In Fine Spirits Bar open

My old - and dear- neighborhood wine shop, In Fine Spirits in Andersonville has opened their bar next door, featuring wines and cocktails. I stopped in twice this week during their "preview" week. They don't have their full cocktail and wine menu available but I tried a cocktail and a wine flight and enjoyed both. They are also planning to serve some light food later - cheeses and charcuterie, etc.

The current menu - which I believe will be expanded - features 3 wine flights, several wines by the glass and dozens by the bottle and two pages of craft beers. Their cocktail list currently features, martinis, negronis, caipirinha's, gimlets, etc. They don't use mixes, only real lime and lemon juice, etc. One visit, I had a flight of the reds for $10. The other visit, I had a drink called the Attention - North Shore gin, a pastis (the name of which I can't remember) and creme de violette, an ingredient I've never heard of. I enjoyed the drink - a little anise, a little juniper and other herbs in the gin and a bit of floral from the violet. I like floral in a cocktail, but if you don't, this wouldn't be the drink for you. And it was very pretty - with a light blush of violet.

I also enjoyed the feel of the bar - very comfortable neighborhood space. Original tile floor and tin ceiling. Like a laid-back neighborhood pub but with better wine selections and cocktail choices. It's not the Violet Hour (and what is!) but a nice new option for a good drink, I think. Perhaps I'll suggest a future LTH cocktail hour once they have their full drink and wine menu.

In Fine Spirits
5418 N. Clark Street
Chicago, IL 60640

I see where we're stopping for a drink this weekend

I too stopped in during the preview weekend, and meant to post about it.

I'm thrilled that this place has finally opened. I've been peering through the windows for about a month now watching it all come together.

I went the by-the-glass route, as did my friend. I was torn between two choices, explained to the server what I was looking for, and she volunteered to bring a sample and if I didn't like it we'd go the other way.

While we were wating for our drinks, one of the owners stopped by to chat with us. He asked what we'd chosen, I explained that I was getting a sample, and we chatted for a few moments as well. He ended up bringing me three more tastes!

They've got some craft beers and some nice looking classic cocktails on the list as well.

We asked about food, which they said will show up in a few weeks, once they get the drinks figured out completely. Mostly "nibbles:" cheeses, meats, etc. They'll have a back patio with seating for 50 once spring and summer truly arrive.

My only complaints were that the heat was WAY too high, and the lighting too bright. They acknowledged the lighting issue and said they had already purchased new lightbulbs and were going to put them in the next day.

All told, great addition to the neighborhood.

I visited last Thursday. Nice space, nice wines.

But one red flag - on the beer list, they offer some fine options, and one lawnmower beer - Old Style. The menu lists Old Style as being brewed in LaCrosse, WI, and is described as the only fully kraeusened beer in the country.

Except - Old Style hasn't been brewed in LaCrosse in years - it's now a different recipe, contract brewed in Milwaukee by Miller, no kraeusening. That change happened in 1999 - years before In Fine Spirits wrote up its beer menu, and it's easy to look at the package and see that it's made in Milwaukee, with no mention of kraeusening. (I mentioned that error to the person who waited on us, but she didn't seem to care.)

It made me wonder what other errors are contained within their beer and wine descriptions.

For the record, the LaCrosse brewery was purchased by City Brewing, and now turns out LaCrosse Lager, which, along with their other beers, may be the only truly fully-kraeusened beers in the country. More here:

viewtopic.php?p=107612#p107612

Thanks for the info, can't wait to check this one out.

A few of us LTHers met for drinks here yesterday. The weather was perfect, so we sat on the patio. I really like this place. Wow, has The Violet Hour upped the cocktail ante in this town, or what? In Fine Spirits' cocktail menu is similarly well-thought out, and includes all the classics you'd find on TVH's, including Negronis, the Dark and Stormy, Moscow Mules, etc.. The good news is that they were, overall, priced reasonably, in some cases, slightly more reasonably than TVH. I first had a very refreshing Pimm's Cup, priced at $8, and a very strong but otherwise balanced Negroni, garnished with an orange peel, burnt table-side, Sepia-style. This was a little pricier at $12, but was definitely one of the most expensive drinks on the menu. Both drinks were well-made, and the casual patio setting made this place a great find.

Thanks, Hellodali, for posting about this place.

Stopped in for my first visit on Saturday evening after dinner at Anteprima. We sat indoors as there was a wait for patio seating. I'll echo the positive reviews for this place. Service was pleasant and attentive. We each had cocktails: Moscow Mule for me, companions had a Sidecar and Salzerac. I loved my drink - very refreshing on a warm evening. Since we had just come from dinner, we didn't try any of the food - but the menu looks promising. My only complaint was the music choice - apparently they have satellite radio and the station choice is controlled by the bartender. He had it on the seventies rock station (my companions said the same station was playing on their visit the previous Saturday). In my opinion, the music didn't fit the ambiance of the bar at all and was a little distracting.

nr706 wrote:But one red flag - on the beer list, they offer some fine options, and one lawnmower beer - Old Style. The menu lists Old Style as being brewed in LaCrosse, WI, and is described as the only fully kraeusened beer in the country.

Except - Old Style hasn't been brewed in LaCrosse in years - it's now a different recipe, contract brewed in Milwaukee by Miller, no kraeusening. That change happened in 1999 - years before In Fine Spirits wrote up its beer menu, and it's easy to look at the package and see that it's made in Milwaukee, with no mention of kraeusening. (I mentioned that error to the person who waited on us, but she didn't seem to care.)

It made me wonder what other errors are contained within their beer and wine descriptions.

For the record, the LaCrosse brewery was purchased by City Brewing, and now turns out LaCrosse Lager, which, along with their other beers, may be the only truly fully-kraeusened beers in the country. More here:

viewtopic.php?p=107612#p107612

Stopped in to IFS bar for a drink on Saturday night. As I was perusing the menu, I noticed in the description for Old Style, there was a correction printed to their previous statement regarding the origin of Old Style!

They also carried the North Shore Dilstillery Alphonso Mango-flavored gin (http://www.lthforum.com/bb/viewtopic.php?f=32&t=20163). I had a glass of it, on the rocks. It was amazing! The mango aroma was intense and the flavor was just sweet enough. I highly recommend sampling it if you are a mango and a gin fan, like myself.

viaChgo wrote:Stopped in to IFS bar for a drink on Saturday night. As I was perusing the menu, I noticed in the description for Old Style, there was a correction printed to their previous statement regarding the origin of Old Style!

I happen to be there Saturday night also and noticed the correction. It wasn't just a correction to the text, but a retraction. The wording was something like "Our crack research team mistakenly wrote that Old Style was the only fully kraeusened beer in the country and is brewed in LaCross, WI...." I got a laugh imagining that someone from the restaurant read this thread and thought to him or herself, "Ok smarty pants. We made a mistake!"

I've had the fortune of visiting In Fine Spirits a few times in the last month or so, and I've become a big fan. I've been drinking mainly beer and wine, but I also had the same experience as aschie30 with a very, very strong but otherwise tasty Negroni. Last Saturday, a friend reserved the upstairs--the deck space was lovely on a warm and still night, and staff were super accommodating with us coming and going and all of the different tabs. I'm actually surprised that In Fine Spirits hasn't been doing more business--I haven't had any problems getting a table outside, and the inside has been dead on the Friday and Saturday nights that I've stopped in.

A friend of mine is thinking of having a birthday celebration here. What are people's experience with large groups, if any? I think it would be a pretty casual affair -- just a matter of reserving a few tables for 10-15 people.

Also, my friend has already tried calling and emailing them a few times but has gotten zero response (even when calling when they're open for business). Has anyone else had trouble with contacting them with general questions, either the shop or the restaurant side?

Thanks!

So I went to a birthday get together at In Fine Spirits last night - my first visit to the bar. The cocktails were really fantastic and I can't say enough about the service - our waitress was extremely friendly and knowledgeable. I had a Negroni (my standard bar order), a Manhattan, and after chatting with the waitress and the host requested that they make a Sage Rush which they had never heard of but were happy to attempt.

The host (or manager perhaps?) checked in on us regularly and brought a complimentary round of a delicious house cocktail (can't recall the name) for the birthday occasion. Overall just a really friendly and accommodating staff and well-executed cocktails. By 10 or 11 in the evening the place was hopping, but the quality of the service and drinks didn't decline at all - it's one thing to pull off great drinks and service when the bar is slow early in the evening, to keep it up while it's packed says something in my book. If I lived just a bit closer I'd make it a regular destination.

-Dan

I attended a birthday party at In Fine Spirits that was held in a separate room upstairs. We had our own bartender, and access to a deck area. It was very nice.

Hellodali wrote:My old - and dear- neighborhood wine shop, In Fine Spirits in Andersonville has opened their bar next door, featuring wines and cocktails.

HelloDali,

Late to the party, but I very much enjoyed a couple of drinks at In Fine Spirits last evening. Knowledgeable friendly efficient bartenders, North Shore gin based Clover with ginger liqueur, lime, house made grenadine/bitters and egg white enticed with aroma, popped on the tongue with bright spicy ginger. Speaking of ginger, they have Blenheim Ginger Ale Spicy, it's worth a visit just to have a ginger ale.

Two of us split a small cheese/charcuterie selection, house cured breseola one of the current specials, and soaked in the convivial neighborhood atmosphere. In Fine Spirits is a new spoke in my ever expanding wheel of preferred drinking establishments.

Enjoy,
Gary

Glad you enjoyed it, Gary. It's in my A#1 favorite bars list which is made up of Violet Hour, Weegee's Lounge, Bar de Ville and In Fine Spirits. We're lucky to have these terrific cocktail establishments and a big thanks to Violet Hour for setting the bar higher for great cocktails in the city.

LTHForum-

I just returned from a couple of well-spent hours at In Fine Spirits. (A morning doctor's appointment meant that there was no way I could go to work today. It seemed far more rational to spend the afternoon with Hot Dougs, P. Natalina, and both sides of In Fine Spirits).

The special occasion today was the tapping of the first firkin of Popskull from 3 Floyds (brewed with the Dogfish Head guys). When I think 3 Floyds, I think HOPSHOPSDELICIOUSHOPS. Imagine my surprise when the first sip revealed chiefly dark roasted malts up front, with a molassesy finish. This seemed to be a dark brown ale (not merely nut brown, but also not all the way to a porter). Not a session beer - I heard talk at the end of the bar that the abv was up in the 9% range - but a few 10 oz glasses went down pretty damn easily. By 4 pm (the putative "release" time) the place was hopping - so I doubt any of this particular beer will survive til tomorrow.

The good news is this: In Fine Spirits has plenty to recommend it. Others have written above of the cocktails and wine options - and my several visits there accord with their observations. I really like the water service - a glass of sparkling water to go along with the drink is a very nice touch. I have seen a generally mixed crowd in there - just regular folks, enjoying some top-notch drinks.

They keep a rotating selection in the hand-pumped firkin. The bartender today told me they tend to choose relatively locally.

The liquor store side of IFS usually has a VERY eclectic selection of wines, beers and boozes. I noticed most of the boozes available in the store on the shelf in the bar - so one could try that small batch bourbon before plunking down the thirty-five bucks for a bottle. (Tho for the record, I took it on faith that I would like it, and bought it without tasting).

In Fine Spirits is a great place. Why did I move away from Andersonville again?

Best,
-jvs

ps - While I have been a long-time reader of this forum, I have not really posted. I know it's suspicious when a first-time poster provides unalloyed praise of a place - but I assure you I am not affiliated with this establishment.

el refrito bandito wrote:ps - While I have been a long-time reader of this forum, I have not really posted. I know it's suspicious when a first-time poster provides unalloyed praise of a place - but I assure you I am not affiliated with this establishment.

And a great first post it is! The only first-time posts which seem suspicious are those with little detail and lots of hyperbole ("This - is - the - best - place - ever!!!!!!!"), which yours does not resemble. Thanks for the informative report on In Fine Spirits.

el refrito bandito wrote:LTHForum-

The special occasion today was the tapping of the first firkin of Popskull from 3 Floyds (brewed with the Dogfish Head guys). When I think 3 Floyds, I think HOPSHOPSDELICIOUSHOPS. Imagine my surprise when the first sip revealed chiefly dark roasted malts up front, with a molassesy finish. This seemed to be a dark brown ale (not merely nut brown, but also not all the way to a porter). Not a session beer - I heard talk at the end of the bar that the abv was up in the 9% range - but a few 10 oz glasses went down pretty damn easily. By 4 pm (the putative "release" time) the place was hopping - so I doubt any of this particular beer will survive til tomorrow.

survived until early Sunday; sadly, it was kicked by the time I arrived at 5PM. Settled for a delicious and unusual Sauvignon Gris from Chile instead. IFS was really hoppin' yesterday, as was everything in Andersonville, it seemed. It was my maiden voyage to the bar, and I'll be back.

I've been spending a night or two per week at In Fine Spirits for the past month, and it has rapidly jumped to the top of my list of favorite spots to kill a few hours. During the week especially I'll walk the few blocks over from my apartment, plop down at the bar with a good book, and enjoy a couple of expertly made cocktails.

I mostly stick with gin cocktails there, because I buy my beer and wine from their shop so I can sample those offerings at home, and there's just no chance I'll ever have all the ingredients (or the necessary skills) to make the mixed drinks. Having a place within walking distance where I can get both North Shore and Broker's - and where I can sample others with which I am not as familiar - makes me very happy.

Now and again I'll grab dinner there as well, which has mostly meant the house flatbread - farmers cheese, apple-ginger compote, arugula, and truffle oil. Pretty sure there's some red onion on there, too. The sweetness of the compote, the smoothness of the cheese, and the peppery crunch of the arugular work beautifully together, and the scent of the truffle (can't usually taste too much, but I'm not really complaining) really pushes it over the top.

Last night I was joined by a few friends who sampled the pulled pork flatbread (reportedly excellent - I don't eat pork so I didn't try it) and the special corned beef tartine (scarfed before I could get a taste, but boy did it smell good).

I also can't say enough nice things about the staff. They're warm, they're knowledgeable, they're friendly and attentive.

It seems like I'm mostly preaching to the choir of other IFS fans here, but decided that since it had almost a year since I last posted about the place I'd give it a little more love.

Except - Old Style hasn't been brewed in LaCrosse in years - it's now a different recipe, contract brewed in Milwaukee by Miller, no kraeusening. That change happened in 1999 - years before In Fine Spirits wrote up its beer menu, and it's easy to look at the package and see that it's made in Milwaukee, with no mention of kraeusening. (I mentioned that error to the person who waited on us, but she didn't seem to care.)

While still made in Milwaukee, Old Stlye has returned to the old times, and is kraeusened again. They'll have to change the menu yet again.

See this news story: http://www.jsonline.com/business/37581004.html

And their webpage: http://www.oldstylebeer.com/drink-local/

I'm no cocktail expert, but I had a great time at In Fine Spirits last night. The patio was open, and it made for a lovely setting in which to enjoy some mighty tasty cocktails.

I started with a Pimm's Cup which was good, but maybe a tad too bitter for my tastes (although a squeeze of lemon pretty much fixed that). After that I had a couple of Tempests (I believe a variation on a dark and stormy). The Tempests were out of this world.

Service was extremely friendly and extremely helpful. We were informed that the patio was about to close in plenty of time to move back inside and grab a table before the masses migrated.

While The Violet Hour obviously deserves all of the praise that it gets, it seems to me that In Fine Spirits has flown a bit under the radar with respect to the Chicago cocktail scene. But hey, if I can go someplace on a Saturday night, not have to wait, and not be in a mob scene of people in order to get a well-crafted cocktail...I'm ok with that.

I went to In Fine Spirits for the first time Friday night with a few friends. Their drinks are just as good as everyone above says. I had an Attention (from the menu: Broker’s Premium London Dry Gin, crème de violette, dry vermouth, Kübler Swiss Absinthe Supérieure - A juniper forest, violets underfoot, a whiff of citrus and a touch of anise. Served up with a beautiful violet hue) It sounded intriguing, but everything I've had previously with crème de violette has been rather sweet. Our waitress assured me it wasn't and I'm glad I trusted her. It was a great drink. I followed that up with one of (if not the) best Old Fashioned I've ever had. I was pleasantly surprised that the cherry in the Old Fashioned was spiced - it had a hint of cinnamon and cloves.

I'm not sure if this is a weekly thing or not but tonight, at least, they have a sign out in front for 50% off bartender's choice cocktails.

Ursiform wrote:I'm not sure if this is a weekly thing or not but tonight, at least, they have a sign out in front for 50% off bartender's choice cocktails.

Indeed, it is a weekly thing, until September 30th, per their website and twitter.

I know this should really be in the Something to Eat forum, but since this thread exists, has anyone tried the pot of pickles here?

I'm coming home to visit family for a week, and trying to decide if this place is worth visiting.

mikehartnett wrote:I know this should really be in the Something to Eat forum, but since this thread exists, has anyone tried the pot of pickles here?

I have; it's fine, nothing worth making a special trip there for. If you've had the pot o' pickles at The Gage, it is very similar, i.e., not enough pickles for the price, but they're tasty.

aschie30 wrote:

mikehartnett wrote:I know this should really be in the Something to Eat forum, but since this thread exists, has anyone tried the pot of pickles here?

I have; it's fine, nothing worth making a special trip there for. If you've had the pot o' pickles at The Gage, it is very similar, i.e., not enough pickles for the price, but they're tasty.

Thanks. I guess what I'm asking is whether the combination of the drinks and the food offerings is enough to make the trip there.

mikehartnett wrote:Thanks. I guess what I'm asking is whether the combination of the drinks and the food offerings is enough to make the trip there.

Everything I've had at In Fine Spirits has been excellent. (I'm pretty sure that I tried the pickles last year and liked them, but my memory is a little hazy.) I'm not sure how far away you are coming from, but for my tastes, In Fine Spirits is worth a trip as much as any other place in town.

mikehartnett wrote:

aschie30 wrote:

mikehartnett wrote:I know this should really be in the Something to Eat forum, but since this thread exists, has anyone tried the pot of pickles here?

I have; it's fine, nothing worth making a special trip there for. If you've had the pot o' pickles at The Gage, it is very similar, i.e., not enough pickles for the price, but they're tasty.

Thanks. I guess what I'm asking is whether the combination of the drinks and the food offerings is enough to make the trip there.

Please don't read too much into my lukewarm ~eh~ about the pickles @ IFS. I actually think that for a bar, their food is quite good. I recently had some sort of a meatball dish that was fantastic, and I really like their flatbreads.

mikehartnett wrote:

aschie30 wrote:

mikehartnett wrote:I know this should really be in the Something to Eat forum, but since this thread exists, has anyone tried the pot of pickles here?

I have; it's fine, nothing worth making a special trip there for. If you've had the pot o' pickles at The Gage, it is very similar, i.e., not enough pickles for the price, but they're tasty.

Thanks. I guess what I'm asking is whether the combination of the drinks and the food offerings is enough to make the trip there.

It is low risk. I like IFS a lot, but if you get there and it's not your cup of tea, you are but seconds away from Sunshine Cafe, Anteprima, and Natalina. With backup plans like that, a trip to IFS is a can't-miss.