SmallBar Division Is Closing
By Melissa McEwen in Food on Oct 21, 2014 4:45PM
Today comes the sad news that Smallbar Division is closing after 10 years in business. The bar and restaurant is known for its excellent beer selection and food. And to many nearby residents as one of the few holdouts against the douchedom that is the Division Street douche vortex where you don't have to wade through frat dudebros getting trashed. Beer writer Michael Kiser called it "one of the better craft beer bars in Chicago on a street that didn’t seem to really want it anymore."
Recently Smallbar Division owner Phil McFarland voiced his opposition to the Chicago Christmas Crawl telling RedEye Chicago:
"When we opened ten years ago, this block showcased creativity and had unique personality. People were doing interesting stuff and it helped us all put this street on the map. If we do the same stuff as every nightlife district, what's the difference between us and Rush and Division or Wrigleyville?"
The Christmas Crawl recently won over neighborhood groups by showing it will be a more sedate event about cocktails and food (we hope this is true), but Smallbar will be no more.
Their last night will be November 13 where they will tap rare barrel-aged beers to usher in FOBAB (Festival Of Wood And Barrel-Aged Beer).