Draft Magazine's List Of 100 Best Beer Bars In America Make Us Think Of What's Missing
By Chuck Sudo in Food on Jan 20, 2012 9:30PM
Draft Magazine published its annual list of the 100 best beer bars in America. Chicago is well represented with newcomer Bangers & Lace joining standbys Sheffield's, Hopleaf, Map Room and The Local Option on the list.
As always, lists such as this should never be taken as absolute. If we had our druthers we would fill the Midwest portion of the list with only Chicago bars. Instead, here are five that merit inclusion.
- Fountainhead; Beer director Phil Kuhl cut his teeth as Sheffield's former beer director. At Fountainhead, he's spread his wings and blossomed, with rotating casks, firkins, engine pours, rare tappings and bottles unavailable anywhere else.
- Quencher's: Quencher's always has a wide variety of beers from around the world on bottle and draft. Their Stout Fest is one of the best beer events in town this month.
- Maria's Community Bar and Packaged Goods: Ed Marszewski came correct when he rehabbed his family's bar to better serve the influx of people moving to Bridgeport. Those who may have been disappointed that Maria's didn't turn into a South side version of The Whistler can take solace in their menu of 99 bottles and a rotating draft selection. Marszewski fully embraced the suds and Maria's is an oasis mere blocks from Chicagoist headquarters.
- Owen and Engine: Go to Owen and Engine for the engine pours, stay for some amazing British comfort food.
- SmallBar: Phil McFarland has built the Fullerton Avenue and Division Street locations into appointment drinking. What they're serving from the kitchen has slowly risen to match the quality of the beer menu.