standing behind the seated folks, but nothing too deterring. Food looked good, though I didn't sample it. I did notice, though, that you can order a basket of bacon. Yep. It's on the menu as a side item. God, I love living in Chicago where you can actually order straight up bacon at a bar...
(4)Devin M.
Great deals, nice staff, good food!
(5)nicole d.
So they call themselves an "official Blackhawks bar" but game is on select TV's and they don't even stop the music to play the commentary. NOT a place to actual watch the game and food was just okay. On the upside, service is great.
(3)Brad H.
Came here for 25 cent wings on a Sunday. Too many wings and a few local drafts later, we were fat and happy. Decent prices on the beers too. Sat at the bar and enjoyed the place.
(4)Kristen G.
Beer Bistro is my regular spot to wind down after I get off work, since it's right down the street. The staff is ALWAYS very sweet and accommodating to me and my co-workers any time we come in. We have never had any problems with any of the staff here and always receive the best service. They have a great selection of beers and I'm always happy trying some of their ciders! Love the home-made potatoe chips, they're to die for.
(5)Ashley C.
I decided to round up to four stars given that we've had a few really good experiences during the week. First, they have awesome specials. Mondays they have $5 pizzas and Tuesdays they have $2 Angus burgers. What a deal! My one gripe is that they charge you for a side of mayo with the burger. I'd rather have it incorporated into the price versus feeling nickel-and-dimed with all the add-ons. Yet, with good specials, I can't complain too much. Our waitress was attentive and friendly. Our drinks were always full and she made sure to ask about the food. It is called beer bistro and they have a good beer list. My husband quite likes Delirium. I am not a beer person but their cocktails were still tasty. So far, it's a nice West Loop spot that we will check out again.
(4)Bob H.
COME FOR THE BEER Beer Bistro has the best selection of beer in the neighborhood - 15 or so on tap, another 50 in bottles. Owner Bob takes care in the selection, and seems to have an in at Three Floyds, as there's pretty much always one or two of them on tap. (Yes, they can dig up a Miller Light if you really want it. But why bother?) Even if you come for the beer, don't miss the food, which is a couple of notches better than average for a pub. The typical burgers and wraps and wings are on offer, along with good pizzas, a pasta or two, fish tacos, pulled pork, hummus, and the like. Great tater tots if you want. Several friends like the slider menu - there's usually six or eight types, ranging from burger to fish to caprese - and there's a three-fer deal. Airy, high-ceiling interior with antique ceiling fans. A long wood bar with 20 seats. Windows in the back lighten the place during the day and open up the room. Seating options include the bar, several hi-tops (including a couple with a padded bench), regular tables, and a semi-enclosed nook at the back with room for 10 or so on padded couches around a low table. In summer you can sit on the shady Madison sidewalk. The front looks straight up Aberdeen St., There are enough TVs around to catch your game. Bathrooms are clean, although all but one are downstairs. Friendly bartenders, wait staff, servers, and bus staff. As with most of the bars on the Madison strip, the least-crowded time to come in is just after the game starts at the United Center, as they do a big business before and after the games. (Business was a bit slack during the NHL lockout.) Beer Bistro - not really a bistro, but the "beer" part is dead on.
(4)Jona W.
We stopped in here after work one day for the Goose Island takeover. Why? Because Sofie and Matilda are crazy delicious and if I had a say in what would be on tap in the bar in Hell where I'll no doubt be employed as a waitress for all the girls who were mean to me in high school, it would be Sofie, Matilda, and straight chocolate syrup. I'm going to have a hard time reviewing just the venue because after about 4 mini glasses of specialty beers at 10.4% alcohol I was pretty happy with everything. BUT I did notice a few things with which I did not necessarily agree and decided that I would not be back unless there was a whole barrel of specialty Goose Island with my name on it: 1. Regular patrons of this drinking facility seemed ill informed of the "takeover" aspect of the evening. It just did not make sense to them. "Well can I get a vodka cranberry? Can I get a lemon drop? Can I at least get an appletini?" The bartender was pretty rad and had a good amount of patience but finally got tired of saying "It's just beer tonight," then being asked "Well how about a cosmo?!" and just started making fucktard drinks to keep the fucktards from leaning over my shoulder and shouting fucktardy things. If there's one thing I hate it's when man-breasts graze my shoulder. If there's one thing I hate more than that, it's when those man-breasts are covered in cheap satin printed with martini glasses and flames and stuff. Guuhhhhh. 2. There is one bathroom on the main floor, and I really wish that someone had told me of the second bathroom downstairs. Because the regular patrons of this drinking facility like to pee on the floor. I found myself wading through a puddle of urine in the line for the unisex bathroom, and standing in another puddle of (warmer) urine whilst hovering over the fetid toilet to avoid an infection. You know, one of those restrooms where you think "Maybe I should walk around and air out a bit before re-joining my party so everyone doesn't think I pee all over myself?" 3. The general attitude seems to be "Yo bro, it's fuckin Wednesday and I just sold some muthafuckin insurance and I'm HORNY. Let's go to Beer Bistro and un-tuck the hell outta our striped shirts dog!!" Also a lot of "I'm so glad this Ann Taylor top works as a day-to-night look because I just finished a law class and I'm about to get totes wrecked!" Waiting in that unisex bathroom line was so painfully awkward that I almost called myself on the payphone nearby so I'd have someone to talk to besides the poofy-chest-haired slicked back weirdo leaning into my face and leering off to the right of my head like he couldn't decide which one of the four of me was cuter. The food was good. The Goose Island was good. The bartender was cool. The crowd? Not my style. Not even for an after work drink. If I was into that I might as well be into floating in a tiny boat down a pee river during a penis parade. Next stop, Goose Island!
(3)Laurence B.
Awesome beer place if you like beer. Great selection. Loud. It's a bar. They have beer. Lots of good beer. Remember to give your open container to the scary bouncer as you nonchalantly walk by on the way in. You will skillfully avoid a confrontation before it even starts. And then you can get on to the beer. Which they have here.
(4)Caitlin A.
This is one of my favorite places to stop in and get a quick bite to eat for cheap. They have amazing specials almost every day of the week and their beer of the month is always $4. Sunday is 25 cent wings, Monday is $5 pizza (medium, cheese only) & $2 PBR's, Tuesday is $2 burgers, and Thursday is $5 Martini's. I think there might be a few others but I do not remember them off the top of my head. The wings are great and same with the pizza. I usually add on pepperoni and goat cheese for an extra $2. Definitely worth it. The sliders are also really good but my favorite is the turkey with apple and brie. There is always a vast beer selection on tap and an even larger selection in bottles/cans. Service is quick and friendly, I have no complaints. On game days it can be full but I am usually able to walk in and sit down right away. They also have a free shuttle to the United Center so whenever the Bulls/Hawks are playing it can be pretty crowded.
(4)Rob T.
Get ready to get blown away! Whether it's Brunch, lunch, dinner the food is always on point! The specials are unbelievable and the staff is always cheerful.... Make sure to stop in, great stop prior a game or concert at United Center - Beer Selection is OutstandingBeer Bistro Rocks!
(5)Jill D.
Great #westloop neighborhood bar. Big menu, good food, lots of TVs, games always on, and staff is cool.
(4)John D.
Came here with a group of friends and ordered the beer battered chicken fingers and the Mac and cheese. I sent the chicken fingers back because they were the frozen pre breaded crap you get in the grocery store. The sauces were not made fresh either. It's like Applebee's meets a sports bar. The drink menu was great but the food was not. The Mac and cheese needed salt and some more cheese flavor. The base sauce tasted like what the spinach artichoke dip started with. The service was awesome though. Chelsea was her name I would come to see her. Make your own decision about the food.
(2)Christopher M.
I am SHOCKED Beer Bistro only has 3.5 stars. It's my sincere hope my review pushes them up as this place is great. It looks like the reviews have a lot of people saying the food is only ok. Listen people, it's called BEER Bistro. You should know coming in you are getting bar food, which is almost always just ok. You should be coming to the Beer Bistro for the beer, and as far as beer bars go this place is 12 stars. Fantastic selection with awesome rotating taps. It's close enough to the United Center to walk so it's perfect for pre- and post-game festivities. 108/365
(5)Thomas T.
Not too shabby. Came here on a Sunday night for 25 cent wings and it did not disappoint. I was thinking the wings would be small and this is just a way to get rid of the crappy left over wings, but there were pretty legit. Got 20 wings for 5 bucks which is awesome. Only came in buffalo I believe and was pretty spicy. Not breaded at all though I think. They have a pretty good beer menu here too. The gf got the banana bread beer which was pretty good, tastes like banana bread as you would expect. I got whichever cider was on draft and at first, it was too apple-y, but after I started eating the wings, then it was fine. Good place, definitely see myself coming back sometime.
(4)Jacqueline B.
If you're up for a challenge, the Beer Bistro on Wednesdays is where it's at. This friendly West Loop bar serves up a list of over 20 beers for only $3 a can! Are you like me and love trying new beers? Well you've met your match. It's the perfect place to let lose mid work week and enjoy a cold brew. Or 2...or 3... The Beer Bistro truly has a great vibe to it. The staff is very down to earth and every time I've been here it's been nothing but great service. High top tables line the walls and they have 5 big flat screen TVs so you can catch the game. The décor includes vintage beer signs and Hawks apparel including a signed jersey! So if you're a hockey fan, you're in luck. This place loves the sport and even has hockey night specials on Jack & coke, Jaeger, Captain and Kettle One. If it's the weekend and you're looking for more of a party scene, the downstairs (or beer cellar) is a great space and you can even rent it out for your own private party! Now of course with all this beer drinking I'm always sure to grab a meal while I'm here. If you're looking to split an appetizer I highly recommend the steak quesadillas. Filled with juicy steak, mozzarella and cheddar cheese, topped with guacamole, sour cream and pico de gallo this app will have you coming back for more. It's big enough to split between you and a couple friends, but if you love it as much as I do, you might just consider ordering it as your meal! If a good sandwich is calling your name (and you want to stick with the steak theme) I recommend the Bistro Steak Sandwich. It's my go-to lunch order at the Beer Bistro and I have to say, it's quite tasty. The bread is nice and soft and the steak is sautéed with onions and mushrooms and topped with provolone cheese. Plus, it comes with chips or your choice of fries or tater tots (for an extra 99 cents), but honestly I'd stick with the chips. They're not your ordinary snackers - these bistro chips are deliciously baked, light, crunchy and topped with garlic. A fantastic change of pace from your typical pub fries. If you're like me and love a good deal, the Beer Bistro does a fantastic job of supplying their patrons with food and drink specials throughout the week. I think the Beer Bistro says it best: "Need a place to drink and eat before a United Center event? How about any damn day of the week? We are here for YOU!" So check em' out! You won't be disappointed.
(5)Jeremy B.
I love this place. The servers are always nice, the food tastes great, and their daily specials are worth coming in for. Great place to watch a game or hang out with friends.
(5)Laura L.
Service is friendly and attentive, food ok, and the TVs are small to watch sports relative to the one in my house or at other bars in the neighborhood. Wasn't busy but the bathroom had no toilet paper but hated to bother the socializing of the staff, except for the one male bartender cleaning the bottles. Also, if you are allergic to dust or have allergies don't look at the loft like AC vent/HAVC tube during daylight hours as its caked with a good black layer of dust that probably started from the last time the Cubs won the pennant. Other than that a good local hangout.
(2)Brennan W.
Fairly good. The beer selection is good. The food is straight pub, and it's done fairly well. Seems to be missing that thing that makes them different from other pubs/places. You have been here before if you have ever been to a pub/restaurant/bar. The service was great.
(3)Rachel P.
I met a group here for some after work drinks on a night that was apparently also a "game night." Two levels, although my group was asked to cash out and leave the lower level once the game had started and the crowd had thinned a bit so I'm not sure both floors are open all the time. Drinks were good and reasonably priced; I had a dry hard cider ($6) and a strawberry martini ($10). Decent beer and wine list, few other interesting cocktails. The American pub grub-like menu also looked tasty and seemed like a good value. Appetizers under $10, including a baked goat cheese with marinara, pizzas in the $12-$17 range, and burgers and sandwiches for less than $15. My other half and I wanted to try their slider special (order 1 of each and get a free basket of fries or tots), but the waitress informed us they don't mix and match pre-game, which seems to me like it would actually be the BEST time to offer that special, but anyhow...the turkey sandwich I opted for instead was good - chunks of shredded turkey, good amount of meat, apple slices, and a pretzel roll. We were slightly disappointed in the service. It was busy at first before the game for sure, but it seemed like our waitress couldn't leave the table fast enough after getting a drink order, several times missing that someone on the other side of the table also wanted to order something because she tore off like a bat out of hell the second she heard one beer order, and if you're that busy, asking if anyone else needs anything would be more efficient anyways. We had to rush to inform her we also wanted to order food; she never even asked if we would be eating, even though it was early evening. We had to flag her down for water refills, utensils, she never came by to ask how everything was. Drinks and food came out at an appropriate pace, so the issue was not the bar or kitchen, it was in actually getting to order anything at all. In fact, the only time she stopped longer than ten seconds was to ask us if she could cash us out and move us upstairs, which she followed up with a trip by our new table to make a comment along the lines of us not having found everything ok, seemingly implying to us that she didn't believe she was tipped well enough. Tacky. Don't get me wrong, she got a tip, we didn't spitefully leave a penny or anything, she just didn't provide service that would be worth more than 15%. The space was nice, food and drink was tasty and affordable, and I'd be willing to give the service a second chance on a non-game night.
(3)Alex A.
Convivial...superlative beer selection...good food...friendly staff, among whom some are easy on the eye...good location...silly sweet girl martinis so it's not just a dude place. Oh, Beer Bistro, how I love thee! This is my go-to West Loop spot when driving home from the far west burbs on the crazy nights I work. Beer Bistro, as the name implies, has tons of good beer. The rotating draft selections, about 20 deep, are always great. Then they have a dizzying array of bottles and cans. Love "Overrated," an IPA can from Minne-Snow-ta. Ditto for Ommegang Rare Vos. Their wings are fantastilastic and a steal at $0.25 on Sundees (my pops pronounces it this way, which I get a kick out of). Their Monday $5 pizzas actually equal or best some actual-pizza-joint-pizzas. WTH? Beer Bistro is just on top of its game. Unpretentious. Knowledgeable staff. And Candice...oh, Candice with your evil Megan Fox eyes!
(5)Neal D.
Let's get real. You come for the beer and they have a pretty nice selection. The food's alright but I think this is best judged as a bar. As far as bars go, this is a fine establishment.
(4)Shobha T.
I've been here three times and every time I go in hoping that it will be better but no, the customer service is terrible to say the least. The waitresses are rude and short and act like they hate their jobs. If there is one way to run down your bar is hire unfriendly ppl like that. It's really too bad because the bar food is good, esp the sliders, and they have a great selection of beer. But unfortunately, my patience has worn thin with poor service and the unfriendly staff. Will not be coming back.
(2)Tim H.
Beer Bistro is sort of doing two things at once. It's near the United Center, so a good amount of its business comes from sports fans and other standard bar folk. But it also has an expansive beer selection, so it also has an element of craft brew aficionados. And as it turns out, those mix together pretty well. My friends I started frequenting The Beast when a bunch of staff from D4 in Streeterville moved over a few years ago. It's always a lot of fun--a little rowdier than other after work places, but also has good food (for a bar) and great beer. Are you a little too old for a frat party but not yet ready to stick to the wine list? Beer Bistro is for you.
(4)Laila C.
something about this place is a little off. Maybe it's just a little too dark. Maybe the nachos are a little too bland. The burgers are definitely a little too dull. The beer list is fine, but overall...MEH....
(2)Christian W.
Well stocked beer list, educated servers who know their beer, and good bar food. Doesn't take much to please me!
(4)Bob J.
Great spot for craft beer with continuously changing taps and great events. It's a great neighborhood joint and beer bar if you find yourself thirsty and hungry in the West Loop of Chicago
(5)Y.D. K.
Great and popular place to be - despite being fairly crowded everytime I go here (at different times and day too), I still get a seat. Bartenders and wait staff are friendly enough and helpful - I got my beer and food in very decent time. Food has a decent selection of sandwiches to appetizers to enough things to satisfy most anyone. Quality is quite good too... Beer is why I come here - good selection that changes fairly regularly (so you don't stuck with a brew you don't like), so this is a good thing. I'll almost always go here everytime I am in the 'hood...
(4)Joe G.
Came here after checking out the Jordan statue. Angus burger with fries was awesome. Lots of beers & bartenders were helpful. First time in Chicago & pleasantly surprised with this place.
(4)Joanna D.
Went here for lunch with a couple of colleagues. It was very cozy and seemed like a nice place to hang out. Everyone ordered a $2 burger, while I ordered a grilled cheese panini with a side of steamed vegetables. The guys enjoyed the burgers, said they were good. When my food arrived, I was presented with a chicken salad. Mistakes happen. I thought the grilled cheese panini was decent, but the steamed vegetables ( which was just steamed broccoli ) tasted very good. The chips that came with the panini were greasy, hard, yet tasty. Didn't try any beers so I cannot comment on that.
(4)Tal C.
Came here for dinner on a Wednesday night and the place was about half full (or half empty)? I was sort of annoyed at the service from the beginning because the server's first words were "have you decided on a beer?" We weren't really planning on drinking, but because of that leading question, we kind of felt obligated to. I guess I should expect that at a place called Beer Bistro, but it was a Wednesday, after all. Oh well, the service got worse when later, she stopped by with a second beer for my friend. When he told the waitress he didn't order a second beer, she said "oh, I thought I heard you ask for another one." He clearly did not, and told her that he didn't, but she didn't offer to take it away, and still charged us for it, even though the beer just sat there, untouched. The food was okay- sliders were all pretty bland; basically what you see is what you get, nothing really special about them, and the caprese slider isn't even grilled (which I think just makes it a finger sandwich). We also got some salads, all of which were fine. Overall, I just wasn't impressed with the service or the food, so I probably wouldn't go back unless friends wanted to go.
(2)Alan F.
A pleasant good-beer discovery on this year's trip to Chicago--Beer Bistro has been around since 2005, but was new to me. About a mile west of the Loop on Madison Street, this place has excellent draft and bottled beer lists, with a number of brews not overlapping the Map Room, Local Option, or the relatively nearby Haymarket. Lovely Victorian back-bar, purportedly an Irish import. Friendly and beer-knowledgable bar staff. For the food side, I can personally testify only to a pretty good Reuben. Good public transit access; at Madison and Aberdeen on the 20-Madison bus line from the Loop, and about four blocks from the new Morgan station on the Green and Pink Lines They also have a newer second location at 1415 West Fullerton (the former SmallBar location), which I have not yet visited, but which they tell me offers a somewhat different beer list.
(4)Dan M.
This place can be hit or miss regarding to crowd. However, when patrons are in downing some good'l drafts its brings life to this quite neighborhood. Great place to be after or during events at near by United Center (Bulls , Hawks, concerts).
(3)Trisha S.
My first visit to the beer bistro was a bit disappointing. Not only were they out of the beer I wanted, but I found a piece of cellophane in the middle of the second half of my turkey sandwich. And because the service was decent, I have. since returned. My only gripe about this place is with the turkey sandwich. The turkey sandwich for one has just way too much turkey in it. It takes away from the apple and brie that accompany it. If you don't know what sandwich to choose, my suggestion would be to go with the sliders. If you choose one of each you get a free basket of fries or tots and even when the sliders are on special and you have to pay for the tots/fries, it's still a great deal.
(3)Christy L.
Great beer selection with a laid-back atmosphere! It beats the Bluebird in Bucktown but isn't as good, though less crowded, than Hop Leaf in Andersonville.
(4)Patrick L.
Yet another beer bar on my Chicago Tour of Suds. This is another classic-looking establishment, with a long bar on the left, some tables, a little outside seating. Extensive beer menu. It was a little odd, however, that the waitress had to keep passing the tap list around to different tables, as if they only had one copy of it. Oh well, I'm not going to complain - the service was fine. I started off with a Matilda, appropriately served in that sexy Matilda glass that I covet but can't find anywhere. My companions were exhorting me to give it the old five-finger-discount, but that's not my thing, sorry. I'm not going to descend upon your town and steal your beer glasses. That's just wrong. Then I had another Three Floyds Alpha King (probably my most-drunk beer on this trip), and capped my night, and my Chicago beer tour, with a Bitter Woman IPA, from Tyranena. The bar food here was a little bit above average. Steak quesadilla, can't go wrong with that. Yeah, I ate bar food AGAIN......damn, if I lived in Chicago I'd weigh 250 pounds.
(4)Samantha K.
I came here using a Groupon for open bar and food before a Blackhawks game. This place has great beers. Their list is super long and has something for even the pickiest beer drinkers. I'm not a huge beer drinker myself (Stella makes me perfectly happy), but our waitress found a blonde beer that I ended up really liking! My boyfriend has been wanting to try Gumball Head for the longest time. It's probably the hardest beer to find in the western suburbs so when we came here he was prayingggg that they had it here. When he saw it on the list he was so excited he nearly cried... not kidding. The food here was alright... the best thing that we ate was probably the homemade chips. The buffet included sliders, quesadillas, wings, pizza, and flatbread. Honestly, for how long the line was it just wasn't that worth it. I didn't have a chance to look at their real menu so I guess my opinion doesn't really count when it comes to the food. I wouldn't mind coming back and giving it a try though. All in all, everything was good. They should reconsider being a part of groupon since the people in charge of that suck. But thats an entire different story.
(4)Johnny T.
I need to try it again. I appreciate the fact that there's a West Loop beer bistro (literally) that is all about the suds. No longer does one *have* to go north to Andersonville or chad to Lincoln Park to get a beer on (you could always go sorta north to Lincoln Square, but that's another review). The bistro space is huge. Again, I appreciate not being smooshed onto other patrons. I like the fact that I can get a drink *and* a stretch on. Points to you, Beer Bistro. I wasn't crazy about the draftiness. The same boon that allows for so much space is a bit of a hazard in the winter time. No matter where I sat (I changed my seating), I could not get warm. I always felt the distinctive 'whoosh' of old man winter preparing to knock my @ss out. I spent the majority of my time hunched over and shivering like I was Shaggy/Scooby Doo and had just sent a 'ghost.' I was also a little put out that there was no Amber option on the draft board. I don't know whether this was a temporary snafu, but Ambers are my favorite to drink and I was hoping that a beer bistro could satisfy my amber + draft desires. I settled upon a Milk Stout which lived up to its name. It was pretty hearty, very creamy and I could barely detect any carbonation. It would probably be better as a post-meal brew. I was okay with it, but I wouldn't order it again. I'll come back -- most likely when it is warmer and there are some Amber drafts on the big board. A big shout out, however, to our waitress. She had beaucoup patience with a group that seemed to hem and haw all evening long. Despite the desire to roll her eyes at our demands (like recognizes like, my sister; my eyes would have been rollin' on the river, so...kudos), she stayed calm, cool and collected. I hope our tip made up for it.
(3)Sean B.
Pros: Beer list, great, but not as good as Hopleaf. Extensive and late-night menu with tons of options. Lots of room. Tater tots +++ Cons: If you have a party there, the back room is a wrap around bench with a coffee table, suitable maybe for 10 people not 25. We spilled over into the adjacent tables as they became available. Our waitress had a short-term memory problem. I couldn't get a refill OR a damn napkin after she spilled beer on my hand. Service is slow. And they messed up some of the details on my order. My burger was eh despite the pretzel roll. Overall: I'll be back, but on specials nights. Too many mistakes for the price on a Saturday night.
(3)Eddie V.
Perfectly acceptable brewpub. Beer selection wasn't anything astounding, but the food was good and the service was prompt.
(4)Susan F.
I like you, I really do! Before the Bulls game on Friday, a couple of gfs and I ventured over here. Great selection of beers, of course, and a huge menu!! I had the sonoma chicken salad wrap with fries--they really give you a lot--worth the price which isn't that bad at all. The fries were great and I really like the chicken wrap--not too fatty. The bottom level is a bit dungeoness (not like the crab...like a dungeon) but there are a lot of booths which is nice. Make sure to get the beer of the month (only $4) compared to $8+ for others, oops! Great location on Madison, just an all around good place.
(4)Nari H.
A place that has an extensive beer menu, a pretty decent bar/food menu, AND $2 Angus burgers on Tuesday nights?? You really can't go wrong with that. Came with some girlfriends and sat in the back corner lounge area and had a great time. I'd recommend it for anyone. We came on a weeknight and had no problems. Tips: The $2 burger is a standard Angus burger that comes with the bun, red onions, and lettuce. Anything extra is $0.50 each. Fries are extra ($2.99).
(4)Christopher B.
We needed a place to kill some time before heading to the United Center and ended up here. Solid beer selection, decent food, and friendly service. You can easily find better food and a better beer selection in the West Loop, but if I ended up here again I'd be happy.
(3)Kimberly C.
What can I say, I'm a sucker for a great neighborhood bar - and this place has consistently delivered for the 7+ years I've lived in the west loop. I am not even a regular beer drinker, but the food here is awesome, the prices are reasonable, and the service is good -- consistent and without attitude. The place would get five stars if they had a bigger patio.
(4)Claudia D.
My husband and I enjoyed the Beer Bistro when it first opened. The food was high quality and the specials were enjoyable. However, the increasingly rude and negligent wait staff finally undermined all of our positive attitudes toward the Beer Bistro. We no longer go there after being ignored, neglected, and verbally abused by our wait person.
(1)Garret F.
First experience here was a 5-star rating. We just had a casual night at the bar, ordered burgers, fries, and multiple good beers (great selection). We have to recommend that everyone try the burger with peanut butter and a fried egg. I haven't seen this since my trip to New Orleans, but trust me ... its excellent!!! Finally, the atmosphere was relaxed, fun, and a great west loop neighborhood bar.
(5)William S.
I went for the $3 burger specials on Tuesday and while I enjoyed the beer selection, the service and food were okay. They messed up my order and when I mentioned that, they brought out the same burger and added what was missing without taking off what I can't eat (Cheese). But for $3 dollars ($0.50 - $1.00 for additional toppings) I was pretty stuffed.
(2)William L.
Awesomeness @ the Bistro: -Killer specials on food and drink everyday. Wednesday is my fav. -The beer list is phenomenal. -Servers are great with beer recommendations as the list can be quite intimidating. -It's big. (that's what she said) -Awesome place for pre and post Hawks game brewskis. -Parking in the neighborhood is not bad on non-game-days. -Did I mention the awesome specials? My only beef is that it's not close to me or particularly easily accessible via CTA for me...but whose fault is that?!?
(5)Geoff K.
Ahhh the boozed up memories. Broken cell phones, dust ups with opposing fans...a lot of good times went down in this bar for me. I lived down the street from this place for over a year and just moved out of Chicago. This was my local spot. The bartenders and waitstaff were cool and friendly, food was above average, owner was from my hometown go figure, and the people that frequented the joint were laid back. Not only could you go before a Blackhawks game and grab a few beers, then grab the shuttle to the UC and comeback later, but you could also show up to this place on a random weeknight solo and enjoy a top notch draft selection and watch whatever game you wanted (if you asked). The hot wings and fish tacos were the best two things on the menu. Everyday they have some kind of deal (ie $5 pizza nights). $heeeeet I'm missing this place already...someone grab me a tissue please.
(4)Dan L.
Went here after a Sunday Blackhawks game. We didn't know what to do when we got in because there was no sign indicating we had to find a seat ourselves and there was still a cash register/hostess table in front which kinda threw us off. A regular from the bar said there was a table in back he saw open we could snag. When we finally found a seat, service was good! Waitress gave us plenty of time to look over the menu of food and beer. They have a huge selection of beer and their food is pretty damn good. The fish and chips were a bit bland, but, it's fish and chips...nothing too magnificent to brag about when you order that. They have a bunch of different sliders you can choose from and the tomato bisque is incredible. Daily specials. Next time I find myself there on a Sunday not so hung over, I'm gonna dominate those 25 cent wings. Can't wait to go back and try more! GO HAWKS!
(4)DJ F.
The best way to describe the Beer Bistro: its my "Cheers". I admit, i frequent this place, so you might think that this is a biased review... which it absolutely is. I'm fine to admit that because I love this place. The staff is amazingly friendly, the beer selections are always changing, and I've never ever had a bad meal here. Every opportunity I get I bring friends and out-of town family here, and their response is always "I wish I lived closer so I could come here more often".
(5)Brent W.
not a bad place, it's your typical Pub (Bistro is a total misnomer) in the West Loop. It'll be a distant memory in the near term if was a betting man.
(2)Kim G.
Pizza is decent, beer selection is good, friendly bar tenders, try all the sliders. Cool belt driven fans!
(4)Andrew P.
LOVE this place. They have a fantastic draft beer selection, they have a really really good burger special on Tuesdays, and they are the perfect place to go to before a Bulls or Hawks game. Beer Bistro can get a little crowded on nice weather days, but my coworkers and I usually don't have a problem finding a table for 4 for lunch or dinner during the week. BIG FANS of Beer Bistro.
(5)Candice G.
I totally dig this place... and it's not my typical type of place. I generally don't get too excited when I realize that the place I'll be spending my night caters to the sports fanatics, but this place did sports right... all low key, and classy like. I was with a large group of friends and we had the back booth area along with a few tables reserved for us the entire night. The staff and establishment as whole were very accommodating and helpful along with the food, for being bar food, was pretty darn good- and the drink selection was superb. The place is clean and friendly and not all crampy like most other places that combine a love for beer and sports. Please note that there is only one bathroom (meaning 1 stall) and it is shared by men and women. I defo spent a fair amount of time waiting to pee but I had good company and the bathroom was maybe 2 hops from our booth area. I would def go back for more group engagements here. They know how to handle parties of 20 to 30 people with folks coming and going with ease and parking, though metered, was very easy to find.
(4)Angela S.
I've frequented this place many a time. The beer and food is pretty darn good, but for goodness sakes clean the bathroom already! Upstairs and down they are ALWAYS atrocious. Even at opening.
(3)Ted C.
I would give Beer Bistro a higher rating but my first, and what I thought my last experience colors this review. My second time was much more pleasant and I was impressed with it. The beer choices are pretty vast, but a large percentage of it is in bottle form. However, they do have some pretty unique beers out there that I haven't seen. Duvel green? Color me impressed! I went around Christmas and they had a 12 beers of Christmas promotion which while not necessarily original but some of the beers I saw on their list I hadn't seen in others. The beer bistro truly lives up to its name. Food wise, I had a lot of their sliders. The buffalo chicken ones were pretty good, a small, spicy little bite that was a little treasure. The prime rib slider, pretty good that could have used horseradish, good. The caprese slider was pretty good, a little too snooty really, the concept feels a little tired-the bread seemed unnecessary for something that tasted so good. Now that I know the service isn't so standoffish I will give it another shot.
(3)Amy K.
Several different beers on tap and bottled, this place has been a favorite west loop hangout with friends for years. Great deals on $5 pizza's during the week, and nice go to place for a quick bite to eat. I'm a fan of the turkey burger sliders, fish tacos (although not as good as Seattle, duh), fish & chips and very filling salads! A friend was luving the southwest burger with jalepenos and desert is always the warm chocolate chip cookie in a pan with vanilla ice cream. My goal is to try a different beer every time I go which should keep me occupied for at least 1 year!
(4)David K.
We live in the neighborhood and go to Beer Bistro frequently. We actually like the place, but lately the quality has been slipping. I think they've been overwhelmed by the crowds generated by all the positive reviews -- and they have an especially difficult time before and after Bulls or Blackhawks games. Our dinner last night (just before the Bulls game) was an example of this problem. I had a turkey sandwich and my wife ordered fish & chips. The sandwich came with house-made potato chips that were a disaster -- way overcooked (almost burnt) and horribly greasy. When I pointed out that the chips were burnt our server brought out another small basket of chips that were exactly the same. Awful. A note to Beer Bistro: these chips are inedible as they are prepared now...you'd be much better off just buying commercially made chips from Lays, etc. and throwing those on the plate. My wife's fish was similarly overcooked and greasy. The fries accompanying her meal were OK but lukewarm. Also, at one point she asked for a Heineken, but our server said that they didn't have any that were cold, so she ordered a draft beer instead. That was fine, except when we received our check we were charged for the Heineken she never had. Our server quickly removed that erroneous charge, but again, this was an unfortunate service lapse. The bottom line? You couldn't find a nicer place for a drink and the staff is very friendly, but if you plan to have something to eat I'd recommend avoiding Beer Bistro when they are busy.
(2)Pete V.
We stopped by Beer Bistro on our way to a Bulls game to grab a burger ($2 burgers on Tuesdays) and a beer. The burger was a great deal for $2. It seemed like it was at least 1/2 pounds and good quality meat. Mine was cooked almost exactly the way I ordered it. I also upgraded to the pretzel bun for $2, which was a prudent investment because the pretzel bun was very soft and chewy, and surprisingly not very salty. A nice enhancement to the burger. I also got a pint of the Two Brothers Heavy Handed IPA - a nice recommendation by our server. It looked like they had about 20 or so beers on tap, and a pretty solid selection with a bunch of local brews. The bottled beer list is even better with at least 100 beers available. They were also doing a 12 beers of X-mas special featuring some solid beers like Delirium Noel and La Chouffe, which was awfully tempting. My only complaint was the frostbite that was setting in as the cold tundra air swept through the place every time someone opened the front door. In fact the party seated behind us all had their coats on while they were eating! Wow, now that is determination. No where else on earth will people endure frostbite to get a $2 burger! By the way, the service was great and our server was nice enough to call the free shuttle to the United Center even after the last one had left. I'd definitely head back here, especially on Tuesday for the burger special.
(4)Becky G.
My go-to bar for a relaxing night with friends and drinking good beer. Their beer selection is outta this world. Probably one of the best in the city. And I think their food is much better than your standard bar food. They have a shuttle to and from the UC for Blackhawks and Bulls games, as well as some concerts. So if you don't like Chicago sports, sorry, but don't bother coming here. Most of the servers are awesome and down-to-earth. There are a couple of sour Sallys, but otherwise, everyone who works here is nice and attentive.
(4)Jason P.
I really enjoy the bistro. Their beverage list is pretty extensive and they have good food to match. Their staff is also very patient, as I have been here multiple times for huge parties and they seem to handle everything about as well as you can expect. I was pretty stoked to learn that they offer caprese and portabella sliders when we were there on the slider special day. The basic plan of attack on any given visit here is order some tasty food and try and make sure you try at least a couple new beverages to help wash it down. It is a strategy that guarantees success.
(5)Callie B.
Great local bar! Extensive beer list, yummy food, friendly service and awesome daily specials. Great to relax with friends or watch the game. They also have a free shuttle to Bulls/Hawks games. Can't ask for much more!
(4)Sarah B.
I was taken to Beer Bistro last summer by a date who lives in the area. The place was packed! We were able to snag a table in the front of the house, however, and we perused the menu. I understand this place is all about the beer, obviously, but I really wanted a martini after I spied the list. I went with a dirty vodka martini and it tasted foul! Eh, I drank it anyway and ordered a second one that was more fruity. I really never go for the fruity ones but they couldn't handle a regular straight up martini so there I was. I'm not hating--it didn't ruin my night and it wouldn't keep me from going back. I had a burger and fries--both were good--nothing to write home about, but fine. I really liked the atmosphere and decor. It was a nice little spot for our date and I was happy to have tried out a new (to me) place.
(3)Kyle M.
Great atmosphere for a game, after work drinks, late night drinks, or a gathering of friends at anytime. I love the beer list here and how it rotates fairly regularly. Beer Bistro uses social media avenues to even let customers know whats on tap or on deck. I love when bars keep up with their patrons. They usually get some rare stuff or have great beer nights. With that said, the food is pretty standard, borderline sub-par. I've given their menu a few chances and it always seems to come up short. Whether its a dull cheeseburger, undercooked fries, or an uninspired plate of chicken strips, the food isn't the main showcase from Beer Bistro. It's too bad because there aren't a lot of places in Chicago that boast a great beer list and great food with this type of atmosphere. Heck, after a few of their craft beers, anything tastes good. So if you do eat at Beer Bistro I recommend the sliders.
(3)Audrey T.
This is a great default place as a go to, if for no other reason other than they have great weekday specials. Whatever you're in the mood for, they generally have a day for it. Their pizza is good and their beer (can be) cheap. The place is actually really authentic with one of those old-timey belted fan systems, as well as a detailed and huge wooden bar surround. Although I do have to say... I had pizza here one time, and within hours I was curled up in a ball on the bathroom floor. But the 3 other people that had the same thing I had were just fine. So, "it's not you, its me". This place needs Half Acre on tap for another star.
(3)Lawrence L.
My favorite local drinking establishment. They have an extensive and monthly beer selection. Always good prices and a fun atmosphere. The staff are friendly and helpful. The pizza is a good and gets a nice browning before being served. A must try if you are in the West Loop
(4)Colin E.
Every time I come I here I have a major problem. There's way too much fantastic beer that I have the most difficult time choosing what I want to drink. If you live in the west loop and love craft beer this is the place for you! Food is tasty as well.
(5)christine p.
Fun local spot I go to wayyy too often, the people who work here are super friendly, kinda slow with the orders sometime but the food is pretty good and affordable! I'd check it, Monday has 5$ pizza's the buffalo chicken is my fav!
(4)Marie B.
Great Beer selection.
(3)Raychel L.
This place has the atmosphere I look for in a good bar that serves tasty food. They have an AMAZING beer selection. On the menu they even suggest a beer per entree. The food was great too. I had the sliders (pulled pork, cheeseburger, and buffalo chicken). The pork was nothing special, wouldn't order it again. The burger was yummy - super juicy and flavorful and the buffalo chicken was nice and spicy. My boyfriend had the turkey and ranch wrap with fries, good as well. What is great about this place besides the relaxed, old school atmosphere is their daily specials. We went on Monday, before the bulls game, and it was $5 pizzas. Wasn't in the pizza mood but they looked really good. I mean $2 burgers on Tuesdays? After sampling their cheeseburger slider i'm there. I'll definitely be back!
(4)Lisa L.
This was a welcome addition to the West Loop/Greektown list of drinking and eating options. I was glad to see that the extensive exist of beers included many of my favorite brews, of which many were often put on special. Beer Bistro's list also includes some really unique specialty beers, but watch out when ordering because some are really expensive; it's kind of irritating because the beer menu doesn't list prices, so don't get trapped! Also appreciated is the cheap pizza night on Mondays when medium (fairly-large, really) pizzas are $5 a piece. Beer Bistro is a good place to pregame before Blackhawks games at the United Center, or to head to after UC events let out. It's also a great place to grab beers with your team mates after a game at Johnny's Ice House, though it's a bit more of a walk than The Stanley Club or Westend.
(4)Andy M.
A great bar though similar to third rail. The food is more plentiful and really good. There is a wide variety of beer on tap and everything about this place is great. The staff was helpful and always checking on customers. Likely the best bar on the Madison stretch as it is the perfect size and environment.
(4)Carol K.
Still love this place! The food is quite good- check out their $5 large pizza's on Monday nights where you pay only a dollar for each topping! They also are one of the few places in Chicago that carry my favorite beer (Kronenberg 1664) so I'm hooked! If you don't like crowds you might want to time your visit when there is not some sporting event going on at the United Center as it gets a bit crazy before and after games. You'll see many of the same faces each time you visit here as it is a bit of a neighborhood joint- but that's okay. Pretty soon- you just become one of the gang!
(4)Jon C.
This bar is a must for all beer connoisseurs... Their selection is unbelieveable... Ranging from Belgian Doubles to local craft beers, if you have a craving, I am confident this place has it. The beers can be spendy but that is the reality of Chicago. The atmoshpere of this place could only be improved if it had a beer garden. The Bistro is also home to some diehard Blackhawks fans. Thus, if hitting up a game at the "Madhouse on Madison", stop in and grab a pint before cheering on Toews or Kane.
(4)Tom A.
Love this place. Food is pretty good. Beer menu is awesome. Wait staff is darn good too. It gets pretty busy when there are hawks games so be advised, otherwise it's a manageable atmosphere
(4)Cameron Y.
A great old school pub with a friendly staff and a vast beer selection.
(4)Jason W.
Great food and great staff. This was my local drinking est. for over 5 years, and I still visit every chance I get. The Tap takeovers are great and the themed dress on the holidays are a lot of fun. My favorite is Bob on St. Patty's. Oh..and 12 Beers of Christmas...good time!
(5)Michael E.
Ok....Ok....so I was hitting bars last night on the West Loop....what can I say....this part of town is growing on me! In addition to Twisted Spoke I headed down to The Beer Bistro. This bar has a look and feel as if it has been there for years. But of course the draw for me is what I thought would be a nice beer selection....man was I surprised?!? It wasn't nice....it was fantastic! They had more beers than I could shake a stick at, but in the end I selected a nice little IPA with a 9% alcohol content.....hey, what can I say, I like my beer with a kick! Bartender was great...funny too. Wait staff came by every 5 to 10 minutes to check on just beer drinkers.....nice! The outdoor patio is great, though small, and the windows in front of the establishment were wide open last night to add to the great weather. Overall a low key neighborhood bar that is a great little stop or perhaps an entire evening, just sitting and enjoying your brew.
(5)Neil M.
Great Beer, not so great food. Beer Bistro is my local and I come here often. They have a wonderful, extensive beer list and there are usually some new ones to try each time you go. The Tap TakeOver nights are good fun. I've spent more time and money than I care to admit making my way through their beer list, but it was all good. The servers are generally attentive and friendly. The only thing dragging the Beer Bistro down is the quality of the food. It has never been very good: usually way over-salted, perhaps to disguise the quality of the ingredients. This weekend was the last straw however: I come down with a severe case of food poisoning, definitely as a result of something eaten at the Beer Bistro. (I'll spare you the details, but let's just say that there would have been an R-rating had my night been made into a movie). And I had not over-drinked: one burger and one beer was all it took to ruin my weekend. I'll be back for the beer, but not for the food. I understand that there is always a specter of poor hygiene at any food establishment, but after last weekend, I won't be eating here again. The beer though: keep 'em coming.
(3)julie q.
Love the Beer Bistro. Awesome beer selection, $5 martini and 1/2 price app nights, fun and nice wait staff, and i disagree with a lot of the posts on here - I think the food is really good for typical bar food. This place is 1/2 between work and home so going here is pretty simple. And I've never had a bad time here...food, drinks, or fun.
(4)Rhonna V.
Love the daily specials! Great Beer Selection!
(5)Molly L.
I came here before a Blackhawks game (or as I called it, a Red Wings game). A word of advice to those looking for dinner before a game at the United Center: MAKE A RESERVATION! I called at 11am the day of and barely got a 5:30 reservation. The beer list is awesome! Especially around the holidays with all the special Christmas brews. 5 stars for the beer list! Unfortunately, I wasn't in love with the food. If we go back, I'd definitely order something else. Maybe a burger because the bite I had of my boyfriend's was good. I got 3 sliders: caprese, pulled pork and cheeseburger. The cheeseburger one was good. The other two were just OK. In summary, I'd definitely come back again to drink, but maybe I'd hit somewhere else for dinner.
(3)Nicolas H.
Decent bar but I wasn't impressed by the bistro part of their name. The food options were your typical bar fare and from what I tried of the quesadilla nothing special at all. Good spot though to have some drinks before events at the UIC pavilion, but it also seems to be a venue of choice for Blackhawk fans (as they have a shuttle service to the United Center). As for the extra seating in the basement, it's pretty gloomy down there. Reminds me of drinking in a friend's basement (which when I was young was fun, but when you are an adult is just depressing)...
(3)Vanessa D.
New review: I came here more frequently back when this place first opened and I still lived a few blocks away. Back then it was great-- wonderful beer selection and GOOD bar food all convenient to my house. I'd even take out-of-town beer-nerd friends to this place because they do have a good selection and it was closer than going up to the Hopleaf in Andersonville. Last night I came here with my two friends. One of the friends, like me, used to frequent this place quite regularly over the first couple of years that it was open. The service was always good back then. Last night, the service was not good. We were there for a few hours and had quite a few (RATHER EXPENSIVE) beers and some food. We sat at the bar and while the bartender was pretty attentive for the first round of drinks there were long periods where she wouldn't come by, which ended up in us not ordering food for almost an hour after arriving! Then we got the bill and found it pretty stupid for them to charge extra ($0.50) for the mayo we had with our fries. My friends told this to the bartender but she was all "sorry, I have to ring it into the system that way and there's nothing I can do". Which is fine, it's not her fault. However, then the manager came by and he was a COMPLETE douche about it. He did the whole "sorry, that's business" and "that's what you're gonna see at any other bar or restaurant in the area". Now, if we want to get technical about it MOST bars and restaurants in the area serving fries/frites these days ALWAYS provide sauces, so, no I haven't been charged for a tiny cup of mayo in the past. Yes, it was only 50 cents, but give me a break. We spent about 100 bucks there that night between the three of us and they had to nickel and dime us like that? Anyway, in addition to this guy completely lacking customer service skills, the straw that really broke the camel's back was when he was all "Well, it was very nice meeting you" to my friends. Give me a break, don't be a dick and then give that fake response. Say you have to go attend to other things, but don't say it was NICE TO MEET THEM when you clearly treated them like crap. So, the manager needs to take some customer service lessons and perhaps the owner needs to adjust the menu/charging to not charge for A CONDIMENT that should come with the food anyway. I won't be coming back.
(1)Justine L.
Thursdays are half-priced appetizers and they're all good! Sliders are awesome as well. There are a billion different types of beers and I cannot remember what we had. Regardless, the staff always provides great recommendations once you give them an idea of what you want. The service was also great- the waitresses helped us scope out a bigger table for our party and remembered what beers each of ordered throughout the night. Would def come back time and time again.
(4)jenise r.
Went here awhile back for lunch. I had some beer battered tenders which I loved because they were so crispy and their meatloaf dinner. I need to start writing reviews asap so I remember more about the place =( Sorry guys. I did enjoy the place and would love to go back during the summer and they did have a nice beer selection.
(4)Eman S.
I've been making my way to a bunch of West Loop bars and we were told to get to the Bistro for the good food and beer. They were right, this place was pretty damn good. Lets be honest, any place that has a dozen sliders on their menu cannot be bad. I ordered a pulled pork slider and a BBQ salad and they were both really good. The others at the table got a bunch of sliders and fish tacos and everyone really liked their food. I don't really remember anything about our server, so I guess that means that nothing stood out good or bad, but I do remember the selection of beer and that was really good! Definitely going to go back to this place and try more sliders.
(4)Dana E.
Came in for lunch with our 2 year old on a Saturday afternoon . The place was about 1/3 full and our sliders and chicken sandwich took about 45 minutes to get to us. Lets just say 45 minutes seems like an eternity to wait for food with a two year old. The sliders were okay the tater tots were awesome but my chicken was burnt and dried out I think they must have had it on the grill for the entire 45 minutes. The place is not horrible but since there are so many better choices in the area we will not be going back.
(2)Laura L.
Sliders. Eat the sliders. Sliders. We went to go visit Beer Bistro's 5th birthday party with stars like Elmo gracing us with his presence. (Yes the red monster from Sesame Street). With $2 drafts for the party how could we say no? I am a wuss when it comes to trying new beer so I stuck with Allagash, but for the educated there is anything and everything you can think of. And yes that does include PBR, Schlitz, Pimm's, Old Style and Milwaukee's Best in a can! Sliders. Eat the sliders. Sliders. Especially portobello mushroom. Yum. $2 a piece. Try one of each and you can get free fries and tots. I had mashed potatoes instead. Yum.
(4)cassie r.
I'm pretty sure if I tried this place on a night besides Friday, or had more time to enjoy it, I would be giving Beer Bistro a higher rating. Alas, that wasn't the case, so here are my thoughts: This place gets super crowded -I'm not saying it was a sardine can of groping 20 year olds, but there weren't any tables to sit and enjoy a beer or two. I prefer to sit back and enjoy a brew - and I don't enjoy feeling like I'm in the middle of a dodge ball game, more focused on avoiding people than enjoying my drink. This place does have a great vibe though - young crowd, lots of Blackhawks fans, and an AMAZING beer selection. And anyplace that has Dragon's Milk on tap is a place I must return to. As long as I can manage to avoid the SRO option again, I'll be good to go.
(3)David M.
Good beer selection. Service average. Manager/owner was blatantly hitting on women while I was there and food is ok.
(2)Kathleen G.
Wandered over Sunday after Taste of Randolph. Great beer menu, though because they rotate their stock frequently sometimes they don't have everything on the menu (happened 3 times). Waitress was knowledgable about the beers and service was friendly. Didn't get any food but the pizza looked & smelled yummy (very cheesy & plenty of toppings).
(4)David M.
This is a tricky one.......it gets 4plus stars for the beer menu...excellent with a number of seasonal / special brews on draft...also for knowledgable staff...name a brew you like and they will get you another you will like as well...very good. But less for the food...is WAY too typical bar food...mediocre to medium but not good to great....sigh! Go there, but don't expect to be wow'ed by the food unless you like kinda mediocre burgers...it could be so much more!
(3)Erin S.
I went there for Saturday dinner and really enjoyed the food at Beer Bistro. It's a great place to kick back and drink a beer while watching the game, but also would be a solid choice for a quiet dinner with a friend or significant other. The atmosphere is modern (with exposed brick walls, low lighting etc.) but also very friendly and Chicago-esque. There were people from all walks of life - big families, young lovers, sports nuts and us, two couples who had just saw a really crappy play and wanted to eat our feelings. When I ate there I had the fish tacos, which were soft shells made with mahi mahi (and had that distinctive buttery taste..yum) served with guacamole and a side of black beans. When they first brought the platter out, I thought there was no possible way I could eat the whole thing. Well, I'm sure you can guess how that turned out. I thought the fish was flaky and delicious and with tangy guac, you can't really go wrong. They also had a really nice beer selection, and good service.
(4)Duane M.
Strictly writing as a hop head, this place is one of the best in the city to get a beer... or twelve. While most of the brews don't come cheap, they have an outstanding selection with new additions all the time. The staff really knows their beer, and more importantly, they know how to serve it. I can count on two hands the number of places I've had a proper pour of Guinness in Chicago and the Beer Bistro is one of them. They have all the right glassware for the style of beer you want and it's served at the prescribed temperature. As for the food, I haven't had anything bad, but I haven't had anything that made my day either. You don't go to a place called the Beer Bistro for the food anyway, but it's always nice to have something in your stomach when sampling a dozen of your favorite drinks. The place does get busy, so get there early and make friends with your waiter/waitress quickly.
(4)Lauren S.
This is a cute little place very close to UIC and the medical district. The beer selection is out of this world. In response to a previous comment i feel like they should put up descripstions on beers for those who are not familiar because im sure the bartenders do not have all the time in the world to be explaining the different beers to people. The food was really good, I got some sliders; the turkey with brie cheese and apples, the pulled pork and the portabella mushroom with goat cheese and chipotle mayo... soo delicious! And the service was really good.
(4)Angelina S.
It seems that every establishment that occupied 1061 W. Madison is always a favorite of mine. The first time I visited this building was oh so many years ago (let's say 7 years ago) when it was a martini bar. At the time I was in my "Sex and the City sophisticated woman" stage and was all about the cosmos, french martinis and the like. The establishment was quickly becoming my neighborhood haunt. But the neighborhood of West Town/West Loop (whatever people or your local alderman are calling it these days) caters to a meat and potatoes crowd (Carmichael's being just down the street and Billy Goat's Tavern a short walk away). So, eventually, the martini bar faded away. But in it's place (Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Ha-lle-lu-jah), a pub now stands. A pub that serves so many beers that will make your head spin, and once it's done spinning, there are still a few more beers to complete the menu. The first time I visited Beer Bistro, I was so ecstatic that a joint like this had opened in my neighborhood. After reviewing the menu for the first time, I realized they sold my most favorite beer in the whole wide world -- Lindeman's Framboise!!! That sealed it for me, The Beer Bistro was now my favorite place on earth. Each time I visit The Beer Bistro, I just loved the place more and more. The service has always been top notch; all of the servers are extremely helpful and knowledgeable. The Framboise is my fave, but as there are so many libations on The Beer Bistro menu, I have tasted my share of beer and the staff is always great in providing me recommendations whenever I am undecided. The food is great. The dining menu has staples such as burgers, pizza, mac & cheese, wings. But also has items such as fish tacos, paninis and quesadillas. Fare for everyone. I have to recommend the array of sliders (Mmmm, mmmm, good). i also recommend visiting The Beer Bistro during the week to take advantage of the weekly specials; visiting on Tuesdays is a must (how can you say no to $2 Angus Burgers?!!). I have hosted my husband's 35th bday party and the large private booth is both secluded and large enough for about 10 people. If you are interested in hosting a larger party, the private bar downstairs can be rented. Although my visits to The Beer Bistro have been limited since Baby DD's arrival, I have still taken advantage of the take out menu. I at least can take a little piece of The Beer Bistro home with me. I am looking forward to the day when I can step back into the bistro, sidle up to the bar and savor a beer from their extensive menu. I may even try their beer drinking challenge; if you drink all the beers on the menu (you have until June; no need to risk alcohol poisoning to do it in one night!!), you will be invited to The Beer Bistro's outing of the Crosstown Classic at a Wrigleyville rooftop. I am glad that The Beer Bistro's has occupied the space at 1061 W. Madison for these years. You are my pub of choice in the city and I cannot wait to get back to being a regular at your establishment. Save some Lindeman's Framboise and Sofie, Ephemere, Pear Cider, Banana Nut Bread beer (you get the idea) for me.
(5)E W.
Beer Bistro is great for an after work drink. The food is good (for bar food) but: Go there on a Friday or Saturday night ONLY if you want to snag yourself a crusty looking cougar or married man. For Serious.
(3)Julie A.
I agree that they have a great selection of beer, but heed my warning: If you are going to an event at the United Center, GET HERE EARLY! Wowzer, we were lucky to get there around 5:30, and got the last table. As fast as a snap of the fingers, this place was packed, with people dashing to grab any chair available. Because of the event at the United Center, service was slooooow. We ordered appetizers - chicken quesadillas, calamari, hummus and goat cheese. Bleech. All of it was at a very weird temperature. Like it was made yesterday, and put on a plate today. There was no attempt in anything being barely above room temp. Even the hummus was weird. So other then the food that I tried - I would go back for the beer, but I wouldn't make a special trip out of it.
(3)Shannon O.
I just moved into the West Loop neighborhood, so I'm all about checking out the local bars and restaurants. I went here on a Thursday night and got to enjoy a delicious Starburst martini (not too fruity and definitely strong!) for only $5, along with 1/2 price appetizers. I split the spinach artichoke dip which comes with pita chips--delicious! I also split the GRILLED chicken fingers...super good--a nice alternative to the typical friend chicken fingers. It comes with a great dip that is pretty spicy. The atmosphere is quaint. The perimeter of the bar is lined with tables with a small walkway between the tables and the bar. I was there on a night that there was a Blackhawks game going on, so the place was pretty packed. The Beer Bistro also offers a free shuttle to and from the United Center for Blackhawks and Bulls games--an awesome way to avoid the parking lot at the United Center! This is definitely a place that I will be frequenting now that I live just a few blocks away! From the look on the menu, they appear to have some pretty awesome daily specials throughout the week, along with some tasty sounding food on the menu. After going here again, I may be back to update my review to five stars...but I didn't want to get overzealous after the first visit :)
(4)Eden S.
I've been quite a bit. Its not far from UIC and this is why we go: $2 Thursday burgers yo! Wide selection of beer (like 100 different types) Tots The reason why I gave it a 3 was because the wait staff is sometimes nowhere to be found. I understand it can get a bit crowded during United Center games (which is a plus cause they do offer a ride there) but waiting between 15-20 mins to get a drink can be a damper. The food is okay. I would go on a night when they have specials, however if you go and get buzzed, then the food is amazing haha. They have tons of tvs, and most are on different games, also a plus. Most times my tab is around $15-20.
(3)Karen L.
I heart you, Beer Bistro! I heart you because you serve the best $2 burgers on Tuesday nights! I heart you because you have Crispin Cider on tap I heart you because you are so freakin' cool yet so damn casual I heart you because you can accommodate a larger crowd at a moment's notice Don't ever change! You are perfect just the way you are!
(4)Ann N.
Love this place!! Great selection of beer with a really helpful waitstaff. While there me and my boyfriend met the owner and the manager and it was our first time there! When you go try to sit at the bar and get Beth. Amazing bartender with a wonderful personality. We ordered a flight of three sliders, the turkey, cheeseburger, and the caprese. It was okay. And we also had the Mac and cheese. It was soupy and the noodles were overcooked, but they also mentioned that the kitchen was backed up so we'd give the Mac & cheese another chance. The star of our meal was the pepperoni and goat cheese pizza. Their pizzas are sooo good. And on Monday's they offer pizzas for $5. Overall, our beers and great service overshadowed the okay-ish food. However they're things we'd give a secod chance too anyway. Definitely stop by!
(5)Bill L.
We went here as a group from work, and found it to be very nice. Just like every other Chicago place at this time of year, its a little cool inside, but the food warms you up and is very good, and a big variety. Service was good and had a fun time. I liked the atmosphere, definitely will come back through and see how this place looks when the night crowd is out.
(4)Mel L.
Beer Bistro is a fun place to try out different types of beer. They have a HUGE selection and the staff is very knowledgeable and helpful. Our waitress was able to go into great detail about each beer we were interested in. This is the way it should be!! Food-wise, we experienced above average bar/pub food. Their pizza was very good and decently sized for the price. The monthly beer special is always good to try!
(4)Bora U.
Beer Bistro is one of my favorite neighborhood watering holes. It's a great spot for a casual date, to catch up with a friend, or to celebrate. There's a small outdoor seating area that has three tables that fit up to four guests. I've lucked out every time I visited over the summer and into the fall and have scored outdoor seating. There are plenty of high top tables for two and a party section in the back of the bar with lush booths and a large flat screen television. Probably large enough to fit 15 guests. They have food and drink specials every night of the week and the waitstaff are wonderfully bubbly. The Tuesday night $2 burgers are large and juicy. It can get pricey when you add additional toppings like cheese and mushrooms. The burger doesn't come with fries but my friends and I like to share a basket of tator tots in lieu of fries. I also enjoy their $5 dollar pizzas. I'd say they're large enough to feed 2-3 people. The food options on their regular menu are your typical pub fare and I've never had a dish that I didn't like. I'm not a fan of their martinis but it's called the "Beer Bistro" not "Martini Bistro" bistro so I shouldn't complain of that. I've learned a great deal about the range of beers that are out in the world (120 are offered at Beer Bistro) thanks to the well-versed waitstaff. They always have great suggestions when I tell them the styles and flavors I like/dislike. It can get a little crowded and rowdy on the weekends or before/after Bulls/Blackhawk games so I like to plan my visits avoiding those days. Also - beware of the bathrooms - or at least the staircase leading down to the bathrooms. I've probably seen three girls trip down the stairs on three different occassions...too many Deliriums perhaps? Cheers to Beer Bistro! I'm forever a fan.
(4)Cathy N.
I have to disagree with Donisha.....If she is aware of the food industry she would know the ups and downs that are dealt with on a daily basis and would understand being in the food industry she should be a little more patient. I am in the food industry and understand that. I have had NOTHING but great experiences here. No matter how busy or slow it is I get great service and the food is GREAT. As for Beth I have had her as a server and have had nothing but a great experience while being served by her or just seeing her while I was visiting for a quick beer or 2. haha. Like that ever happens. Anyway.....being in the industry should give someone a better understanding of what we go thru daily which should allow for a little more patience no matter what the situation and I cant see there being anything but great reviews for the Beer Bistro and Beth no matter what day you are there so they get Kudos from me!!!
(4)Samantha H.
I have to say I really liked this place. Six of us went here after a 3 mile charity walk (nothing tops off a healthy early morning walk like bar food and beer). It was pretty dead at that time so while our service was good, I can't offer a very good opinion on it since it was slow. The food was pretty solid. I had a turkey bacon ranch wrap, which was good. The chips and tots were decent. Their beer list though, that was impressive. Trummer Pils! How I love thee. They also have beer pairings with each dish on their menu. They have good specials during the week which I have yet to try, but it's on my to-do!
(4)Lauren C.
To be fair to Beer Bistro, the only time I've been here was on an absolutely horrid date. That likely impacted my view of this place. This place initially seemed like it was the West Loop version of Hopleaf, which is my favorite bar in Chicago. I immediately knew my order - a nice cold Maudite. Unfortunately, they were out of Maudite and recommended another similar beer - I took it. The thing that's unfortunate about this bar is that there aren't prices on the beer menu. My Maudite substitute and a Harp pint cost me $23 - which certainly surprised me. Two beers for $23? No thanks. The bartenders were very nice and the space is lovely, which is why Beer Bistro gets 3 stars from me. But next time, I'll stick to Hopleaf.
(3)Nina M.
For some reason last week I wanted sliders all day. I had KFC for lunch with their little chicken slider sandwiches (delicious!). Then for a late dinner I came here and ordered sliders, I really wanted the prime rib slider. That was the only one they didn't have, of course. So I ordered a burger, a turkey and a portabella mushroom slider. Pretty cheap. Burger was good. Turkey was revolting. It looked pinkish and like lunch meat on a very thinly sliced gross cucumber. The bread was nasty too. The portabella mushroom was just as bad. With almost cornbread like square buns. Skip that, the fries are great. The wings were pretty good too. I'm sure the beers are good and overall a decent, neighborhood/sports bar.
(3)John F.
Great beer. Poor food. Friendly service. How great is $2 burger Tuesday? For a regularly $9 burger, not a mini-mouthful burger bite. Well, when the 'medium rare' order comes completely rare, a comletely soggy bun and the fries are passable at best, then you reconsider. I'd completely forgotten that the same thing happened the last time I had a burger there a few months ago. Come on Bee Bistro - it isn't that hard to make and cook a great burger. Get a $10 meat thermometer. And you don't need to buy those pre-shaped perfectly round burgers in bulk, just make your own. Ugh. It is obvious that the people working in the kitchen neither like nor care about food. Next time I'll walk a couple blocks to Wishbone for good eats, then enjoy the Beer Bistro beers.
(2)Kim A.
Great place to hang out, especially for a late dinner, or just drinks and dessert with friends. I've heard good things about the wings and Bloody Mary specials -- definitely something worth looking into now that football season has started. Why the 4 stars? The staff. Seriously, our server knew her stuff, which I suppose is part of the job, but i really appreciated the insight she had to offer, based on the microbrews that I knew I liked. I'm always up for expanding my "beer palate" (that has to be a technical term, right?). Definately adding to the rotation of "spots", as I live in the West Loop.
(4)Jenn S.
There's a reason why this place is called the "Beer Bistro". It's the real deal if you want to try new beers or enjoy one that you already enjoy on a regular basis (properly). This is also a great place to catch a game. I went here for game 5 of the Blackhawks Stanley Cup finals and our waitress was spot on. She actually came by too much (if that's possible). But we really didn't mind. We tried the pizza. It could have been cooked a little bit longer but other than that, it tasted great. Kind of like NY style pizza. I can't wait to go back here and try some of the other food. It was such a great experience on an incredibly crazy night, that I can only imagine that the service is equally as good on non-game days.
(4)Helena B.
Beer Bistro brings my appreciation for beer to a new neighborhood - the West Loop. The beer selection is indeed quite extensive. More importantly, the bartenders are EXCELLENT: knowledgeable, friendly, attentive. They'll make recommendations and give you samples of the beers so you aren't stuck with a pint of something you don't fancy (darn IPAs!). I came with the intent to eat dinner - the menu online looked quite extensive - only to discover, to my delight, that it was $2 burger night! Fifty cents for Swiss and a basket of tater tots to share and the meal was set. I picked up the tab (I'm so sweet!) and was astonished at how low it was. My inner math-nerd kept dividing it out only to be pleasantly surprised each time.
(4)Brian S.
Great beer selection! This is a great place to drink and eat before a Blackhawks game. I took 7 of my patients here this last week before a hockey game and each of them was happy with their food, service, and beer. Finding it was easy enough... Parking in the neighborhood was easy. Atmosphere- high end style city pub. Bright for a pub. The bathroom issues other patrons have complained about have been fixed for sure. Beer- great selection served properly. The right glasses, the right temperatures. Food- great pizza, we had the goat cheese and pepperoni one as an appetizer for seven people with calimari and the pita hummas plate. The pizza was fantastic and I would go again just for this. The other appetizers were done right. Burgers and sandwiches and the fish tacos every that had them really enjoyed. The food was again hot, the burgers had Pretzel roll buns the fries were hot etc. Service-good, not great. The service wasn't bad but it just wasn't happy or friendly enough. Seemed like some of the crowd needed starch outta their jockeys but all in all the nice sort of crowd. Go here for good evening.
(4)Steve S.
Ahhhhh the beer bistro. Massive beer list, good food, great waitresses, food/drink deals Sunday-Thursday. Hangovers guaranteed. No matter what don't venture across the street
(5)Norma C.
Good daily deals on food. I wasn't a fan of the $4.50 Miller Lite during a Hawks game, but the food was decent and the ambiance was typical Madison Ave. crowded, noisy bar.
(3)Tara M.
It's official, I am done with Beer Bistro. Sure, it is the closest bar to my office, but I am NEVER letting anyone drag me there, kicking & screaming, again. Remember my story about being peed on by a homeless man on the bus? Every time I walk into this bar I am reminded of that infamous day, because this bar smells identical to the homeless man's urine. And just when you think the stench can't get any worse, you walk into the unisex bathroom and the smell invokes dry heaving. And trust me, I have a high tolerance for nasty bar smells. After all, this is my favorite bar of all time: yelp.com/biz/kams-champa… Their $2 burger specials on Tuesdays sound great, right? But one of the bartenders informed us that the special is only good if you buy a beer as well (even she seemed to think it is a lame deal). Cheese is extra (50 cents I believe) and sides are $2 extra, which isn't a big deal because I do really like their fries. But the burger? FAIL. My coworker and I went there to watch the inauguration, and there were about twenty people in the bar, captivated by the television. The Manager walks out in front of the TV and says, "At least it's only 1,460 more days." Now, everyone is entitled to their own opinion and I would never rate a bar on the political views of their employees, but this probably wasn't the best comment to make in a room full of apparent Obama supporters if you want to get them to come back again. Further evidence that this place is crawling with a-holes. In summary, if you like the stench of stale urine and enjoy overpriced, mediocre food and underwhelming service, you will LOVE Beer Bistro.
(1)Diana S.
I'm sure this place would have been good if I wasn't there for a party. I like the atmosphere upstairs and the beer selection is great. The food menu had a lot of selections but they were hit or miss. - The nachos with chicken were dry and it seemed more like a salad on top of tortillas. There wasn't enough cheese, no guacamole, and not enough salsa. - The fish and chips were over cooked. - The chicken quesadillas looked good, but were dry. + The chopped salad was pretty good. I would get that again. + The mac and cheese was creamy and flavorful. The service: Keep in mind we were there for a private party in the downstairs area. The service was horrible. I asked for a diet coke three times and it never came. Our tables food was missing half of the orders and people just gave up. They were way understaffed and unprepared. We won't be having a private party there again. I don't recommend this place for a private party. The basement had uncomfortable booths with rips and tears all over the upholstery.
(2)Krystyna B.
Beer Bistro, You had me at Hello. Love Always, Krystyna B. (OK, not really, but it didn't take more than a few minutes.) I stopped in around 10pm on a Saturday with a friend. We were meeting up with a college girlfriend, her husband, and their favorites to celebrate the girlfriend's birthday. Although it is extremely rare, we were early. The bar wasn't stuffed to the gills with patrons, but it was fairly crowded. The crowd varied from late twenties to early forties. (Much appreciated as I was not in the mood to deal with drunken, stumbling woo girls). We managed to find a 2-person table near the rear of the space and began to peruse the menu. OMG, it is huge. For someone who rarely drinks beer, it was a little overwhelming. But, the service was EXCELLENT. I started quizzing our waitress and 5 minutes later we had narrowed down my choices. She was knowledgeable, personable, and attentive. Rocking sense of humor. She played off my companion and I with ease. So, despite the 5 minute discussion over beer choices, I didn't feel conflicted over my choice of Delerium Tremens Noel while my companion stuck to the special on tap. YUM to both! So lovely and so easy on the wallet. When our friends arrived, we proceeded to a screened off, semiprivate banquette that fit all 15 of us. Equipped with comfy banquette benches, a large table, and several televisions, it offered us some privacy and kept us in the loop with the Blackhawks scores. And, now that we know that Beer Bistro is an official Hawks bar, we'll be back to sample more of its extensive menu and keep our eye on the games.
(5)Paul Y.
The Beer selection is good, can't argue with that. Draft is around a dozen some limited, bottles galore though. Food is usually okay. Nothing fancy, nothing a frozen dinner meal from Aldi couldn't compete with. Specials, when there's not an United Center event are good. However, everything's about $2 too much. Beers typically range from $5.50 - $8. Food is overpriced for the mediocre quality. Service is hard to deal with, everytime I've been there the all female bartenders/servers are in really bad moods and seem exetremely irritated to take your order. if your looking for a bar in the West Loop, head to Dugan's on Halstead.
(2)Dustin W.
The beer Bistro could never be accused of false advertising, as they offer a nice selection of craft beers on tap, bottle, and cans. BB has a brew to satisfy most thirsts from Miller and Bud products for the average joe taking in a Blackhawks game (HUGE hawks bar) or a variety of Bell's brewery classics that they featured during Bell's night of Chicago Craft Beer Week. They also pour drinks from an extensive bar and encourage the lively raucousness that is quintessentially Chicago's sports scene. Most of the food looked tasty, but have not personally engaged in gustatory events here. All of the staff including the doorman were very friendly and engaging in conversation, with some knowledge about the brews. Beer Bistro would be a great place for a large group to catch a big game and sit back and relax with good suds.
(3)Jennifer B.
Yay! Finally a bar that doesn't smell like beer! Beer Bistro is a restaurant/bar that resembles the "Cheers" bar just a bit....it has very ornate ceilings and wood along the bar is very old-school. And actually, everyone seems to know everyone's name. The clientele is extremely chill--West Loopers looking for a bite to eat or coming to watch the game. They have a small outdoor patio where you can sit when the weather is nice. The menu is really extensive for a bar...more extensive than some restaurants in The Chi. And they serve tator tots....score! The selection of beers is pretty extensive as well, and they have a beer of the month pints for $4.00. How can you go wrong?
(4)D F.
This place is the whole package. Great (reference 3rd or 4th best selection) Beer List Really affordable specials nights, that are weekly rotating list. My favorite place to go before Blackhawks Games. This place works for in a rush dinner and also very well for relaxing over a night with friends. This is my preferred destination for affordable fare, wide beer list and good service. Been here over 30 times as well, and wanted to get a review up...
(5)Mark T.
Great neighborhood spot with decent enough food. The real draw is, of course, the beer selection. If you like a good beer, this place will not let you down....and during the great snowstorm of 2011, the Beer Bistro was the only place open. Every place on Randolph was closed. The Beer Bistro was a beacon of light! Everyone had an amazing time that night.
(4)Sarah F.
The space is large, and the service friendly. We liked the ginormous beer list and the suggested pairings on the menu. If you need space for a very large crowd, I would give this place some consideration, since they have a large downstairs area. We took advantage of the $2 burger special on Tuesdays. Additional toppings are $0.50, and you'll also pay extra for tots or fries on the side, but it was a good deal. The burgers weren't anything special, and the basket of tots was a little empty IMO. But I'm curious about the big selection of sliders (burgers, buffalo chicken, turkey and brie, portabello, etc.) and whether this place might be a good spot for watching football come September.
(4)Jason M.
So, the name Beer Bistro is pretty lame. I'm really over the overuse of 'bistro' thing. To be honest, though, I probably would've never gone here if it wasn't for the name. I work in the area and needed a spot to meet an after-work date. The place is classy...really enjoyable to be in, with ornate woodwork on the bar and a cozy, dimly lit atmosphere. I'd say that, so far, it's the best atmosphere I've found for a bar in the west Loop. My only issue was the lack of draft beer. For being a "beer bistro" they certainly have plenty of bottled choices. Their draft selections are somewhat lacking, however. There were probably 12 or so, the most interesting being a Left Hand Milk Stout, which I think you can get at TGI Fridays now. ;) Pick up the drafts, Beer Bistro, and you'll be my new home in the west Loop.
(4)Jennifer C.
I lived a block away from this place, and it became our local brew pub. It's totally worth it on the days that they have their food specials. Our favs are: Sunday: $0.25 wings Monday: $5 pizza Tuesday: $2 burgers But, it must be said that the BEST PART ARE THE BEERS. They have 20 beers on tap, and hundreds of bottles. They have a monthly special, and they often rotate what beers are on tap. The wait staff is hit or miss. For the most part, they're really good and friendly, but there are a few who are pretty horrible (read: inattentive).
(3)Sean B.
This is one of my favorite neighborhood haunts. An extensive beer menu, knowledgeable staff and great burgers make this a go-to for me. Bob (the owner) couldn't be nicer. The whole menu is tasty, gives beer pairing suggestions, and I've even had them cater an event before (which went really well).
(4)Heidy C.
Great selection of beer. They have a beer for everyone! I personally am all over the place I go from hoppy to malty to super sweet and they have it all!!!! The servers are friendly and they have opinions about the food it's not just "oh that's good" or "oh I like it" they go into it. Now the bartenders seem a little overwhelmed behind the bar. I mean it is a long bar and for them to only staff it with 2 bartenders seems a little understaffed when you have a bar 2 deep and a full cocktail area. The menu is your bar food with a upscale twist. I had the breakfast pizza they have on their menu and it may sound weird but man is it tasty! I think I would go back just for that pizza...MMMMM now I'm hungry
(4)Sarah S.
I came here the other night before some friends and I went to the Bulls game. They have a great beer selection. We tried the $4 beer of the month and loved it!! They have a lot of choices on their menu-many of them that sounded very good. I decided to get the PLT (portabella, lettuce and tomato) sandwich that came with tator tots. I haven't had tator tots in so long!! They were very tasty. The sandwich was kind of bland, but not bad. My friends meals were mediocre as well. It gets very crowded here around happy hour. We sat downstairs and felt like we were in our parents basement. It was a fun time though!
(4)Devin C.
I've been a consistent patron of this pub for years. While I don't know the staff intimately, I can say that the beer selection is terrific, and the Monday pizzas are smashing. The environment is clean and calming, despite that the clientele may or may not detract from it on any given night. ;) The servers always seem to know their beer well, and love to recommend new ones based on your response. The prices aren't any higher or lower than other bars with a hefty beer selection, but they could always be a bit cheaper.
(4)Craig S.
Great beer selection, very good food and service. What more do you need?
(4)Matt R.
Beer bar had a great selection of beer, a great atmosphere and decent bar food. I really like Beer Bistro for a happy hour. The atmosphere is open and the people are friendly. The bartender we had was quite knowledgeable and gave us good suggestions for beers to try. I ordered some food and while it was nothing special, for bar food, it was better than the norm. I would recommend this to anyone that wants a good beer and relaxing place to hang out. Going during the summer only makes it better!
(4)Becky W.
This place has some pretty good fish tacos. You wouldn't expect it from a bar, but I was pretty happy. Other than that is basically just a slightly upscale sports bar, but the food is good and the beer selection wide. And the outdoor seating is nice for lunch in the summer. I don't think I'd go out of my way, but its a good option in the neighborhood.
(3)Halley B.
If you like getting your fix from beer then this is the place to go. By the end of my night I had an assortment of beer, including Delerium. So if you want to be like me and meow and furries on your way to the metra then this is the place to go. This place has over 130 beers at a time, with about 15 drafts on tap. The food is decent, but nothing to write home to mother about. I went on a Friday and got there around 7ish. It was crowded, so if you plan on going there get there early, especially if you are going in a big group. If you don't then you have to fight off other ppl trying to get a table. Over all this place was fun and if you like exploring the world of beers then this is a good place to start.
(3)Kelly S.
I've been here twice. I really like the crowd and location. Parking in the area is pretty easy. The beer menu is a little overwhelming, but the staff is very knowledgeable and made great suggestions. They even bought me a shot for my birthday :) Great specials most nights. Can't beat $5 pizza Mondays! We still can't figure out... In the old photo in the back of the bar by the restroom/loungey nook area... what were the white towels hanging from the front of the bar used for???
(4)Ryan F.
Second time here and the service STILL sucks. There was maybe 10-14 people in the bar today. Two waitresses and a bartender. The service was super slow and we just ordered water and Cokes. Coworker asked for Sour Cream and it took at least ten minutes to get it. The food was blah. Will not return.
(2)Tom K.
Excellent tap beer. I always love returning to this place. Above average bar food.
(4)Audra C.
I have a huge pet peeve... I hate it when you're planning a birthday party and the people either want to (a) charge you for a ridiculous amount of money just to *get* an area to hold said party, or (b) act as though you are completely putting them out. Seriously? I'm going to bring you a fair amount of business and I'm willing to work with you? Seriously? Beer Bistro did NOTHING of the above, and were actually quite helpful! I held a surprise b-day party for my boyfriend, which was totally awesome and amazing, thanks to Beer Bistro. They let us use the smaller party area, which sat us very comfortably. The only problem with that area is that it's not conducive to eating. Our amazing waitress (Danielle?) allowed us to order food and sit at another table, and the group kind of bounced back and forth. Granted, we were there on a Sunday night, but they were so easygoing about everything. Did I mention that our waitress was kick-ass? Bar is way cooler than Hopleaf, IMO, although I do have a love for Hopleaf. I think the difference is that Hopleaf seems a lot more pretentious. This place just has good food, good drinks, and great service. I'm looking forward to coming back here many, many times!
(4)Christopher S.
I stopped into the Beer Bistro one night while I was visiting Chicago for business. After a day of meetings and other business trip bullshit, I was looking for a comfortable place that I could get a really good beer. While walking around West Loop, passing a lot of upscale restaurants and night clubs, and not really know where I was I came across this place. As the name suggests, this is a place for beer. They had a comprehensive list of imports and domestic micro brews and a very knowledgeable staff. After some explanation that I was from out of town and that I would like to try a good Chicago area brew, the bartender offered me a number of choices and descriptions of each. I wish I could remember what I chose, but it was good (I'm pretty sure the Delerium Tremens I drank later in the night is affecting my memory). That evening, a pair of businessmen cam in and ordered Bud Lights. I was watching the bartender and observed a quick and uncontrollable look of disgust pass over her face. She quickly and professionally offered some suggestions of pilsners that might appeal to a Bud drinker. At this point, one of the men remarked, "I have never heard of any of these beers!?" I snickered a little into my glass but continued to listen as the bartender described each beer and offered suggestions and samples. Very well done. I probably would have just kicked them out of my bar for the offense. But instead, the bartender likely converted a pair of Bud drinkers to the joys of microbrews.
(4)Cathleen M.
Decent beer selection, yes. Good food is a stretch. Subpar bar food. A grilled cheese with no cheese. Burnt wings. If you're down for some salty greasy pizza with a nice beer selection this is a good place to hit up.
(2)Rory C.
A visit to The Beer Bistro was suggested without much enthusiasm by a friend who recently moved to "Little Italy" (if that neighborhood can still be said to exist). Expectations were low; I figured we'd down a couple brews from an unsurprising but passable selection, but there were a few curveballs--Caracole Nostradamus? Rockies Hazed & Infuzed? Deus? Feeling unadventurous, I chose a Dogfish Head 60 Minute IPA on tap, followed by a Surly Bender, also on tap. As time and the effects of alcohol wore on, the Gourmet Cheese pizza became enticing (cheddar, mozzarella, goat cheese, parmesan, american, and provolone). I expected nearly nothing from the food except to fill the growing void in my belly, but the pizza excelled. The innumerable cheeses blended together to create a whole that truly exceeded the sum of its parts, the sauce was assertively sweet and tomatoey without being obtrusive, and the razor-thin crust yielded completely to the business on top without a hint of crispness, which is just how I prefer it. The decor deftly melds a sports bar vibe with aspirations to the glamour of Randolph Street's nearby higher-end establishments, with the ultimate effect that everything kind of cancels everything else out, creating a pleasant neutralness. A man in a jacket with Lit-professor elbow patches sat just feet away from a disheveled, stringy-haired woman bearing a pushcart. The place has no business calling itself a bistro, but the affectation comes off less like misplaced snootiness and more like a kid who wants to follow in his dad's footsteps. I will almost certainly return for that sublime pizza, as well as to cautiously try some other offerings. A couple notes about the menu, which has some flaws: Although I didn't notice it at the time, in retrospect I agree with another poster's comment that the bar didn't reflect an enthusiasm for beer enjoyment. With such a large selection of beers, most of which are fairly obscure to the casual, mainstream beer drinker, descriptions would have been helpful. Their absence seems particularly conspicuous in light of the menu's exhaustive beer pairings, down to the hummus plate (Goose Island 312). You kind of get the impression that one of the staff members was tasked with matching every single beer to some menu item or other, often arbitrarily--Stiegl Pilsner with the quesadillas?
(4)Swati B.
Beer bistro is my go to bar in the west loop/UIC/Hawky-ville area :) If you love beer...this is the bar to hit up. A laid back, post work vibe with good service and a decent food menu. LOVE the caprese sliders, and their tomato bisque soup is great! Can't go wrong with their spinach and artichoke dip or their hummus; and their mac and cheese is great too! They have great deals during the weeknights, and I love that they have the 12 beers of xmas, and now in 2011 they have a card for you to try EVERY beer they sell by the end of the year...that is the goal! This place does get busy during games (especially bulls/hawks, and da bears as well...) Friendly service, and the staff is pretty knowledgeable about what kind of beers you would like/not like which is so helpful. When you look at their list of beers, it's quite overwhelming! I've been to the Map room, and yes they have more beers, but their service is not as great...I love the beer bistro...great for a happy hour, a low key night, or even a date (if they like beer!)
(4)Rebekah B.
I like because it's close to my office and the food for lunch is pretty damn good, not mind blowing, but solid, and the beers make the crap job situation pass a little smoother once I get back to the office. Highlights. Weiss beer in beautiful glass. Tater tots. Half-baked cookie with ice cream. Meatloaf sandwich openface on Texas toast with mashed potato cushion. Not bad at all.
(3)Allison L.
I went here for the first time last night. Awesome. Yes, the beer selection is great, but more importantly, the server was actually able to tell us about the beers and able to make recommendations. She was attentive, cleared the empties promptly and checked back often to see if we needed anything. Plus, they have delirium tremors on tap. Oh yummy. As far as ambiance goes, I would compare it to the Hopleaf vs the Map Room. I went on a Friday night, got there around 10:00 and it was mostly filled with young professionals out for the night. I'll definitely be back to try out the 25 cent wings on Sundays.
(4)TheWindyCity P.
They got me with The Gotcha. I hate that. Their Monday special says "$5 Pizzas", as in plural. That usually means all their pizzas on the menu should be $5. That's what all the bars around here do. You know, $5 appetizers, $5 sandwiches...West End does it. So I order a pizza, and the waitress says "Are you here for the $5 pizzas, cuz that's just a cheese pizza." Yeah, but yer menu says pizzaSSS? "Well, each ingredient is .99c each." Oh, so it's really not 5$ pizzas, but just a $5 cheese pizzA? "Yes". So I think that just plain sucks, and I go elsewhere. Oh, and there are no $2 burgerS on Tuesday. It's a plain burGER, and the extras are extra $$. So, watch out for The Gotchas they use to get you in there.
(3)H C.
I enjoy Beer Bistro. $5 pizzas on Monday's are a great deal. The pizza is decent sized and more than enough for two people to eat. Although it's only cheese you can add extra toppings for a $1 per topping, also if you order a side of ranch it's .50 a side. The bar itself is nice with all the wood and there is always cheap PBR available to me. I will say though that service is definitely spotty. Once while there we had this awesome waitress but then her shift ended and the replacement waitress didn't give two sh**s about us so we had to go up to the bar and get our own drinks.
(3)Scott H.
A veritable beer palace that celebrates the entire beer spectrum from a can of PBR all the way to the latest American craft brew to a rare British variety that tastes like banana bread! I've always found the staff here to be very knowledgeable of the product and is eager to offer recommendations based on personal tastes. The last time I was there, we had a long discussion about selecting and cleaning glassware for specific beers. Pretty heady stuff, indeed. The food has always been quite good here as well and the vibe is exactly what I look for in this type of place. Lofty, high ceilings, etc. The belt-driven ceiling fans add a charming touch. Great for groups in my experience as well.
(4)Kayce C.
I found this place during an Internet search for Monday specials. They offer a large cheese pizza for $5! Each additional topping is 99cents. So my boyfriend and I hit this place after work. There was free parking right in front of the door, the place was crammed with people being that is was about 6pm. We got in, found a seat quickly and ordered up some food. This pizza was delicious, my boyfriend isn't much of a loud bar type, but he's dying to go back. They have an amazing deal each day of the week for those on a budget, and the menu looks exciting. their beer list is extensive, I believe they have a 92 beer checklist, once you've tried each of their 92 beers you get a prize! The interiors are nice, brick walls, plush seating, drapery, hardwood floors, old beer signs and posters. The staff was great, I thought the service was excellent for the size of the crowd, We were never left unattended for too long. I think I might become a regular.
(4)John B.
Great beer selection, Good food, Free UC shuttle for games. The servers are always very nice. The only issue I have, and the reason they are not 5 stars is that the food isnt AMAZING. Still for a bar, its above par.
(4)Ross C.
More and better beer than you'll find in the average Scottish pub and they serve a good burger and chips. A great example of Americans doing it better...
(5)Vino o.
I've lived in Chicago for 6 years, and only till now am I able to REALLY go out and celebrate the success of a good pay check. So, often times going out it's new to me and found through a quick search on Google before going out. Judging by the website and a few reviews I decided to take my BF out for a good beer and decent meal. We both ordered beers mine crisp and delightful, my BF's chilly on the outside and vaguely chilled inside. The Spinach and Artichoke dip looked and tasted like it came out of a vat that had been boiling all day, served with stale pita wedges oh I mean "chips". Our server had the talent of swooping past avoiding all interaction. for example; Hows the food? Can I get you anything? hmmm you seem dissatisfied, how can I help? This went on throughout the rest of the evening....oh wait, she did ask "can I get another beer?" about 5 times. I ordered the Chicken and Goat Cheese salad, not bad however the title is not lying there was enough goat cheese on there to feed a family of 5. My boyfriend ordered the Mac n' Cheese with bacon, they failed to include the bacon to which he decided to dig in until we saw our server again. She pulled the food runner aside and he proceeded to bring out a bowl of bacon bits. Needless to say he hated his food and ate about 1/3 of it. When asked by the server whether or not he wanted a box he replied "ugh absolutely not" she turned and walked away. So long story short...the food sucks, don't order the Mac n' Cheese it tastes like mealy cafeteria crud. The service, lazy and unaccountable, and the kitchen smells like unkempt cats.... STIFFED!!!!
(1)Scott A.
This place really deserves 3.5 stars. I came in here to drown my sorrows after bringing my car in to get a new alternator. I called some friends to have them meet me there, but for the first few minutes I was flying solo. I was hoping for even a glimpse of conversation from the waitress while I waited, but she was more interested in a group of people at the other end of the bar that she already knew. She did serve me pretty quickly though, so maybe she is just a business personality or something else unpersonable like that. As stated by everyone else, the beer list was full of options with many different styles, which is a must for a place that deems itself the Beer Bistro. The prices are a little high and the nachos were a little dull, which is what keeps this place from a higher rating from me, but I would go back there again. The beer of the month is a nice feature that more bars need to start offering as an escape from overpaying for a craft beer, so kudos to them for that one. I think with a happy smiling conversational barback and a better entree choice this place would easily morph into a 4 star establishment, and I will probably be back there next time my car craps out on me to enjoy a brew and try my luck again.
(3)Mitch B.
The Beer Bistro is one of the best places to grab a Craft Beer in Chicago! I am a beer buff & this place definitely suites my needs for an awesome selection of brews. They have rows of taps & an extensive collection of bottles & cans. The food is top notch as well. My favorites include the Chicken Wings & Pizza. Here's the scoop, currently Wings are .25 cents on Sundays & Pizza's are $5 on Mondays! If you are a Craft Beer fan check out The Beer Bistro! It even has Delirium Tremens Belgian Strong Pale Ale on tap! This is the only place in Chi town I've ever seen that fine brew on tap!
(5)Paul M.
Food - always very good Drink - great selection, prices are ok Ambiance - upstairs is cool. Typical skinny Chicago bar with more seating in the back. The basement smells like my Grandpa's feet. Service - Has sucked at least 3 of the 5 or 6 times I've been there. Bottom Line - Obviously since I've been there half a dozen times I can't be too sour about this place. I am a stickler for service....at least DECENT service, and this place is a coin flip. We were banished to the downstairs area last week, and based on their demeanor apparently so was the wait staff. They definitely acted like they were the B-Squad of this place. Anyway, I keep bringing friends here when they visit because it's got a cool vibe and beer selection, but we always end up at West End afterwards because of the bitches that work there. Get your shit together, Bistro. You could be one of the greats!
(3)Adam S.
Great selection of beer, friendly service, and some of the best appetizers I have had in a pub. Pizzas and sliders are phenom. Burger is amazing! I need to be more adventurous with the beer given their selection but I tend to stick to 312. A bit loud at times, but a nice place to meet up with friends in a casual and unpretentious environment.
(4)Marie S.
I have a confession... I frequent the Beer Bistro quite often, yet I still have not had a beer there... haha!! :hide: I know they're known for their HUGE and very impressive beer selection (which always tempts me).... but I always end up getting a martini. I think its partly because my friends and I have made BB our Thursday night hangout. And Thursday means $5 martinis and 1/2 price appetizers.... such an awesome deal !! So I'm completely cool with passing on the beer cause their martinis are yummmeh and make me happy !! My favorite martinis are the mango, strawberry, and chocolate shake (done so much better than most places). And the food --- Pretty huge selection of appetizers and pizzas/sandwiches. We've had just about every appetizer and not one has disappointed. Sliders, dips, tater tots, nachos... yumm. Lots of seating - highboys, tables, and seating around the bar. Outdoor seating is prime during the summer. They even have a cool back lounge room if you have a big group. Though, sometimes the staff can get picky about where you sit depending on how big/small your party is. So although its called Beer Bistro and they obviously specialize in beer - they definitely have sooooo much more to offer. Its such a great place to just hang out, drink, and chill for hours.
(4)Alan R.
A great neighborhood joint around the corner from where my wife works. I have really enjoyed the food so far, but the service has been sub-par. The $5 Pizza special on Monday and $2 Burger special on Tuesday are great!!! They obviously have a great selection of beers (mostly bottled). If the service was better, i'd give BB four stars. The servers are not always attentive and can be a bit slow getting your food out, especially at lunch time.
(3)shaun M.
Beer bistro is one of my usual places to go when I am in the city and I want to relax for a bit and grab some good food with some good beer. I highly recommend their pizzas, they have goat cheese as an option and it tastes VERY GOOD! I also recommend coming here on Tuesday for the 2$ burgers or Sunday for 25 cent wings. You get a good sized burger for 2 bucks and they cook them well here. Other than that the beer selection is fantastic. Although I do feel like they charge a little bit too much for some of their beers. As others have said DO NOT sit near the door, every time it opens you feel like you will die from the cold.
(4)nicole h.
My perception of what may be a great hangout is admittedly a bit skewed due to our visit being during the St. Pat's block party...right after the block party shut down. That said, the joint was insanely, obnoxiously overcrowded with overly-enthusiastic, over-served people. Pros-- Cute outdoor seating area. Cool ambiance inside. Absolutely exceptional staff. Admirable beer list (Beer Bistro--whaddya expect? They had my elusive Breckenridge Vanilla Porter. Yum!) Cons-- The food. Tried my buddy's fish tacos. The fish was well done, but it was kinda dry and boring. Needed some sort of salsa. Ideally a fruit salsa. Ordered nachos and they were dry and boring too. Didn't hit the spot for my late-nite greasy munchies.
(3)Gary E.
OK, so out of all of the breastaurants (I just came up with that word for bars with good food although on certain nights it could hold other meaning) on Madison between lets say Racine and Halsted - Beer Bistro is consistently the best option. The food is fresh, the beer list is ridiculously extensive (I'm not a "beer drinker" but I have found a few that I really enjoy). Anyway, we've been to this place countless times over the past year or so but it wasn't until this past Monday that I had a revelation. They have THE BEST F'IN PIZZA that I've had in this city. Hands down. And, on Mondays - its FIVE DOLLARS. Yeah, that's right. Add a buck or two for toppings and you're still 1/2 the cost of the other 6 days of the week. Their other weekday specials ($2 Tuesday burgers, etc) are also a great deal but from now on, Monday is pizza night. How did I waste the last year of living in the West Loop ordering in crappy pizza when this was down the block for a five spot? I don't know the answer, but I know the solution. See ya at the Bistro. Yuuuuuuuuummmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmy.
(4)Emily S.
TONS of beers on tap. My biggest complaint with the beer list is that it lists the beers in alphabetical order, with no descriptions or prices at all. For someone like myself who doesn't drink a ton of beer, this is not helpful. I had to choose something I was familiar with rather than trying something new - I wasn't about to order something random only to later find out it was super dark and $14. The food was mediocre, at best. The buffalo calamari was soggy, but the sauce was good. We went for the $5 pizza special - the only reason we weren't disappointed is because our pizza was only $5! It was really greasy and the crust was soggy and too thin. I would have been annoyed had we paid full price. We'd go back if we were in the neighborhood, but I'd pass on the pizza unless it was Monday.
(3)Stephen F.
This upscale bar is perfect for happy hour or a quick date on the West Side. The bar food is quite nice, as is the decor and service. My only gripe about Beer Bistro is... it's not beery enough. In Chicago, I would expect a true beer bar to have at least a hundred options, or to focus on a country or region and bring in some rare selections. Beer bistro, though leaning toward the low countries, hits neither mark. I counted fewer than a dozen beers I had never tried on their menu. Nonetheless, it's my go-to bar west of the highway.
(4)Moe f.
Was working in the area and swung in for lunch. They have a pretty respectable beer list. Being that it was lunchtime on a workday, was only able to sample 1 beer. It was $3 cans Wednesday and got a nice IPA. Standard bar fare. The chicken and goat cheese salad was good and loaded with chicken. Don't really frequent the WLoop scene, but would go back if in the area.
(3)Ann C.
Great food, love $3 burger night on Tuesdays. Nice people work there.
(5)Justin G.
Went here for happy hour a bunch after work with coworkers. This place has the best beer selection in the area (or at least ties with Jack's tap) and some pretty tasty appetizers. If you have a group, try to grab the little room thing at the back as it's perfect for groups.
(4)Jo W.
It's not just a clever name - the Beer Bistro serves beer. Lots and lots of beer. I mean, I have never heard of about 98% of the beers they had. Impressive. (and for you non-beer drinkers, they have some nice cocktails too.) I joined my friend here for dinner and drinks last night, and when it came time to order drinks I admit I was overwhelmed. I told our server, Jennifer, that I wanted to expand my horizons a bit and wanted some suggestions. She was extremely helpful and knowledgeable about their offerings. We discussed what beer I normally drink (Miller Lite *hangs head in shame*), and she suggested a nice Trumer Pils. Sure! My friend was not really into expanding her horizons and stuck with Bud Light. The Trumer Pils was not only delicious, but it came in a really awesome non-traditional pilsner glass. So awesome that the guy sitting at the neighboring table immediately asked our server what it was when she brought it to me. That's right - be jealous of my beer. While we waited for our food, we were able to talk and catch up - the bar was almost full when we came in, but it wasn't noisy at all and it was so nice to be in a bar and not have to not scream across the table at each other. There are plenty of places to sit (though outside was full, of course) and I even spied a sort of semi-private area towards the back with large red couches. The semi-private area didn't really seem to fit in with the rest of the bar's atmosphere, but at the end of the day semi-private areas are always nice. They also had the Cubs-Cards game on TV, so obviously I was in heaven and really liking this place. While the service, the atmosphere, and the drinks were great and worthy of at least 4-5 stars... the food really fell short for me. I ordered the blackened chicken and it had a little too much heat for my taste buds. So much heat that it really aggravated my already angry allergies. The accompanying potatoes and broccoli were fine, but nothing outstanding. My friend had been raving about the cookie sundae, so we got that for dessert. I only had a few bites, but it was really good so it was kind of the saving grace of the meal. Definitely split this one - it's huge. Overall I really liked everything about this place except for the food. Next time (and there will be a next time - hello, have you SEEN their amazing specials during the week?!) I'll make sure to order something different to eat or grab a bite nearby before heading over. And perhaps next time we'll be able to snag a seat outside...
(3)Matt H.
It seems from reading a few of the recent review my experience was fairly typical. It was semi-crowded Saturday afternoon and the servers we had we very quick and very friendly. Glasses did not sit empty for long. The beer selection was fairly impressive even though they were out of a few things. Having a cask selection was a nice bonus as well. The food though is what drags this place down. I had fish tacos. I love fish tacos. Maybe it was a poor selection for a bar-food choice, but if you can't make it don't put it on the menu. These were possibly the worst fish tacos I've ever had. I ate them because I was kinda drunk and hungry, but I didn't enjoy them at all. The other people in my party that had food felt the same way, just average. At least for 10$, they weren't too pricey. It's a nice bar, nice vibe, great servers, great beer list and unfortunately mediocre food. I'd go back for a few beers anytime but make sure I eat beforehand.
(3)Bridget M.
On a lazy Sunday afternoon, my girlfriends and I wandered into Beer Bistro to grab a beer and catch up. I was somewhat impressed with their beer menu, but the waitress wasn't as knowledgeable about the beers as she thought she was. After finding out that my first two beer selections were out, I selected an Orval - a Trappist beer that somewhat reminds me of a Belgian version of an IPA. The 11.2oz bottle retails at Binny's for around $6. I was expecting to pay around $7.50 or so. I should have been suspicious when their beer bottle menu didn't include prices. When the bill came, I was shocked to see that the Orval cost $9.00! Had I known it was that expensive, I would have chosen another beer. Sundays are $.25 wing day - awesome. The buffalo wings were spicy - just the way I like them. $.99 extra for about 6 pieces of celery? Not so awesome. $.50 for a little cup of blue cheese dressing - kinda understandable. My friends ordered the hummus plate, and it was awesome. Crisp veggies, warm, kind of sweet pitas, and chunky delicious hummus. I was still starving, so I ordered the chopped salad. I'm always a member of the clean plate club, but this salad was so blah that I didn't bother. It did have awesomely large pieces of bacon, but it didn't have adequate blue cheese or other non-lettuce things. The dressing was too fruity for a chopped salad. The service was fine, but the waitress was not friendly and came off as almost rude at times. Our bill for 2 appetizers, 3 beers, and a lackluster salad came out to about $53 (including tip). All in all, Beer Bistro has a nice beer selection and OK food, but it's a little overpriced for my taste. I would give Beer Bistro 2 stars, but they get an extra star for an extensive (if somewhat unimaginative) beer list.
(3)Steve R.
I liked it. Did a sort of friend/business thing here, and it was a decent enough place for after work. Had several of the belgian brews I like, plus a plate of hummus that was...a decent enough plate of hummus I guess. The have a reasonably good selection of taps. The layout is pretty much like any irishy type pub joint, and the crowd is definitely professional. I felt like an impostor, but what the hell...when in Rome.... Overall I see this as a place that would be ideal for daytime drinkin', which seems to be a consensus here. Not so much a stop I would make at night.
(3)Vivian Y.
This is a great bar when it's not too crowded. There is truly a great selection of beers including some of my favorite Canadian microbrews like "Fin du monde" (which literally translates to End of the World, at 11% alcohol yea, I would call it that too!) and Maudite. I've only had their mini burgers here and they were pretty good. My husband and his buddies are regulars here and I don't hesitate or whine when I am invited once in a while. A good place to go before a game at the United Center - a bit of a walk - but very doable, especially in the summer.
(4)Christa R.
As expected the beer list is long and worldly. The problem is that the staff really has no idea what is on the menu or anything about the beers themselves. So, if you're not a beer expert going in, you might have some problems finding the right fit. Once out of 5 times has a server actually been able to suggest a beer to me. Ambiance is very gastro-pub, but not pretentious. B+ for atmosphere. Food is great. Surprising fish tacos. Give them a whirl. Great place to meet after a long day at work. Plenty of TVs, not too loud.
(3)Damon M.
My local Cheers!. In all honesty, what is there not to like about a place that serves 130 different kinds of beer? With $2 cans on Wednesday. That deserves 4 stars right there. Make sure to hook up a Goose Island Bourbon Stout to start your night off right. That doesn't even mention the phenomenal menu they have going on. It's not just your typical "bar food". Bob and staff have gone a few extra steps and put together a "bar" menu that is top notch. I've tried probably half the menu at this point, but my personal favs would have to be: - Fish Tacos - Mahi Salad - Sliders (all are good) - Mac n' Cheese - Chicken Salad Wrap - Burger The fries are great - nice and crispy. They even have an option of tater tots to bring out that inner 5 year old in all of us. The music is off of Bob's iPod, and what a great selection of Rock and rare stuff. Must go if you're a local west looper, or ever in the area. Don't pass it by.
(5)Sam S.
I don't usually write reviews but had a particularly bad experience the last time my wife and I went to Beer Bistro. It used to be one of our favorite places because it was easy to get to and has a great beer list. Alas, its sad how one time can leave such a bad taste in your mouth that you decide to frequent other less convenient places. We went there and ordered a couple of beers and an appetizer. The beer was brought promptly which is always great, but after 20 minutes the appetizer had still not been delivered. The waitress came and told us she just checked with the kitchen and it would be up very soon. 20 more minutes go by and still no appetizer. I am much more easy going about these things than my wife but even I was getting upset. The waitress then came back and said they accidentally delivered the food to the wrong table and they ate it already so she was going to put it in again. 20 more minutes go by (see a pattern?). We finally receive our appetizer which was the spinach and artichoke dip. The chips were stale and the dip was cold (like it had been sitting somewhere for the last hour). So, after over an hour of being there, we have had three beers (I ordered another, my wife refused to) and a cold stale appetizer. I will say that one of the managers came over and apologized and offered to buy us our next round. We were in no mood to stay and drink any more (obviously not in the best mood now). We also were going to get dinner, but during this entire time the waitress never asked us if we would like to order dinner. So after 90 minutes with 3 beers (between us) and a bad appetizer we get up and leave with a serious bad taste in our mouths. This was about a month ago and we have not been back since and do not plan on returning any time soon.
(1)Meredith H.
$2 burgers on tuesdays - good but not great. i'm finding that the beers are really pricey (and yes, i know they are specialties, imports, etc) unless you somehow manage to enjoy whatever the beer of the month is. for some reason, i never do, bah! my west loop love is still with third rail and west end...
(3)Ryan N.
I go here way too often...for the beer. The food is alright, but nothing great. Crossroads has much better food. They do have a lot of food specials which is what I usually get when I go there. Whenever I stray from the special, I am usually disappointed at what I get for my money (4 chicken strips for 7 dollars!?). However, the beer selection is fan-f'ing-tas-f'ing-tic. They rotate what's on tap a lot. They always have solid choices for all sorts of beer lovers, and for that, beer bistro will get my business.
(3)Allison V.
This place has daily specials, extra seating in the basement, and a large beer selection. The beer selection is not great, but it is getting better. The tater tots always taste like they have been fried in old oil. The pizza is good, but ask for it to be cooked well-done so that the middle of the crust gets crisp. It can get pretty busy on nights that there are games. Lunchtime usually is not too busy. If you live in the neighborhood it is an okay place to stop.
(3)Mally S.
I ventured here on a chilly day to warm myself with some beer. The beer selection is fantastic (Delirium Tremens on draft!); the food was just pretty good. Maybe that's because I just filled up on beer, but the burger was just alright. Speaking of which, why are burgers so freaking expensive in this town?! Sorry, quick rant just slipped out. Anywho, I did like this place because I felt safe sitting at the bar by myself.
(3)Kristen W.
Fabulous concept, disappointing execution. The beer selection is somewhat interesting but not a huge selection on tap, most are in bottles. The beer on tap is too warm. The service is not so great, and I am really getting sick of crappy service in bars in the West Loop, South Loop area. If my beer is halfway full you should probably start thinking about asking me if I want another one. If my beer has one inch left in the bottom, you should probably hang around by me instead of running off to the back room, never to be seen again. If my beer is empty and you are nowhere to be found? Then I'm leaving. The food is decent here, wings are good. Tater tots are good but how can you screw those up. I don't know, I think i could personally put together a better beer-complimenting menu than Beer Bistro's. I will have to be cajoled to go back.
(3)Elaine C.
Um, on Tuesdays, they have a solid $8 or $9 burger FOR TWO DOLLARS. 50 cents for some cheese. I believe you have to stay in and order a drink with it, but $4.50 for a great big juicy cheese hamburger and a drink (plus tax/tip) is AWESOME.
(4)Martha M.
I wish I could give this place more stars, I really do. They have an awesome selection of beers, the decor is cozy, and I love the West Loop. Beer Bistro is less than a mile from the Metra, and we had no trouble finding street parking. However . . . There are only two bathrooms, both unisex and both only one lou. They were both disgusting. (trust me, I don't use the term lightly. I spent a month in Bolivia, seriously 3rd world, so now I have VERY low standards for bathrooms. usually just plumbing is enough to make me happy.) There was TP all over the floor, pee on the seat and when I sat down . . brace yourself . . .there was water squirting out from the pipe that regardless of how I repositioned my squat, was unavoidable. I seriously threw up in my mouth a little bit. It was also IMPOSSIBLE to get drinks. The bar was packed (it was post Blackhawks game), and there were only 2 bartenders! Both times I went up for drinks I ended up waiting over 10 minutes. Sooo not worth it.
(3)Jeff C.
I've been here a few times for Pub Trivia on Weds. The place is always jumping. It's a great place to go before a Bulls or Blackhawks game, it's right up the street. Good bee selection and plenty of specials. The food is pretty "pub standard".
(3)Raj V.
Great neighborhood spot with great food and beer selection, especially if you like Belgians. I've been coming here for years and it never disappoints.
(5)Taylor G.
I was very excited to check out Beer Bistro, but after a complete night of food and drinks, all I can say is just, "Oh... K?" My first impression of the place, looking at the extensive beer list online was of anticipation... a generous selection of fine brews from around the world. Upon arriving, I lapped up a delicious Great Lakes Eliot Ness for $4.50. Not a fantastic price, but palatable. Next, being the Tuesday special, I ordered a $2 burger and split a $3 basket of fries with friends. At this price, how can one resist? Let it not go unnoticed that you get what you pay for: the burger was decently good, but looking at its standardized shape and obviously fake "grill marks", it certainly looked like a preformed patty from a generic food distributor. Toppings were a bit sparse for my preference, so I stole extra lettuce from a carnivore friend. The bun was completely forgettable - your standard white bread, not toasted or dressed in any way. It simply soaks up the burger juice and compresses to nothingness. Fortunately, my second beer, a Franziskaner Hefe-Weisse Dunkel was delicious and lifted my mood - once I finally received it. In fact, I had to ask the waitress a second time for my brew because she forgot the first go around. The 25 oz bottle was $6.50, making the price again decent. We finished the evening by sampling the Half Baked cookie (a la mode). This was also decent and huge, a mere $6 split between us. Make no mistake... the cookie is truly half-baked in the center. Some liked it more than others - my preference was definitely for the well done outer edges. The wait staff is eager to answer questions- probably at the hand of management - but they seemed less than astute. Obvious mispronunciations and generic descriptions of the beer seemed to communicate only a textbook knowledge rather than an intimate love of the beer. Maybe the bartenders are different in this regard, but between the two waitresses I had, I left disappointed. Overall, Beer Bistro seems like a decent watering hole if you know your stuff, but don't go in expecting a knowledgeable beer expert.
(3)Guilherme B.
Beer selection--superb, sliders--outstanding... The bartenders and waitresses tend to know a great deal about the beers and know how to pair them. It's also a great place to go if you're in the area for a Hawks or Bulls game
(5)Jason P.
Next to the Map Room, you won't find a better place to grab a beer. Such an extensive list, you won't know where to start. They also give you a card that has the beers crossed off that you've drank, which is a good reminder that you need to go back. Tons of TV's, sports, and close to the United Center, so this is the perfect place to go before a game or concert.
(4)Ben B.
Saturday brunch was a great deal. The chiliquiles aren't as good as De Cero's, but they are only $8 and that's hard to beat. My wife had the Southwest Burger, which was fantastic. The draft beer selection is good. They had Surly Furious on tap when we were there, which was great but $6 is steep to go with an $8 entree.
(4)Patrick W.
So I have a totally new method of going to Bulls and Blackhawks games, and it involves this bar. I figured it all out last night while in the happy haze of being stuffed with $5 pizza and $2 PBR's, their Monday night special.... Get here early enough, and parking on the sidestreets is very do-able. Get here early enough, and there will be a lot of space at which to sit and eat and spread out. (On that, I recommend sitting further from the door on cold nights 'cause *whoosh* it gets cold. And, that door starts opening more and more frequently the closer you get to game time to the point where the place is just simply packed. Ah, and they offer a shuttle to and from the game, which not only avoids having to shell out big bucks for parking, it also avoids the embarassing and awkward situation of being expected to pay a man in the United Center parking lot that just "washed" your windshield with spit. It's packed for good reason. The pizza was good and an amazing deal. Speaking of deals, the $2 PBR's were cheap enough to take all the shame out of ordering PBR at a place with such a fantastic selection of imports and microbrews. The bartender was awesome, offering great service despite how packed the place was. I actually cried a little bit when we found out that the organization we were supposed to be meeting that had our tickets had changed their arrangements without telling anyone and was at another bar across the street.
(4)KM M.
I'm really confused by the negative reviews of this place. I've been here a dozen or so times since moving to the area in March and I've never had a bad experience. Contrary to some reviews, I've found the staff to be extremely helpful and friendly and more than willing to recommend and/or explain the different beers on the menu. Daily specials ($5 martinis and half price apps on Thursdays) are a great way to make sure you try everything on the menu, including $2 can beered on Wednesdays. Their fries are awesome, I love the hummus, baked goat cheese and sliders. They've recently added 2 new sliders to the menu. The pork ones are awesome! The only thing I've tried that I didn't care for was the nachos. I thought they were a bit dry and they were supposed to have beans on them and they didn't. Oh, I can't leave out their awesome music selection. The owner's iPod has the best mix I've ever heard in a bar and makes the drinking/dining experience even more enjoyable. True it's a bit crowded sometimes, and true it's filled with a neighborhood crew most nights, but that's what it is, a perfect neighborhood bar.
(5)Justin B.
I'm not sure if I should be damning Bob or thanking him immensely. I think thanks are in order though. Bob is what all bartenders should be: knowledgeable about his beers, fun, attentive, and willing to have a shot or two with a customer. So, Bob, thank you! This giant stein of Spaten is for you, this shot of Jameson is for you! But next time, let's skip that Red Headed Slut, if you don't mind ...
(5)Kier R.
I love this bar. It has good bar food, awesome selection of beers and plenty of screens for my sports watching gratification. It can get really packed at times but I guess that is just a testament to what a cool place it is. So there.
(5)Vicky C.
Do NOT go to this place. The food was mediocre at best and apparently their credit card machine automatically puts a hold of 20% on top of your bill on your credit card. It held on to that amount 4 days. I went on a Thursday night and had the worst experience and service. It took our waitress at least 15-20 minutes to get our drinks after walking past our table at least 10 times. The wings were just OK, didnt include ranch or celery sticks. I had the fish tacos which were tasteless. I could have made better fish tacos at home (and I have). Again, the waitress walked past our table for at least 30 minutes without stopping or asking if we wanted the bill. Terrible service. The place wasn't even busy so it was hard to understand why the service was so bad. I almost never NOT TIP and to show how bad the service was, neither my friend or I left a tip. We put a line in the tip on the receipt. To my surprise the next day, it showed a full amount of the bill plus 20% on top of it. Of course, it looked like the waitress wrote in her own tip which was ludicrous. I called the bar and spoke to the manager. He told me of the new credit card transaction machine was automatically holding onto 20% on top of the bill and mentioned that other customers were calling about the same issue. Aside from credit card machines that shouldn't be allowed to do this, the owner of the bar should not be using such a machine in his restaurant. I will never go back to this place.
(1)Danny S.
A great place to get a drink in the West Loop. I've met a former co worker here on several occasions and have loved the service and beer selection. They lose a star for the food. It's passable and uninspired to say the least.
(4)Katelyn G.
I like a place with a vast menu and one that puts the right kind of beer in the right kind of glass. I wouldn't consider this bar a bistro by any means though they have a cozy atmosphere and it is a nicer bar, but, not a bistro.
(3)Michael L.
Free mayonnaise! Eat your heart out, Vanessa...
(4)Rahul G.
Very relaxed environment. Wide variety of beer. Food was solid. Enough televisions to see a game from any angle but not overwhelming to the point that you can't just talk to your company. Seems to have very attractive specials so I am sure I will be back there again soon.
(4)Frankie J.
Heeeeey!!! How's it goin'!!! I haven't seen you since...wow, check her out... We just havd a few friends come wiff to here... Beer? Yeah, I'll have one. Oh, wait...I gotta finish this... What's on special? Yeah, it's more hoppy and more wheaty, but does it have alcohol? Den bring it. $3.50 something different? Nice! Oh, i have my Beer card and I need to fill it. Food? Yeah, I'm STARFVING. Special? $2 Burgers? 1/2 price appetiters? $5 pizza? Yeah, when? Oh, different daze... Don't you have those little mini-burgers? Wings? Chicken nachoes? Nachooooooo!! That movie was so FUNNY. Nachooooooo!! Hows the pizza? It's okay... Man, there's, like no place to sit! So, i have lean up against this table... sorry, I didn't see you sitting there. Hey, don't you have a back room? Yeah, i went to a party there once. I LOVE THIS PLACE TOO...Nachooooooo!!
(3)Ellen F.
All-in-all, I'm a fan of Beer Bistro. I have a friend who lives around the corner and we tend to go here on the weekends for "lunch," which inevitably turns into "drinks." Hey, that's what Saturday afternoons are for, right? As far as the food goes, I've only had the BBQ chicken salad, which is very tasty and my friend always gets the chicken quesadillas. The atmosphere is nice, low-key, very pub-ish. My only complaint is that $9 for a bottle of Piraat is too much (especially considering it's only $6.50 at the Map Room), but oh well. I'll continue to come back anyway. Oh, and be sure to dust off your glass before you pour your beer.
(4)Erin C.
Hmmmmm. I wasn't really impressed with this place at all. It's in a nice spot in the west loop, but both the food and drinks were lacking here. Which is kind of the point of a bar/restaurant. I went on a Thursday for half-priced appetizers and $5 martinis. I assure you I didn't order a virgin martini, but that's about what it tasted like. Even if a drink is on special, you still have to put alcohol in it. That's really the point of a drink, right? For dinner, I had a burger ordered done medium. It was overcooked, chewy, and flavorless. The parmesan chips served on the side were pretty nice, however. My friend paid extra for the fries, but they were pretty ordinary, so i'd stick with the chips if i were you. That's about all I have to say about that. Positive: lots of cute boys there. I'm off the market so wasn't pursuing, but boy if i was, there was a virtual smorgasboard to choose from! Nice!
(2)Rachael J.
This place is alright. The beer selection is good. The food is okay: Standard pub flare, with generous portions and not much flare. A convenient place for dinner after attending an event the UIC Pavilion. Staff has always been polite.
(3)Joey B.
Passed this bar on multiple occasions, stopped in for a few drinks recently. Menu looks great, heard wonderful things as well. Service was awesome as well. Looking forward to going back.
(4)Janet T.
I love this place! It's the local pub with the cool bartenders with awesome playlists on their ipods--seriously the music is usually great. You can get quarter wings on Sunday while watching the game and $2 burgers on Tuesdays--and really good burgers. Did I mention all the different types of beer and that they have tater tots? Outdoor seating too! I heart you Beer bistro.
(5)betsy b.
Now that the bathroom is redone and I'm not afraid of it I added another star. The place has consistently great food and friendly service. The staff is very knowledgeable and great at suggesting new beers to try. The owner, Bob, is super friendly and always walking around chatting with patrons. I can't think of a better place to be down the street!! Love their tots and surprisingly they have great fish tacos.
(5)Cassie K.
This is the go-to bar and restaurant for when we aren't feeling adventurous enough to try something new. The pepperoni and goat cheese pizza is to die for. I started writing about the buffalo calamari and my mouth started watering. The BLT was okay and the steak sandwich was alright. Their chips are delicious. I highly recommend any of their pizzas- and of course the beer selection blows my Coors-Light-addled mind. I can't wait for summer when the front windows are all the way open! OH and the one time I tried to use the bathroom some old drunk guy had left the door open and was taking a wiz. Beware.
(5)marty p.
great neighborhood bar. The beer selection is unbelievable, and if your stomach is growling - the food is good too (just awesome hot wings). The wait staff is great, they will do jeager-bombs with you all nite long. And one of the best selling points for me is its a 2 block walk from my loft. Check it out - great place
(4)Joe R.
Beer menu tops 200. Sliders are awesome. The beer float tops it off!
(4)Chris K.
A group of 7 of us went here before a Blackhawks game in the late afternoon on a Saturday. While the huge menu of beers is a great idea, I am not sure it means that much when they are "out" of over half of the beers. Everything worth ordering on the draft beer list they were "out" of. After continually being told "we are out of that", we moved onto ordering food. Like the beers, the "we are out of that" statement came up at least 4 or 5 times when 7 of us tried to order food. A few people ordered sliders, and instead of bringing them out on plates with the order for each person, they mixed them all up and brought them out on a big plate. We did not come here for a buffet style experience, so figure out how to put the food people ordered on a plate and put it in front of them. If you cannot do that, don't bother working as a server or trying to run a place that serves food. Service was also terrible. No one should have to wait over 15 minutes for a server to bring you a beer when all they have on their plate is 3 tables. This place used to be great, but in the past year or so it has fallen sharply downhill. Whoever manages this place needs to do a much better job of getting the staff in order. Do yourself a favor and go to West End before any events at the United Center. I will not be going back to this place for a long time.
(1)Billy D.
Great beer menu from exotic IPA's to local favorites to cheap canned beer's like Schlitz and Hamms. Me and my work buddies will go grab a $2.00 burger and have a beer and some laughs usually on Tuesdays. I like the spot but I can see it getting pricey if you aren't going for the specials. As far as the $2.00 cheeseburger goes it can't be beat for the price but once you tack on fries, a beer, and a tip you won't leave without spending at least 10-12 bucks. Still a good spot to watch a game on a nice day because they have outdoor seating in the summer and the front windows come off and create a nice breeze through the place. So if you are a beer connoisseur or just prefer a PBR give the Beer Bistro a shot I don't think you will be disappointed.
(4)Lakshmi R.
Their selection of beer is jus phenomenal - they have a few chocolately beers, fruity ones and one even tastes like Banana Bread ( i personally would not recommend that one) I work a mile away from Beer Bistro and try to get out here @least once a month for some really good beer selection and pretty good burgers. Last I time i went, I tried some new beers. Goose Island Bourbon County Stout is jus AMAZING. As a rule, I go for the lighter beers but this one was jus blew me away. Good location, nice atmosphere and a huge variety of brews you won't find everywhere.
(5)Krys J.
Their vast beer selection earns this place 2 stars, otherwise this place was a nightmare. First, someone who works in this place needs to realize that heat should be adjusted depending on the temp. outside. If it is 1 degree outside it would be a good idea to move the thermostat a bit to the right. As a result, we ended up moving tables 3 times, all the while maintaining layers. Second, the food was mediocre at best, even for regular bar fare. Third, the staff could be a bit more attentive to how much they have already overserved their customers. My friend and I were so harassed by a group of fiercely drunk men that we had to flag down a waitress and ask her to get the bouncer once they had thrown the glass ashtray on the floor and knocked over our drinks. Again...nightmare.
(2)J A.
Overall, Beer Bistro is a decent pub. The service is friendly and a little spotty, but you go there for the beer selection, right? The owner is extremely knowledgeable about the beer, which you'd expect. The bartenders are getting there. (the servers? not so much) And what an amazing beer selection they have. Yes, prices are a little high compared to Map Room but the rent is much higher downtown so I guess it makes sense. I like that the menu items have accompanying beer selections so that you get the most from your experience. The food is decent pub food. The selection will appease burger people and salad people alike. And any place that serves tater tots with a sandwich is fine in my book. They have pretty good specials, too. 25 cent wings and $5 cheese pizza (BBQ Chix Pizza is awesome). Enough TVs for sports watching but not a sports bar. The outdoor patio is nice. The air conditioning is never cold enough (you can live with it) and the unisex bathrooms can use way more service.(total bummer) Thank goodness this place replaced the drug infested clubby Blyss. It brings a lot of nicer people to the neighborhood. Thanks for moving to the west loop.
(3)Jean C.
We came here Friday night to watch some NCAA and the staff was happy to turn on the game we wanted. Service was great and the beer selection was nice. The food was good but I have had better. The place was pretty open when we arrived around 8pm but packed when we left at 10pm. Great place to meet up with friends for a few cocktails. I am looking forward to coming here on Tuesdays for their $2 burgers and Thursdays for their half priced appetizers!
(4)Bex F.
Not bad but not awful. We went for dinner tonight and sat at the bar. Those old time ceiling fans and the ornate wood back bar are really very cool. I'd say the best part about this place is the decor. Not being a beer drinker myself, it does seem ridiculous that I'd go here, but the hubs is so it balances out. They do have a crazy amount of beer options, that's for sure. I have to say though, the name seems really dorky and uncreative to me. I had the pulled pork sandwich which was fine, nothing stellar, nothing inedible. I liked the fried onions on it and the coleslaw on the bottom, though it needed to be a larger sploop of slaw. The hubs had some kind of fancy sounding panini which he said was fine. The biggest problem we had was the service -- rather spotty, really not very friendly nor welcoming. The most offensive was when the bartender was clearing the hubs' plate...he left half a sandwich and had every intention of eating it later but she grabbed the plate and threw it out. Didn't even ask if he wanted it boxed up. I felt like I had to fend people off with a fork and hover over my leftovers until I was able to ask for a box. Seems like there's plenty of potential here but I doubt we'll revisit.
(3)James E.
Came here tonight to experience their magical $2 burger - can I get a WHA WHA?!?! Seriously, the burgers are $2 on Tuesdays. And I might add, they were quite tasty. We ordered them medium, but they came out medium-well. But it's like that anywhere in Chicago (which I always find odd) and... well... did I mention that they were $2 burgers? So who's going to complain? Not me. I also got a beer and a side salad with Ranch dressing. Yummy. Only down side, they didn't have any beer from Metropolitan Brewery here in Chicago. I wanted to have some of their beer to help support the hometown beer. But settled for a 312 instead. Oh well, woe is me.
(4)Kari C.
I've become a big fan of Beer Bistro. It has become a staple in our "Friday Night Pub Night" rotation. I love the atmosphere, the people are down to earth and (for the most part) classy, their beer selection is great (duh!), and the food is decent. It's a great place to grab a beer and relax on a cold winter night!
(4)Adam W.
Great beer selection and good food. A nice local spot in the west loop that doesn't have a "chain" feel to it. Staff could be a little friendlier.
(3)Meghan R.
I've been here a couple times with my bf and each time we're filled to the brim with great beer, great burgers and excellent tater tots. Every waitress we've had has always been spot-on with a beer suggestion to go with our meal. The decor adds to the pub atmosphere. I wish there was a larger outdoor seating section but they make up for it with the huge windows that are opened on nice days.
(5)Mark W.
No complaints when it comes to $2 pbr and $6 pizza. Pizza is pretty damn greasy. I placed napkins over the whole thing for a moment before devouring. That helped. It was good though. I mean, it satiated my needs for the time being. Great spot for some pre/post bulls/hawks action. Nice little stretch there on Madison these says. Crossroads right across the street, dont forget about it. op represent. Bulls.
(4)choong l.
It's a nice atmosphere -- high ceiling with firehouse-style exposure to the street with exposed-brick, modern gastropub-ish decor. Perfectly fine place to hang for the evening, except that the music is cranked up to the 11. It was only after walking away for a half a block at the end of our evening that my buddy and I realized we were shouting at each other to be heard all night long -- and we happened to sit at a tiny high-top away from the speakers. The beer list is long, and most of the brews come served in the brewery-label glassware (except for the wheat beer from the tap -- they all seem to be served universally in Franziskaner glasses) and mostly properly poured (except for my buddy's Dilium Tremens, which could surely use a top-off). While the beer list is peppered with the mundane (the Buds, the PBR), there's enough variety to make an impressive selection. What gets me is how joyless the beer-enjoying experience is here. The beer list has no description whatsoever -- just the names -- so those who want to venture out from what they know will have to rely on the servers or the bartender to help... except that on a Friday night I visited, they seemed severely understaffed -- my server barely had time to set drinks on our table before she had to scurry off to serve her other 10-12 tables. Of course, having to shout at my server to be heard doesn't help, but overall atmosphere doesn't make it very conducive to interaction with the staff. At least other beer joints like Hopleaf or even Sheffield's have a descriptive menu that you can use as a self-guide. Compounding the problem is that the beer menu doesn't have prices associated to the items. As such places go, it's not the type of place where everything on the menu is $5 except $6 for Guinness; the choices in the menu can range probably anywhere from $4-5 range to +$15 (for the 750ml brews). With the rushed service, you basically have to point, then they bring out the beer, and you hope that you have a beer-literate friend who will fill you in and hope to God you didn't point to a Trois Pistoles ($18 for a 750ml, which you wouldn't know from the list). The prices aren't high for what you'd pay at a bar, mind you, but in a sad way, the joylessness of the beer-experience had me fancy a notion that perhaps this is a penetrate-the-yuppy-market attempt by Yard House chain (they have an outpost in Glenview). Food is actually pretty good, and very reasonably priced. With this and the great location, ambience and the enticing beer list, this could have been a better experience. Sadly, although the place masquerades as a hophead magnet, it's just a really nice Friday-night type place with a good beer menu, obnoxious noise and very little soul.
(3)Melissa B.
I am biased as i live a few blocks away...but feel lucky that it is one of my neighborhood spots. I highly suggest it as a place to stop before anything at the united center. It isn't the cheapest place so i recommend taking advantage of whatever the special is for the day-Thursday's are half price apps and $5 martinis! The service is almost always good with a really friendly wait staff.
(4)Eliot D.
Well, I have a few quite fond memories of the Beer Bistro. The first being the time I got stood up there by some asshole friend of mine from IIT. "Ya dude, I'll be there in 10 minutes, please meet me there." Then, "Oh shit, you thought I meant tonight?" So anyways, I was chillin in there by myself, and I meet some pretty cute girl who came in with some old guys who had gotten her so drunk she could barely walk, then ordered her a large cookie that she smashed on the floor just before laughing with chocolate covered teeth. She really thought that was funny. Then she thought I was Rex Grossman (I might kind of look like him), but I couldn't play it off like I was... Sorry for that lame story. The beer specials are pretty good, if you like drinking crappy beer. Besides that, the selection is supreme. The pizza is bomb. I suggest the pepperoni and goat cheese. Who would have known that two filthy animals could team up to make such a good combination on top of some dough and tomato sauce? Just eat it and you'll thank me.. The hamburgers are good too. They are on special one day of the week for pretty cheap. I'm not sure what day, but if you figure it out, get them. Its not like those specials at Bar Louie either... you know the two dollar hamburgers, plus a dollar for cheese, a dollar for lettuce, a dollar for tomato, a dollar for onion, you have to get on the bar and do a tap dance for ketchup and mustard.... Its not like that at all. The waitresses and customers are pretty good looking too. I like going to places with good looking people. That serves two purposes. First, I can dream about what I could look like, and second, I can glance at women that wouldn't even think about talking to me, but they don't care because they are in a semi-nice place. The place is kind of small however, so I'll take one star away from my rating because any seat near the door is cold as hell when people keep walking in and out, creating a constant cold-air-blast.
(4)Dave C.
despite the fact that this joint is frequented by people i wouldn't typically drink around, i had a blast! our large group had a back area reserved so we crammed in and got our drink and food on. if i recall correctly, i was enjoying whiskey and cokes for $5 a glass. our waiter lady made sure to take care of us even though we were a sizable group and eventually, the evening devolved into me using the gigantic display bottles of vodka for provocative and inappropriate photos. Jerry's Sandwiches is right down the street so what you can do is load up on yummy sandwiches and then get trashed! a hot date, indeed. spring break!
(4)Melissa S.
As a bar this place is decent. Clean, neat, newer and all that. Kinda yuppified sportsy bar, but that goes with the 'hood. Food, however, is just average. I had a grilled cheese panini and fries and my roomie had some sort of chicken sandwich with the chips. Shoulda gotten the sea salt covered chips with my sandwich because the fries were very blah. Also...service leaves MUCH to be desired. In summation~ Beer selection = pretty gosh darn good. Food and crowd and ambience and service = pretty darn blah. (except for the fresh herb goat cheese pizza, which merits an additional half star - it is yummy!)
(2)Donisha L.
I rank this bar with 2 stars because of their horrible service and the fact that the food was not fresh. These two issues alone can ruin a hot Saturday afternoon for a group of friends who just want to grab some grub, booze, and of course beer to mark the beginning of summertime CHI. Thanks for ruining that experience with a not so pleasant waitress and a food wait time of over 30 minutes for a few sliders and some fish tacos. Our waitress was Beth (not sure if this is her name - she didn't introduce herself so I read it off the receipt, therefore if this is the wrong person I apologize in advance...but i doubt I'm wrong) and she was CLEARLY having a bad day. No smiles, she huffed and puffed when we slightly dragged on our order, she rarely came to the table for refills, and at one point she mumbled and I quote "I can't believe I have to go over there" - referencing another table on the other side of the room. I know how it is when you work in the food service industry and you are having a shitty day. But we are a light hearted group and I need you to pull it together Beth! You are ruining the beginning of my summer and because of your stank ass attitude, there is a high probability we won't be stopping here again. Beer Bistro's saving grace - a nice gentleman behind the bar who took note of Beth's frustration and came to our table to refill water, refill drinks, and eventually flag our waitress to bring the check (owner maybe?). He was super nice so I'll give them the rebound half star for that. Food was cold when it arrived at our table. Big no no. We had sliders and fries and generally these things aren't served below room temperature. SN: these are the smallest sliders I have ever seen in my life - great for a diet, not for my fat girl fix. But they have a lot of options so I'll give them back the other half star for variety! Good beer selection - I ended up going with the beer of the month Blanche De Chambly- light and best of all cheap! I think the special was $4.00 for a large glass. Yiiipppeeee! I'll have to try this place out at least one more time before I add it to my list of "banned Chicago pubs". Hopefully they were just having an off day.
(2)Matt K.
From Blyss to Bistro-The West Loop Story. I was in this location about 10 years ago when it was called Blyss and the area was just starting to change for the better. That said, the change is more than complete and this bar compliments it perfectly. I'm a beer fan, so this place was made for me. Lots of rotating taps of micro brewed goodness. Huge bottle selection. Even a couple cans for those nights where you want save a few bucks. The atmosphere is very casual with a friendly staff. Decent place to watch a game or just hang out. Gets crowded on Fridays after work. The food is just average, but they do have a nice burger and pizza special during the week. Free shuttle to the UC is a nice bonus. My co-home bar in the West Loop since the arrival of West End.
(4)ER S.
This place was not bad at all. When we couldn't get into Jerry's (they close at 6:30???) we wandered down the street and into this place. 6:30 pm is absolutely the peak time at this place, but they found a table for my husband and me and our 4 year old daughter. She ate all her mac & cheese and most of his tater tots. My pizza was good and it all came pretty quickly. It's mostly bar food, but it's pretty good bar food, and they were very nice. I would definitely go back if I were in the neighborhood.
(4)Sarah F.
I really liked this place. I can't decide whether or not the name Beer Bistro is lame or I like it - but all the same, it's a fun place in the West Loop. The menu is huge (both food & beer - and cocktails actually), and the food is really great! Great app list and really nice, big salads! I'm not a huge beer-drinker, but know enough. I found our server to be wonderful at picking different beers out for my dining companion and I to try. She was pretty dead on with everything she picked for us! Overall, I really liked the interior vibe of this place too, and a pretty decent after-work crowd. Love the neighborhood after-work crowd of the West Loop - sooo much better than Wrigleyville, etc. I've gotta go back for that 'Beer Float' dessert.
(4)Jason B.
Love the insanely large beer selection. Both draft and bottle. Food is pretty solid; great tater tots and chips! Burgers and sandwiches are your standard bar fare. The seating is limited outside (3 or so tables), but it's nice they don't mind if you have your dog out there with you. There's a big water bowl setup for those hot days! The servers and bartenders have always been really friendly and attentive.
(4)Lauren D.
Beer Bistro is a good location for a beer and some pub-food. Their drink menu is extensive, a bit too extensive (it takes forever to sort though) However this bar has great weekday drink and food specials. Also, they have a formidable basket of tater tots and equally delicious cheese sprinkled homemade chips.
(3)Abby T.
The service here is definitely lacking. I've been given the "hold on" finger one too many times. The only reason I return is the daily specials ($5 burgers, 1/2 off appetizers, wing night, martini night, etc.) and the convenience of the location. All in all, a very cute neighborhood bar w/ alright food.
(3)Scott M.
**UPDATE** They have daily specials that are good deals, but they do not tell you that Thursday's special isnt until after 5 pm...so the half price app's are not all day like every other special they offer. It really sucks that they dont have any signs or notes on the menu to let you know. I go there often and the specials are all day everyday, so it was a shock to get the bill today and have it all be full price. its a bummer, such a good place...but yet...not really clear on thier Thursday specials. :( Great burgers, great home made circle cut fries, THE BEST bbq chicken salad, great atmosphere. MON: $5 Pizza's, TUES: $2 Burgers, SUN: .25 Cent wings! Sometimes the staff isn't the nicest...but maybe they just had a bad day. I haven't had a Jim Beam there yet.
(2)Jennifer B.
Relaxed atmosphere, great specials, friendly staff, extensive beer selection. The food is uncomplicated. Outdoor seating area is definitely a plus.
(4)Skazoo M.
I was there twice on a Friday night in January 2007 before & after a (lousy) show at the UIC Pavillion. Once around happy hour (4 - 6 pm) and then I went back from around 10 pm - 1 am. I'll talk first about the beer, then the peripherals. Beer: Outstanding selection (!) listed on menus, but the menu doesn't list specials, indicate tap/bottle or tell you the PRICE! When your beer can range from $5 to $10, it would be good to know that ahead of time. My favorite of the evening: Corsendonk Abbey Brown... smooth and delicious and cost $8. Happy Hour: Sat in the non-smoking section in back, but smoke still evident from the front. Plenty of seats at 4, but they were all gone shortly after 5. Not very loud so it was easy to have a conversation. We ordered a hummus plate appetizer (~$6) and the goat cheese & pepperoni pizza (~$12). The hummus was average, but the pitas were served warm, which I like. The pizza had a thin crust and was quite good - lots of cheese, not too greasy. Our waitress seemed a bit overwhelmed (perhaps they were understaffed?) but did a good job. Evening: It was very full at 10 pm and we were lucky to find a small table up against the front window. It was freezing cold and kind of smokey. Much louder, but could still hold a conversation. Got a basket of some kind of deep fried potato chip this time... mmmmm, greasy goodness with coarse salt. Our waitress did a fabulous job given the crowd and table bussers were hypervigilant, almost intrusive. Bathrooms: 1 upstairs (in the very back) and 2 downstairs. All were reasonably clean and well-maintained.
(4)Allyson C.
Went here on a Thursday for $5 martinis. I didn't love the first one I tried despite my normal love of mango martinis. Theirs had way too much OJ and too little alcohol. The second one I tried, the Effen Pom, was effen disgusting and tasted like cold medicine. I loved that they had Menage by the glass though and the bar was pretty cool. The food we tried was good enough for bar food. My friend Karie declared the tater tots to be A+ and far superior to those at Sidecar. Could be a good place to go back to during football games.
(3)Lady L.
Pretty great place. Good beer selection, great atmosphere, and good food specials during the week. I would recommend it for meeting up with friends. Update!!! I love BB. The pizza is outstanding, the bartenders are great, and I am so glad that it is my neighborhood bar. I always feel welcome here (unlike the pretentious Third Rail Tavern a few doors down-- check out that review). Matt is a great bartender, never skews you the wrong way with beer recommendations.
(4)Jacquelyn C.
This place has an extensive list of unique brews, which is pretty awesome. They also have great food (aside from the nachos). I don't know how one could screw that up, but they were not all that I had hoped for. My Server was really nice and knew a great deal about the drink & food menu. I am so glad she brought the giant cookie with ice cream into my life. It was moist, decadent and picked up the slack from our nachos. I definitely have the intentions of going back! Bravo Beer Bistro, Bravo!
(4)Mike L.
It's less than a mile from the United Center. The upstairs is cramped and did not visit the downstairs. Lots of old B & W pictures on the walls to make it seem older than it is, the bar is nice. Did not sample the food but it seemed typical pub fare. PBR as the lone macro the rest were micros and some Germans ( Spaten Optimator) among the 12 taps. Good selection of bottles, varied. Not a bad place to stop before going to a game.
(3)David B.
I came here with a friend before a Bulls game and the place was packed. We lucked out because two guys stood up right as we entered and we grabbed their table. Classy-looking place with a lot of beer signs on the walls, a nice long bar, and tap handles that you can see from across the room. The waitress took a while to come by, but was fast once we got her attention. Looking at the giant pink elephant tap handle, we ordered two Delirium Tremens. The waitress brought our beers out... in bottles. Now, maybe they didn't have Delirium Tremens on tap (maybe the Noel was on tap?), and maybe we should have clarified that we wanted beers off the tap. But still, something to keep in mind for the next time I go. It was a Tuesday and they had a $2 burger special. I asked the waitress if it was a normal-sized burger. She replied unenthusiastically, "Yeah but it's just like a plain burger." A plain burger? Conflicted, I ordered the fish and chips. My friend ordered the burger, "but could I get tomato, cheese, etc, etc on that?" The waitress said no problem and walked away. So next time, I will try the burger for $2. My friend said it was good. The fish and chips were also good... but not $2. Oh, and parking will be slightly tough before a Bulls game if you didn't know already.
(4)Anik S.
Beer Bistro - I salute you. An unpretentious watering hole with a wide array of brews and a $4 monthly special. Large and inviting space + a huge glass boot to drink beer out of, whaaaa!?
(3)Jim M.
The weekday specials are nice and the beer selection pretty good. I recommended this place for micro-brews and above average pub grub.
(3)Esme W.
I felt like I was right back in Seattle when I visited the Beer Bistro. It was dark and warm, and, with beer being the main course, I couldn't have been happier. All it needed was a downpour and it would've been the epitome of "Seattle pub". They have about 75 bottled beers and a great assortment of beers on tap. Not to mention a monthly ale special and great food. I recommend the spinach and artichoke dip...you have to work hard to screw something like this up, but theirs was the best I've had. The space is long and narrow, so large groups have to wait a bit for a table together. But it's a great spot if you're with one or two others. I really enjoyed myself here and would definitely go back!
(5)Ashish G.
Beer Bistro was one of my favorite spots on Madison Ave when I lived down the street. I frequently visited the establishment on Thursdays for their 1/2 price appetizer special. They also offer martinis for $5 on Thursday. Great beer selection and definitely way better bar food than the average place. The 5-cheese mac n cheese is delicious. The fish tacos are also one of my favorites.
(4)Donato C.
As far as neighborhood pubs go, you couldn't ask for a better one! There's a real sense of communtity as soon as you walk in the door! The food is tasty and there are daily specials which are really very affordable. The beer list is formidable and the bartenders know their beer. It's also a great place to watch a game, or two!
(4)Steve M.
Well...finally, a cool bar in the westloop. Sure, it's a little bit lincoln park, but the neighborhood is changing rapidly, and I welcome the change. The beer selection is amazing....very clean environment. Waitstaff are good...lets face it, it's a bar, not The Capital Grille. Burger deal on tuesday is fantastic. Bloody bar is terrific too.
(4)Bry H.
This place has the potential to be massively disastrous, because it is so close to my gym. I went there this past weekend, because I wanted a beer- not a lite, but an actual BEER. Boy did they have a pretty good selection. They have a good selection of beer on tap, which made it nice to sample- the bartenders were nice and informed about the new brews on tap. They have two or three Goose Island beers on tap, but I have a hard time drinking them now that Budweiser bought them out. :( Overall, good place to chill and have a real beer. I'll be back.
(4)Dana H.
I agree with the other reviewers, this is a clean and cozy spot. It is a great neighborhood bar/restaurant with some personality. Love the exposed brick and the drapey velvet thing...it kicks the mood up a notch. My first visit was on a Wednesday night w/a girlfriend in this horrific below zero weather...we were looking for comfort food and a place where we could hear each other talk. We definitely found that atmosphere at Beer Bistro. We enjoyed the food and while we drank wine instead of beer, their list of beer offerings is quite impressive. I can't wait to tell my West Loop friends what I found in their 'hood!
(3)Denton J.
I went to a game at the United Center last night and I had to get some dinner first. I had considered Subway until I remembered this spot. And since I'm always looking for a new place to try some good beer, I decided to try it out. It's a long, dark bar in the traditional Chicago style. Fairly well appointed, all things considered. There is a lower-level, in the basement, but I never made it down. The beer selection is pretty good. The list is not the kind of things dreams are made of, but the options are all solid and robust enough that it should keep anyone happy. To me, the best option has got to be the Goose Island Reserve series, with one on tap and several others in the bottle. I had some nice GI Imperial IPA and was a happy camper. My food, however, was only lackluster especially considering the price. I ordered the Blackened Chicken Breast and steamed broccoli. The chicken breast was about the size of a cell phone. The flavor was good and the broccoli was solid, but at $11 I felt a little ripped off. It wasn't too crowded, by any means, but it was a rainy Monday night, so I'm not at all surprised. I don't make it out that way all too often and I don't see this place changing that. However, if I am out that way, I'd be happy to stop by and get some good beer. Hopefully, I'll be smart enough to order a $8 burger and be content with that.
(3)Alice T.
The bar/restaurant is pretty casual compared to other places in the west loop. However, it has a pretty substantial beer selection. The manager was also ultra-nice and let me try 5 different beers before I decided which one I liked. He even opened a bottle to see if I would like it. When I didn't, he didn't make me feel bad about it (or pressured), he simply joked, "I was hoping you wouldn't like it anyways... " and walked away drinking it. It's a pretty chill environment and the service was pretty good. Overall, a good experience.
(4)Carrie F.
I really dig this place. The beer selection is great, and bartender are very attentive and fun. They also have Beer School on the occasional Wednesday night! Clearly, this is where I should have gone for my master's. Damnit. Parking is good on Aberdeen (just west of the Bistro). Warning-Be prepared to drop a few coins...
(4)Clay J.
I love the Beer Bistro. Just so y'all know, my friends and I are re-doing their website. But I would go there several nights a week no matter my connection with the place. Bob is great. So is the wait-staff. The specials are awesome and the place hits the neighborhood feel spot-on. Grab the beer checkoff card and get yourself a "free" case of beer when you finish. I've been to the Map Room and love its selection. But I prefer the Bistro. It's close, it's super friendly and just a good time. It doesn't try to be something it's not. And especially important to me, it's not packed with people that now have a place to go down the street. As a note: it is frowned-upon to take a little nap in the downstairs area.
(5)Richard S.
GREAT beer list, both draft and bottle. Burgers are OK, but other food just isn't that good, especially with other options very nearby. **UPDATE** Restrooms have been redone and are no longer on par with those of Wrigleyville bars after a home win! This is a great improvement. Forget this place before any major United Center event. Other than that, it's still one of my favorite places as a local.
(4)Jenny N.
Went here for the first time last night and was pleasantly surprised. The western BBQ pizza was delicious and the staff was very friendly. Love the extensive beer selection and the great array of draft beers... won't see bud light on draft here! Our waitress could have been a little more knowledgeable about the beers, but maybe I'm being a little too hard on her. Would definitely come back. Cute atmosphere!
(4)Barrett S.
Just stumbled upon this little hot spot for the first time. I was greeted with a smile, served my vodka/grapefruit in a timely matter and then I just couldn't resist the menu of beer. I ended up with Fullers from London, damn good beer!! I can't wait to dive into their daily specials like $.25 wings on Sundays, or $2 on Tuesdays (too bad I travel during the week)
(4)lana v.
This bar is close to my house and I have been here many times. The food is not bad, and the beer selection is great however the wait staff is horrible. Every time I go the waitress is rude for no reason. They never come back to refill our drinks, and are nowhere to be found. I think there are much better places to go with much better customer service.
(2)Matthew S.
One of the best bars on service and beer knowledge while not being a massive, suffocating place. Like beer? Just go. The food is actually a step or two above the traditional bar menu...and they have this monster cookie buried in the menu that has made the day of many a friend. Throw in the daily specials and this place wins. If it wasn't for Kroll's being closer to me as my lazy neighborhood beer-bar, I'd be here too often.
(4)Jason F.
This place rocks for having the widest selection of beers I have found in Chicago. Next to small bar on division st. in wicker park.
(5)Anne R.
What a great bar! My boyfriend and I went there on our visit to Chicago because a close friend had recommended it. There was a great beer selection and the staff was extremely friendly and accommodating. I recommend this place to any one visiting the area and I am sure that the locals already know about it. Great prices, fun atmosphere, great staff - not sure what else you'd be looking for :-)
(5)Liz C.
Pretty laid back atmosphere. Mediocre bar food. But I am obsessed with their cookie skillet dessert. I love love love their extensive beer selection. It is a good place for a post-work happy hour. Lots of interesting beer and food pairings that I have yet to try.
(3)rob g.
their awesome beer selection is one of the reasons i moved to the area. The food leaves quite a bit to be desired, with the exception of the mac and cheese and the potato chips (i have tried most of the menu). If you want great bar food, there are other places within 4 blocks that have far superior food (Jak's, West End).
(3)Rachel H.
My companion and I stopped in after a hockey game to get some food that doesn't cost a million dollars and come in a cardboard box. Shocking, I know. They have an insane selection of beers including Goose Island Bourbon County Stout which I love, despite its hefty pricetag (my one stout cost more than my dinner alone and my companion's dinner and beer combined, apparently I am not a cheap date). I got a chopped salad which was full of a wide variety of fresh greens including one of my favorites, frisee and the waitress had no problem substituting a different cheese. I like to be difficult, I know. My companion enjoyed the 25cent wings and we enjoyed being able to just hang out a little bit longer without breaking the bank. We absolutely spent more on snacks at the game than we did here. They also have quite a few tv's if you want to catch a game. Thanks to that, I got to spend another Sunday looking into the pretty boy face of my dad's secret gay boyfriend (he wishes), Payton Manning. Great. I'll definitely be back, Payton Manning or not. Or should I say, my new step-dad (again, my dad wishes)
(4)Justin M.
This is a nice bar with a great West Loop location. Minutes from the United Center, you can find many good beers on tap at this establishment. I went here recently with my gf for a little pre -Bulls action, and the place was fairly dead. I've been here before when the crowd was pouring out of the front door, and the service is fairly good considering how small the upstairs room is. They had a nice Belgium beer on tap that I ordered. Our bartender seemed new to the place, as he had difficulties pouring my second round of choice, a weiss beer. Not sure what the problem was, but he couldn't seem to keep the beer in the glass. Oh well, it was still tasty...and I would definitely come back here if I was in the area.
(3)Nicole S.
Came here after a Hawks game on a Wednesday night. It was pretty busy but not absolutely packed. We ended up closing down the place. The bartender was nice and attentive. I had wine but they had a huge selection of beer (like 100 choices?) MUST TRY THE MAC N CHEESE!!! They make it with like 4 different cheeses. Its amazing. Screw your diet and try some!
(4)Hector C.
Stopped in at Bristros before a Bulls game to have a bite to eat. It was a Tuesday night around rush hour. The parking was not too fun, since it was only street parking. However, that is expected in West Town. (free parking 1 block south on Monroe) Its open seating so timing is everything when it comes to finding a table. If you have a group of four or more expect to wait or squeeze together. The waiting service was timely and helpful with picking a beer. (The beer list is crazy long) Come knowing what type of beer you like or you might get stuck trying something you do not like. Tuesday night is $2 burgers. Medium- Medium well is the way to go if you do not want a charcoal burger. The burger was tasty and moist. The fries were a bit too fried, but tasty. I had a Daisy Cutter beer, or something like that, which was not too good. Next time Ill go with more of a Lager beer. Overall the experience was good. This is a good place to meet up with friends before going out for the night.
(4)Kate S.
I have no beef with this place (and, I tend to stay away from beef generally, but I digress). There's a pretty big beer list, yes, but this place is NO Map Room. It's more like a pub/sporty bar, with a neighborhoody crowd. So yes, totally fine if you're rating it on just being a bar, but as for a "beer bistro," I'm slighly puzzled. I wasn't blown away by anything on tap, and unlike the Map Room or Hopleaf which have large selections of draft beer, Beer Bistro had maybe 10 or so. Again, I have no problem with this place--friendly and fast server, fine crowd--but I feel like it's not a thrilling addition to Chicago's beer bar "scene" (by scene, I mean, um, two or so bars? probably a few more).
(3)marisa s.
3 stars for the MASSIVE beer list (but of course, that's what i expect from the name). and -2 stars because the food was sub par. we dropped in on quiet madison after a bulls game on a sunday...and since most things were closed we settled on beer bistro. the sign in the window said 25 cent wings - my boyf was sold on that! my girlfriend and i saw that they had salads, since we were trying to eat healthy...but i never ended up ordering one anyways, ha! my boyf & i ordered: - buffalo wings (ok, not too saucy which i like - but boyf gave them an OK rating) - basil and goat cheese pizza (floppy floppy floppy thin crust - if i waited until it got cold, it would have been easier to eat. the taste was really non-existent, they could have really put more goat cheese on, it was bogged down with more mozz than anything else and the crust was doughy as hell!) my friend and her boyf got: - mac 'n cheese (runny and flavorless) - goat cheese & pep pizza (we've already been through this...flop city) - chopped salad (the ingredients were chopped, but the lettuce wasn't...what? i'm confused!!) we ordered delirium, which i love and love that they had that on tap...and they give you the beer brand's glass, so that's always exciting (small pleasures, people!). service was fine, she did a run down of the beers - but did not explain which each one was like (call me crazy, but the name doesn't help in my ordering...i like to know what it's suppose to taste like. i know that's not her job unless i ask her to explain them, but that would take forever and would be rude to do! but maybe the menu's job? would have been cool to have the descriptions of the many beers.) the food was just OK bar food...if you want to try their beers, go in on a sunday and get the wings for cheap...or just go in for the beer selection any day.
(3)Michael H.
Went there on a Friday night and sat in the downstairs area. Flatscreen tvs all around were good for viewing the basketball game on. The Beer Menu leaves a little something to be desired (at least on tap). Service was good, but the food was average at best. We started with the nachos and the spinach artichoke dip. They were both pretty bland and unremarkable. Moved on to the fish and chips. The fish was overly greasy and there was more batter than actual fish. Overall, the food wasn't terrible. But the prices are not cheap, and not worth it. Besides that, the clientele is every salesmen/saleswomen tool in the West Loop.
(2)T M.
First time at Beer Bistro and tried their $2 burgers and got totally sick. I'll never come back to this place. I called to inform the manager and he said it's fresh angus - I doubt it'd be $2 if it truly were. He was nice and apologized but I'll never be back to get sick.
(1)Mark C.
This is such a great place. I met the owner, Bob- real nice guy- interested in his clientele. The night I arrived they had the US first only release of a new beer called Maredsous- a Belgium, lighter ale. Good, not great. I also tried the Grimbergen, another Belgium brew. A tad darker then the previous. I was there on a Friday night, and had a nice sized BBQ pullled pork sandwich- the cole slaw on the bottom of this 'wich made this the 'mac-daddy'. Man, is this good. They've got tons 'o beers, free shuttle to the United Center and you have you go meet Brook, the bartender. Lots of good people and great tunes.
(4)Yuly M.
Yay finally stopped in this place after reading reviews on it here on yelp. Wow they had a pretty large list of beers which is a plus for me because I'm a beer drinker. So had about 3 different ones. I'm REALLY bad with remembering the names when I'm drinking but they were good. I know that doesn't help but what I DO remember is that there starburst martini was fabulous! I switched out after awhile. They knew how to make a french martini too. So also tried the fried calamari it was pretty good no complaints. Pretty big place friendly atmosphere. Liked da tv's all over. Need to find more places like this chill spot.
(4)Tara V.
Nice neighborhood watering hole. It is often easy to score a seat and enjoy a few pints. I would say this place is pretty average, it really is just a neighborhood bar. They have fairly decent specials and the food is ok. If you live in the area and are in walking distance- check it out. But I am not sure that I would make a special trip to the West Loop just for the sake of going here. It does get a few extra points with me for not being pretentious and just being a comfortable place to chat with friends while drinking a beer.
(3)Jennifer C.
Bob is the shit and while the beer prices could stand to be a bit lower, the bartenders will give you free shots all night long, so if you're into shots, it's a deal.
(5)Paraisia W.
This place has great food. However, the service is questionable at times. The daily specials are a great deal. If you go there on a non-special day you feel like you overpaid
(4)Alexis H.
I was here on a Saturday afternoon, and it satisfied my need for a daytime bar with good food. Day-drinking during spring and summer in Chicago is an unofficial "must do" for me, and I'm always looking for a new place to try out. My friends enjoyed the extensive beer list, and were happy to see that each beer came with its own signature glass, which according to my friends is the sign of a great beer bar. I prefer drinks of the cocktail persuasion and the waitress was more than happy to make recommendations (not that I needed them, booze expert that I am). Their food was pretty good too. We had a BBQ chicken salad, chicken quesadillas, and mashed potatoes, and they were all delish. Every time I go out in the West Loop, there are more new restaurants and bars to try. I'm glad I stopped in at Beer Bistro, and I plan on going back once it's a little warmer out and more people are partaking in my already standard day-drinking routine.
(4)Mo L.
I don't often venture into the West Loop, but maybe this place has changed my mind. This stylish bar has a nice selection of beers. They also feature daily specials to keep you coming back. I recommend the $2 burger night (which I think is Tuesday). Order 2 or 3! I did, and I'm still full. Go with a nice-sized group and take over the comfy VIP booth in the back corner.
(4)Melissa K.
I just went here the other night. The food was good for $2 burgers, the service not so much. Maybe the waitress was upset because we moved two tables together or maybe she just didn't care, but either way she didn't give us much service. It was pretty crowded for a Tuesday night and it looked like they had a lot of great specials. Will I go back, probably. Maybe I'll get a different server next time.
(3)Vanessa G.
Great Beer list, in fact something like 100 beers, and mixed drinks. Love their food, especially the wraps. Always a fun time! Finally a good bar close to my home!
(5)alexis h.
I just can't bring myself to go back here after they got shut down recently. Roaches, dirty kitchen. Ick. They do have a great beer selection which I miss. I'm in search of another laid back place to hang out in the hood with a stellar beer selection. Going to try jack's next.
(2)Don L.
My co-workers and I go here often for $2 burger Tuesdays at lunch and the great selection of beer. The burgers are perfect every time and go well with tater tots. Its uncanny. I tend to order the Goose Island reserve of Matilda they have on tap. (After work, natch.) Also kudos to whoever manages their spot on selection of 80s music.
(4)julie p.
Let me be honest here: I'm a beer nut, and I've got the beer gut to show it. Beer Bistro has a really long beer list, but it's a list populated with the most pedestrian selections possible. It's not good imports and micros, it's the Paulaners, Tsingtaos, Coronas, Red Stripes and Sam Adams of the world. I was looking forward to my first time to this place, but my heart sunk when I saw the beer list. There were a few good offerings on tap (Black Dog, Dogfish Head) but mostly it was stuff you could get elsewhere, nothing like the Hop Leaf. (YES, go to the HOP LEAF instead if you're looking for a good beer list! Or the Map Room! Or...) That said, food's ok, $2 burger Tuesdays no fries included (though Union Park has $2 burger mondays that include fries). It's ok, and nice inside, and the service is fast.
(2)Matt M.
I live fairly close to this place, and it has become my backup "neighborhood" bar of choice when I just want to have some great beers and good food. The beer selection is sick, son. I don't know how many they have, but looking at the beer list brings a tear of joy to my eye. Saison Du Pont! Corsendonk! The pizza is really delicious, and the buffalo calamari makes my pants tight. The staff are always very nice, and there is some nice outdoor seating in the summer. Check out this "radical" joint if you want some great beers in the West Loop.
(5)Sheila Y.
I agree with most of the other reviews that compared to Map Room and Hopleaf this place falls a bit short. The space isn't too bad and I would have liked to sit out on the patio to soak in as much Chicago summer as one can get, but we ended up in the back. The apps were ok (wings and nachos) and the beer was decent. I just don't think I would be coming back here with such wonderful options elsewhere. There is a preponderance of TV's however, so if you intend to catch a game (Cubs, Sox, etc.) this might be a good option.
(3)Jeff B.
The Beer Bistro has a very good selection of beer -- probably almost 100 well-chosen beers. There are a lot of things here that I haven't found in many other places in Chicago. The menu is very good for a casual restaurant. It's definitely a cut above your typical bar/ pub. Burgers are good, but the pizza is great, too, and appetizers are fun to try. The service is usually good and the servers know their beer. I go to the Beer Bistro before Bulls and Hawks games. It's a good West Loop location right on Madison, a little more than halfway between downtown and the United Center. I've never had a problem getting in and out of there before the games.
(4)Vanessa P.
I've only been here for lunch and it's ok. But just so. The specials are usually a good deal, especially the $5 pizza on Mondays. Unfortunately, the service has much to be desired and needs improvement. The servers just don't move fast enough, even when there are only 3 other tables in there. I don't know, maybe the service is better at night?
(3)Marty D.
I've been to this West Loop pub often, and usually have a great experience. HUGE selection of beers, decent food, and great specials. I highly recommend the Mac and Cheese and their version of a slider. Both go down well with a cold one. Not sure what kind of beer to order, just check the menu, and all food items come with a beer suggestion. The crowd is becoming quite eclectic. Business suits, hard hats, and tourists(N.Siders) and locals can be found here everyday. Going with a group, send someone early and grab the semi-private nook towards the back!! When it first opened, the wait staff and owner were extremely helpful in choosing beers, and were incredibly friendly. Our server often would sit and chat for a few minutes. Now this placed is packed, with folks maneuvering to try to get a seat, and it has lost some of its charm....they are just too busy to extend themselves. The owner, who kinda resembles a gnome, or blond Mario brother, still offers great selections if you can hunt him down. Busy or not, I know I will be back. Don't miss the $2 burgers, it's Tuesday's special. Good lunch option.
(3)Jennifer T.
This is a pretty cool place especially if you like beer! The food is yummy! Try the tator tots and the steak sandwhich. I get carryout a lot too because it's so yummy but the place is a cool place to hang out also. They have a small patio with about 4 tables so if you want to sit outside....you might have to wait or come early.
(4)Erin B.
I'd give this place three and a half stars. This was a nice, cozy bar, and wasn't to crowded, but not empty, on a Saturday night. They've got a large beer selection, and if you order all of their Christmas ales (there are 12 of them!) in December, you get a shirt! Whoopee for a free shirt. Hey, that deserves an extra star!
(4)Jeremy M.
Ahh, The Beer Bistro. I began going here because it is so close to my house, but now I think I would continue to frequent it even if I lived farther away. They have a great beer selection and the food can also be pretty good. They have great burgers and I also really enjoy their blackened chicken dinner. Make sure you try their homemade chips, they are excellent! There are a few flat screen TVs hanging around the bar area that are very nice for watching sporting events. My only complaint here is that the bar area is fairly small and can get pretty crowded on Friday and Saturday nights, but what good place doesn't.
(4)Ashley V.
Spent a relaxing weekend day at the bar, drinking recommended beers along with a delicious burger and mac and cheese. The owner couldn't have been nicer, interacting with our group. No airs, just a completely enjoyable experience. We'll be back.
(5)Allie B.
Had a blast here last night. Garage door type open windows made it feel like a giant beer garden even though there were only a few outdoor tables. Such a fun beer list - loved trying something different - I had a corona-like beer called Pacifico and the Bistro Chips - yummy fresh cut potato chips served warm with parmesan and salt. Mmmmm :)
(4)Michelle D.
I was there for a tap takeover......horrible experience. First of all, I specifically went the Beer Bistro since I heard they have a great selection of beers. I was suprised that they have this "tap takeover" once a month, and the one I was there for was AWFUL - Bell's. They trick you by saying that all of the drafts are only $4 - but they come in "10 oz glasses", which are not filled up to the top, so it is more like 8oz of beer - not so much of a deal anymore. I was open to the Bell's takeover and tried three different ones. I am not giving this place a bad rating just because I did not like the beer - but it did not get any better after the beer. I took the waitress's recommendation on all of the food, including the appetizer and main course. All of the food was tasteless and everything that had bread was stale. The crowd appears to have just graduated from the frat house, so maybe they don't expect people to know a good beer from another - so they just don't try. Bad food, poor service, dirty restaurant (silverware, tables, bathrooms, etc). Way more places in Chicago to go and get a really good beer, served by people who actually KNOW what they are talking about. For the manager - next time you are going to have a tap takeover, spend some time educating your servers on the beers - they had no knowledge of the beers when I asked for a recommendation.
(2)Nicola C.
I love this bar, it is very neigborhoody, just what the west loop needed, and they have $2 burgers every Tuesday, they are really good, oh 50c more if you want cheese!!! They also offer beers of the month at great prices, so I have learned to appreciate beer a lot more!!!! Definitely worth checking out, and you can pare beers with your food!!
(4)Laurel D.
The bartenders/wait staff are fantastic here! They are very attentive and will go as far as changing the channel on their flat screen tvs to whatever you desire. There's a nice lounge area in the back that seats ten - 15 people. Prices aren't bad, and groups pretty much keep to themselves. Great for a happy hour after work!
(4)Sean D.
I like the place for its selection of beers and appetizer specials (half off on Thursdays) etc.
(4)Cali K.
This place is great. We usually end up here at some point if we are out, probably because we live a block away. It always makes for a good time, and I just like to say "lets go to the Beer Bistro!" It is funny because in college we had a gay bar called the Bistro... and it was complete opposite of this bar. This bar is great if you just want to grab a beer with your friends, or lunch on a Sunday afternoon. Here is a funny story about the Beer Bistro. I noticed this summer, that they did away with the full open windows in front, and replaced them with standard height windows. I am not sure exactly why the did this, but I like to think it has something to do with what I call the "Freaky Squirrel Incident" One Sunday, my fiancé and I were having lunch inside, but right by the full open window. All of the sudden, in a very mono-tone voice, my fiancé said "there is a squirrel under your chair" He made it seem like no big deal. So, I looked down, and sure enough, there was a little baby squirrel hiding under my chair. I, naturally, screamed and ran to the other side of the room. The staff did a good job of herding the squirrel out with a broom, and I retuned, slightly disturbed, but OK. Then all of the sudden, we looked up into the awning, and saw the mama squirrel hanging down by one paw peering in to find here baby. I felt like the theme music from Kill Bill should have been playing, it was the freakiest thing ever. I thought the squirrel was going to launch itself onto me, and dig her claws in until I surrendered her baby. Meanwhile, the baby squirrel had found its way outside and was hiding under a parked car on the street. Finally, the mama squirrel retracted her mission, and reunited with her baby in the electrical tower yard next door. Needless to say, the incident only added to my fear of squirrels, and I thank the Beer Bistro for replacing the full-open windows with freakishly-psychotic, rodent-free windows.
(4)Chris P.
I was pretty unimpressed by this place. It's like a neighborhood joint, except with a little larger beer selection. The food was not good at all, the service was really bad, and there is very limited outdoor seating. Too many other good places to go to bother here.
(2)Arnold W.
So, I've been here a few times on Mondays and it's my favorite place to go. The special is a $5 pizza which is fantastic. They have an endless amount of toppings and it comes out nice and hot. The atmosphere is awesome as well. The music has been different every time I've been there which is a good thing. There's something for everyone. The service there is top notch. The bartender, I think his name is Robert, is awesome. He's very knowledgeable about the beer and will help you pick the perfect beer if you're having a hard time picking 1 of the 120 beers on the menu.
(5)Laura T.
The beer selection here is unreal. The prices are a bit high, but not ridiculous. To be expected for a place with so much selection. The waitstaff is friendly and very knowledgable. I would give this place a five star but the only thing kinda negative is all the traders and their obnoxious conversation. That aside, Beer Bistro is a gem for this side of town. I'll be back. Oh, by the way, the interior is like being in an old Belgian pub, no kidding. It is very unique and dead on.
(4)Mike K.
I really like this place. Been there many times since I live close by. Cheap eats during the week: $5 pizza on Monday and 1/2 price apps Thursday. Tons of beer on tap, friendly crowd and bartenders. Good place to go with a small group any day of the week.
(4)joanna f.
This is a great, laid-back place to chill and grab a few drinks. They have wonderful food/drink specials every day, including 25 cent wings on Sundays (can't choose the flavor, though). Nice place to catch the Bears games. They have a big beer selection (hence the name), and the spinach-artichoke dip is something to rave about. Burgers are good, too. They have quite a few TVs..very casual and a lot of locals. Not snobby or pretentious at all. The bartenders are friendly and there is a definite group of regulars here. I did swing by on a Friday night once--empties out pretty early. But, this place is walking/stumbling distance from my place, so I will be back often.
(4)B B.
Good menu, 5 dollar pizzas are a GREAT value. The beer list is good and service always seems to be very quick. The bus boys are some of the best ive ever seen at staying in top of your table. All in all its a west loop staple that isnt nearly as busy as the recently trendy west end.
(4)joshua c.
they pair up the beer and food! i love that. there is a wonderful beer selection. the food is good. all of the servers have been pretty good. I really like the owner, Bob. he's extremely nice and helpful. he always remembers who i am. he has even come by my barbershop for a haircut. i've never been in the bar when it's real busy. i usually go on sunday afternoons and eat 25 cent wings. i have not had a lot off the menu, but i've been impressed with what i've had.
(5)Tony G.
One of the best beer selections in the West Loop, and very good pizza, too! They have a very extensive beer list, and they seem to have most of them on hand when I order them, which is good considering the number of bottles on the list. And the food is definitely better than what I expected for a bar. It can be a bit expensive, but they do have really good specials. Many of the beers are $1 or $2 more than you'd spend at most other places. However, the atmosphere and the quality of the meals make the prices a bit more bearable. The service is inconsistent, but usually better than average - though the servers generally aren't as knowledgeable about the beers as I would expect, given the name of the place. It does seem that, even when crowded, it's fairly easy to have a conversation with those at your table, so that makes it a good place to gather for a beer or two with a couple friends after dinner. I can't give it 5 stars because it's just too expensive for what you get, but it's a good place to go for a decent meal and good beer.
(4)Sam M.
The place has a great old irish type bar which adds to the character. If you like beer, this is the place to come because they have at lease 100 beers on tap, bottle, or can. The food is great, I recommend the basket of bacon and the veggie of the day!
(4)Will V.
Beer Bistro has a pretty good beer selection, better than most bars in the immediate neighborhood. I like that they often have something on tap from New Belgium and Three Floyds, and they have quite a few taps. They have a great $2 burger special on Tuesdays. It's a good burger, not a great burger (props for the pretzel bun though), but the $2 special makes it great. The service is always friendly, though sometimes the bar and wait staff isn't the most attentive. The atmosphere is nice, and the music usually isn't too loud. What keeps me coming back here is the beer, definitely. And the $2 burger doesn't hurt, either.
(3)Tish N.
I had a really great time here. I was impressed and overwhelmed by the beer list. My party and I enjoyed the beer, drinks and food. I was with some hardcore and picky beer drinkers. They all were able to find something that fit their tastes. I will definitely be back. It was kind of crowded but our waitress was attentive and polite. The food was fresh and delicious. I had a really good martini as well.
(5)Amanda K.
This was our last of three stops of the night and it was definitely my favorite of the night. The atmosphere was perfect for the last stop of the night: dim lights, cozy booths, quality music played at an acceptable volume, and friendly staff. We came in around 11:45 and were excited to learn that we could still order food. We put in an order of the Bistro Chips from the sides menu and nachos off the apps. The nachos had chicken on them and the chips were good, but they served the salsa on the side in a small cup and I was desperately wanting more salsa. I am all about salsa on the side if it is for the sake of avoiding soggy chips, but if you go this route you need to be generous with that size of the cup. While the nachos may not have fully delivered, the Bistro Chips exceeded all my expectations. They were golden brown, crispy bites of heaven served with a ranch dipping sauce. I am a sucker for ranch. We ended up ordering multiple baskets of these babies and devoured each basket in 2 minutes flat. I am not a beer drinker and I had also already cut myself off from wine, but hubs did order a beer. He said their beer menu was large which was nice, but they didn't have anything truly exotic or extraordinary. He is a major beer snob so take that with a grain of salt. He rarely finds things on menus that he hasn't tried. Tough life, right? My only beef with this place was the single occupancy rest room. Unless I am at an outdoor concert and have enjoyed multiple glasses of margarita, I don't do the whole waiting in line with a bunch of guys to pee thing. Don't get me wrong, women can leave a bathroom less than rosy fresh, but getting in line behind a guy and the waiting for him outside the door for more than 5 minutes made me give serious thought to trying my hand at public urination outside in -4 degree temperatures just to avoid that moment when he opened the door and apologized to me with his eyes. In summary, pee before you go, order multiple baskets of chips and bring friends you actually want to be able to hear.
(4)Keith A.
beer bistro is actually more like 3.5, but just not enough to bring it to 4. I certainly wasn't let down and there was no false advertising from them, there's a damn good amount of beer here. My friend and I stopped in for libations instead of watching the blackhawks game (didn't even know it was on, heh). Many were here for that, but I was narrow minded in my focus. The draft list was very good and it was nice to see some revolution brews on tap here. The wings were smelling good, but my hunger had been taken care of elsewhere. The staff was very nice and there was a lot of room to move around. Beer Bistro was very solid all around. It also offers up a quality place to go to when in the west loop if one doesn't want to hit up haymarket.
(3)Ryan L.
Great place to hang out with friends and have a beer...many tasty choices to choose from. Great outdoor seating also. Had the Sonoma Chicken Salad Wrap, but be warned: this portion was delicious, yet not very plentiful. My plate was 90% chips, 10% chicken wrap. And there was a random piece of fried fish in my chips (no idea of this was intentional or not). Fantastic service from Camille and cool belt-driven ceiling fans. I also liked that the music wasn't so loud...everyone can actually carry on a convo. I'll be back, but I'll order something different next time.
(4)Steve G.
Went there to get a drink before the Hawks game... Bad decision. Service was poor at best and stay away from the drink "specials." I ordered a Kettle Khaos - on special for $10. What a rip off!! I couldn't believe it. Apparently Kettle One is "top shelf" liquor and usually costs $9 but was on "special" for $8. I also got charged $2 for a splash of monster energy. Plenty of other good bars/restaurants in the area. Stay Away!!
(1)Josh Y.
Love the beer selection. This is my go to place on Tuesday nights before Hawks' games. Burgers are $2 and the beer is outstanding. I've never had a bad experience with any of the bartenders or servers. The servers are usually very friendly and give good suggestions on food and beer. Get there early though on game nights otherwise you'll be SOL.
(4)Laurence K.
Nice selection of beer Had a burger was so so tator tots were fun better places to go though
(3)Lo C.
This place was nice. I had the grilled cheese panini - it had pesto or something, and tomato - delicious. And their chips are really seasoned. Pretty good. Friend got turkey sliders that were tasty, healthy, and nicely presented. Good ambiance - check out the ceiling fan mechanism. Would drink at again.
(4)