Great Pub Grub?

I'm visiting Chicago next week, and probably going out to dinner with a friend who's of the "food is fuel" persuasion. When pressed on something he'd like, he said that "pub grub is good for me. Not sucky pub grub."

So, where can we go where he can get non-sucky pub grub and good beer, but the foodie in me will be satisfied too?

I'm staying in the Gold Coast, but he'll have a car.

Thanks.

The gage. Gastropub.

GNR Winner Kuma's or perhaps another GNR Winner, Hopleaf

If you have only one night to eat together go for the Hopleaf. My second rec would be Twisted Spoke on Ogden.

Early negative reviews aside, recent comments about Paramount Room reflect what I think might be the best pub grub option in Chicago. A very nice tap beer list too.

Kennyz wrote:Early negative reviews aside, recent comments about Paramount Room reflect what I think might be the best pub grub option in Chicago. A very nice tap beer list too.

Kenny,

I am keen on the Paramount Room as well, with Steve's recommendation of Kuma's a close second and Hopleaf tagging along in third. Kuma's would be tied with Paramount Room if only they served steak tartar and were not so damn crowded all the time.

Another option is Paul Kahan of Blackbird's new Gastropub the Publican mentioned by Chicago Magazine here and Michael Nagrant here. It's scheduled to open tomorrow, August 18.

Enjoy,
Gary

The Publican
845 W. Fulton Market
Chicago, IL 60607

stevez wrote:GNR Winner Kuma's or perhaps another GNR Winner, Hopleaf

An easy no-brainer for me as well, on both counts, though I would have to give the nod to the Hopleaf for a more sure-fire experience. If you want to idiot-proof the evening, opt for a table in the dining area. If you can cop a squat in the front, great, but know beforehand that there is no table service there. Mussels are the signature dish although recent posts have noted a decline in freshness. From the regular menu, my faves in descending order include: Stilton Mac 'N Chee, the Duck Reuben, the CB&J (Cashew Butter + Fig Jam + Morbier Cheese and the aforesaid mac 'n chee), and the Pancetta/Bourbon Beans. Off the specials menu of late, I have been scarfing down platters of the Organic Montreal-Style Brisket (includes the aforesaid mac 'n chee) and the Grilled Caledonian Prawns (the yummy bed of heirloom tomatoes drenched in lemon-caper aoili seals the deal).

Actually, having written that, I have just realized how most of my menu choices devolve into schemes for obtaining the Stilton mac 'n chee. That, and possibly how buzzed I am from just having just sucked down many Lagunitas' Sirius Ales from there this evening.

Anyway, hope you 2 have a fun time.

Thanks all for the great recommendation. So many choices!

I'm leaning towards the Paramount Room right now, since it sounds like some of the other top choices are going to be really loud and crowded, and it would be good to be able to talk with my friend (who's a touch hard of hearing too).

But damn, following all the links in this thread has me wanting a burger for breakfast.

If you want quieter and same neighborhood, may try

Silver Palm
768 N. Milwaukee Ave.
Chicago, IL 60622 312-666-9322

If it's during the week, Three Floyd's Brewpub is a great choice. Great beers and just as good food. Not your typical pub grub. Not your typical beer!
www.threefloyds.com

Adding my vote for Hopleaf. I LOVE that place.

I really love Hopleaf also and if the weather is good, you could always sit outside for your hard of hearing friend.

Hopleaf is great, but be prepared for a long wait. They do not take reservations. On weekends the wait can be over an hour, easily. The food is great. The beer selection is top notch. And they have food options at different price points.

I wouldn't recommend the Gage. The food is pretty good, but it really isn't a pub (despite calling itself a gastropub). It's a restaurant (and not particularly inexpensive, if that matters).

I really like Hopleaf - for the beer, the food and for the atmosphere. I go early, before 7 p.m., and have never had to wait for a seat/table - weekend/weekday.

G Wiv wrote:Another option is Paul Kahan of Blackbird's new Gastropub the Publican mentioned by Chicago Magazine here and Michael Nagrant here. It's scheduled to open tomorrow, August 18.

It appears that the opening has been pushed back -- now scheduled to open "as early as Sept. 15."

We went to Paramount Room, and it was a very good time! My friend was very impressed with the beer list (he'd not tried a single draft beer on their list before). I had a couple good cocktails - the Green Ginger and the Rye Sour. He had the fish and chips, I had a burger with tempura green beans. The green beans were fine (and not doubt healthier), but if I had it to do over again, I'd get the fries instead, only because they were so good - especially dipped in the garlic aioli. Our food took longer than ideal to come out - our order got stuck behind a big table upstairs - but our amazing server (Jackie) comped us a round to make up for it. Upstairs was busy but downstairs there was plenty of room, and the noise level was low enough for us to sit and chat and catch up. Stephen was behind the bar when I arrived and we had a nice chat while I was waiting for my friend. All in all a most excellent night - thanks for the recommendation.