Shaggy's Profile
Shot and Beer - Change off or Stay the Course
I've been to a place that used to pair belgium style beers, which sometimes have a banana aroma, with a rum or lighter bourbon or something sweet. Personally, I could see having a porter or oatmeal stout with something with vanilla or espresso flavor.
Sweet Brown Beer?
Bell's Best Brown is a great brown ale, Goose Island also makes a decent one that is similar to Moose Drool. If you're looking for something sweeter, Raison De Terre (sorry for the spelling) from Dogfish is a nice, strong brown with raisiny sweetness. Also, a lot of dopplebock's out there may get you what you want. Sam Adams "double bock" might be available and is definitely sweet and malty.
Where is Goose Island Prevalent?
Have you had Bells Oberon? I realize it's probably not in LA (we get in Chicago). It's not as lemony as 312 but it definitely has a citrus flavor that you might be after.
Guinness in Manhattan
For me I would say turn-over. I don't really drink guinness, but back when I used to, I would only drink it at certain irish pubs because I knew it would always be a fresh keg.
Session Beer Day
Gumballhead is awesome. I also had a Tyranena amber recently that was great.
Two Brothers North Wind Imperial Stout
I enjoyed it, but agree. I thought the Old Irish Coffee (I may be messing up the name) was better.
Gino's East or Lou Malnati's?
Gino's. The sausage patty (not crumble) is my favorite there.
Surly Fans: this one made me gag
I've only had it on tap but I loved it. Maybe it was skunked?
Lawry's or Gibsons?
I think across the board I would say Gibson's is a better restaurant. I'm a transplant to the Chicago area as well, so welcome! There are lots of good steakhouses to choose from, I really like Capitol Grille, but I think the one I've seen the most on has been David Burke's (which I haven't been to).
Lawry's or Gibsons?
I've had some pretty bad meals at Lawry's in the past few years, at least downtown, so I would go with Gibson's.
Trader Joe's Vintage Ale 2011
Ditto, and I also thought it tasted like a soda. I don't say this to be snobby, but I couldn't finish it. I would steer towards the Anchor Christmas Ales if you're looking for something that comes out once a year, that stores well, and to me has a similar flavor profile.
Cider Taste off
In general I agree that the commercial beers are just fine. If you ever get the chance to go to their brewpub in Chicago, it is worth it in my opinion. As much as the beers they sell in grocery stores are easily marketable, the seasonal and collaborative beers at the brewpub are way more interesting.
Cider Taste off
Here's an interseting article. The brewer at Goose Island has moved on, and is looking at ciders: http://timeoutchicago.com/restaurants-bars/15013925/greg-hall%E2%80%99s-cider-venture
Thanksgiving dinner with 3 year old?
My wife and I are taking our 2 yr old to Lawry's for Thanksgiving. I've also heard that Wildfire and Ditka's have good Thanksgiving dinners. I'm not sure if I would define those places as "up scale", but they are about as nice as I would go with my 2 yr old, personally. All three places are nice but not so nice that you couldn't have a kid who is acting up (my daughter is hitting a new "stage", we are keeping our fingers crossed). Otherwise, I don't know if they do Thanksgiving, but Grande Lux Cafe is great for kids.
Wedding/Dinner/Outside
I don't know if Northpond would work for you, but it's stunningly beautiful, and has a separate room that might work depending on how many people you have.
Chicago Fries Recommendation
I second Five Guys. The large fries there will feed a small family (they fill the entire bag).
Casual suggestions near Intercontinental for dinner and/or drinks
I agree with nxstasy's recommendation for the Purple Pig which is essentially across the street. I stayed at the Intercontinental a few months ago and was able to walk in and sit at the bar without a wait. You may not find it that easy, but it worked out for my wife and I, and the food was awesome.
For beer, again, I agree that the Gage is really good. You could also take a walk to Rockbottom Brewery which despite being a little commercial, actually makes decent, and award winning, beers. If you feel like taking a cab, try the Clark St Ale House. It's one of the best beer-centric bars in the city (no food).
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The Gage
24 South Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60603
Clark Street Ale House
742 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60654
Purple Pig
500 N Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60611
Pizza Delivery to North Center
I've had decent luck with Art of Pizza and Apart as well. You might also consider picking up a pizza at Spacca di Napoli, I realize you are asking about delivery but since they take no time to make the pizza (they are really thin), it's almost always faster than delivery.
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Art of Pizza
3033 N Ashland Ave, Chicago, IL 60657
It's Pumpkin beer time! What are you favorites?
I like Buffalo Bills and Post Road, but my favorite is Pumking from Southern Tier. I know some purists will respond and say it's overly sweet (and some people will say pumpkin beers are all gross), but I don't care, it tastes like pumpkin pie.
Help with Chicago beer scene?
Bangers and Lace has an outdoor patio, and while they are a little over the top for my taste (or at least for a beer garden), their beer list is exceptional.
MK or North Pond
I went to North Pond a few months ago, and MK a few months before that. You already know the differences in the vibe of each place, which to me is the real driver in making the decision since they both have great food. That said, the food at North Pond was in my opinion more refined (if that matters, maybe not) than MK, and the waitstaff was great. They were practically psychic, but I never felt like they were hovering. The portions at MK were larger, and they had better desserts in my opinion. The house cocktails at Northpond were more inventive and tastier.
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North Pond
2610 North Cannon Drive, Chicago, IL 60614
Retro Chinese
Agree about Orange Garden, there is also House of Sun Wah down the street from there on Lincoln Ave. It doesn't appear to have been updated ever, and the eggrolls, egg foo young, fried rice and other standard fair are as you remember them. They also have the paper zodiac place matts if that tells you anything.
First time in Chicago in October...Suggestions are welcomed!!
I would go to the Clark Street Ale House for good beer (I wouldn't exactly call it an irish pub though but it has that feel). The Bongo Room is great for breakfast. I've had good luck with the Purple Pig for nighttime snacking and drinks, but they would be a good choice for dinner as well. Regarding pizza, since I know the deep dish suggestions are in good hands, I would check out Piece Pizza (take the blue line, not too far) in Wicker Park. Great New Haven style pizza in my opinion, but more importantly they are also a brewery that makes great beers.
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Purple Pig
500 N Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60611
Noble Square Recs?
Awesome, thanks everyone, those are great recommendations. I also really like Small Bar and Revolution, and I would live in Piece if I could.
Noble Square Recs?
I'm moving to the Noble Square area. Does anyone have a recommendations for places to check out once we're in the neighborhood? Any kind of cuisine is great, and I'm a beer guy so would love to find my next hole-in-the-wall neighborhood bar with some good craft beers.
Thanks
Sam Adams Latitude 48 Variety Pack
Has anyone had this? I usually don't get variety packs, but I love the concept behind this one.
