A very non-descript brick warehouse in the NW-part of Chi-town is where you will find the Revolution Brewing Taproom and production facility. When I went, there wasn’t much in the way of signage, but trust the address its there and the place is massive… it’s hard to even call it a tap “room.” It’s Revolution’s expansion space after being born as a brewpub in 2010 (I’ll have to check out the Logan Square original the next time I blow into town).  Since Chicago parking will cost you an arm and two legs, consider taking the Blue Line on the “L” and taking a short walk from the Belmont station. 

The only place you will be shoulder to shoulder is at the bar acquiring a tasty beverage. Otherwise, you and your football team can spread out with plenty of space to stretch, lounge, throw bags, and get your drink on. Cool mix of people hanging out. College and grad students and young professionals. No food, bring your own or go to the aforementioned brewpub. Not a whole lot else going on in the surrounding neighborhood, so not an ideal stop on a pub crawl. However, the beer is worth making this your destination for the night. 

Highlights:

1. Cross of Gold – this 2012 GABF winner is a crisp Golden Ale refreshingly perfect for summer on the Great Lakes. 
2. Bean Gene – Woodford Reserve barrel-aged porter with coffee beans bites you with an espresso zip up front and lingers with the smoky bourbon goodness extracted from the barrel. 
3. Coup D’état – French Style Saison has minimal farmhouse funk but is an excellent hop forward take on the style. 

Honorable Mentions: “Straight Jacket” barrel-aged barleywine; “Horizontal Tango” Belgian Dubbel. 

 ‘Murica