Try Beer Brewed With Wildflowers At West Town's Newest Brewpub, Opening Tonight
By Anthony Todd in Food on Feb 18, 2016 3:30PM
Since Forbidden Root, Chicago's first "botanical brewery," started producing beers, their products have been a must-stock in our fridge. That's why we were so excited to see the first shots of their brewpub, which opens tonight in West Town.
"People love our beer when they experience it," explained founder and "rootmaster" Rob Finkel. "So we wanted to create an environment where people could experience our brand." It's also a place to experiment, because (like most brewpubs) Forbidden Root will have special pub-only beers, individual batches crafted by the brewers. "We’re pushing the edge of craft beer. When you’re using a palate of flowers and botanics, it’s art. The ability to have the feedback of the people at the bar is really helpful to us."
The brewpub is housed in a former movie theater built in 1909, extensively renovated into one of the most beautiful brewpubs we've ever seen. Complete with antique bottles, botanical prints and a 360 degree bar, Forbidden Root is sure to show up in design magazines.
The food menu, by Chef Dan Weiland, is what Finkel describes as "American Urban Rustic." In other words, hearty classics with a twist, like a huge pork schnitzel sandwich made with pickled beet mayo, or a bar snack of root chips and ash salt.
If you're a beer lover, expect up to a dozen beers on draft (not all on opening day), and also a series of botanic "elixirs" meant to enhance the beers. "These are combinations of flavors that will arrive in a scientific 25 ml beaker at your table," explains Finkel. "For $2 you can get a honey marigold elixir and mix it in however you want."
Forbidden Root's beers are interesting because they incorporate foraged botanical ingredients like wildflowers, roots and herbs - and that will continue with their in-house beers, like a draft beer made with cherry stems. Expect some seriously unique flavors. And you'll be able to take them home, since growlers will be available. Even better? All profits from growler sales go directly to Green City Market, so drink extra.
The brewpub opens tonight at 4 p.m.
Forbidden Root is at 1746 W. Chicago Ave.