Wednesday 5th of December 2012 04:15:06 PM

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Like the other reviews mentioned, RAM is a chain. I went for lunch in early November and there was plenty of seating. While there were a number of different beers, the Big Horn Hefeweizen was nothing special in comparison to other craft brewery beers. The food was greasy and not healthy at all, so if you want to attempt at being healthy ask for dressing on the side and things like that.

I thought the decor on the inside was fine and like I said, plenty of seating. I wish it was more than it is, but not the worst of the chain breweries I've been to.

Friday 4th of June 2010 06:59:16 PM

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Knowing this was a chain brewpub, and being disappointed by the Rosemont Ram location, I wasn't expecting much really. Found my way to the bar early in the day, past the hostess stand to the right. The space was cavernous, more suited to house a few prop planes than a restaurant. A few beer signs decorated the place, and they had copies of Great Lakes Brewing News at the door. A giant upside-down canoe was suspended overhead, the centerpiece of the northwoods lodge-meets-airplane hangar interior. The U-shaped bar was familiar, as was the "library" shelving decor behind the bar. Brewing equipment loomed large behind glass panels above the bar. Beer styles were listed on the windows, and a chalkboard listed the beers available, awkwardly posted high on the side wall. A ton of tv's stacked on top of each other, with a large projection screen behind the bar also.

Selection was pretty good, they had 4 seasonals: Higgins ESB, Norm! Pilsner, Barefoot Wit, and Brunette Bombshell, an American Brown ale. The Big Red IPA was also available, but it wasn't very good. After talking with the bartender I learned they have brewed a couple different DIPAs (Double Trouble, Hop Harvest) and a bourbon aged one also. Service was really good, although there was only one other patron at the bar when I was there.

Didn't try the food, but i'd return if I was in the area. A passable place to hide out if your significant other is at Ikea or Woodfield.

Sunday 25th of January 2009 12:07:32 PM

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Ram is a place that I wanted to like, because it is fairly close to where I live and work. Unfortunately, it suffers from that crushing corporate control that does not mix well with microbrews.

The beer selection seems good at first. They have a half dozen on tap at any time, with some standards and a few rotating styles.
The problem starts with the temperature. Every beer is served ICE COLD! I found it difficult to even taste the beer. If you find yourself here, be sure to ask for a warm glass, so that the beer will be at a drinkable/taste-able temperature in less than 15 minutes after it is served.
I found most of the beers at Ram to be too bland for my tastes. A notable exception was the Total Disorder Porter, which was good. I was most disappointed with the Big Red IPA and the 71 Pale, which simply did not stand out as good examples of these styles which I normally like. Where were the hops? I was recently at Ram when they had a seasonal hazlenut beer. It was a nice departure from their other bland offerings.

The food at Ram is mediocre. I really went for the beer, but a man has to eat. I haven't had a wide selection from their menu, but in general I found it to be expensive for the quality. It is basically fancy pub grub that is trying to be hip for the Schaumburg crowd.

The layout of this location is your typical giant corporate restaurant. I have sat at the bar as well as in the general restaurant booths. The bar had way too many TVs and lights for my taste. I also wish they could clean up the smell of stale beer a little better. I know that this is a common problem with bars, but it doesn't make me like it anymore.
The restaurant seating was very loud. Probably even more so because I was there... After a few beers, I become part of the problem I suppose. I did not like the number of children that were present. These types of brewpubs cater to the suburban families that think nothing of bringing children to bars. This is common, so not really a Ram problem specifically.

Overall, I would probably go back to Ram if I was in the area, but I wouldn't seek it out. It is not terrible, once you are aware of its deficiencies, but I keep wishing it was better.


Update (2009-07-25): I returned to Ram this afternoon. I sat at the bar for a few beers and some dessert. The Disorder Porter and the Barefoot Wit were good. I made sure to ask for a "room temperature" glass and this helped a lot.

Friday 23rd of January 2009 08:40:32 PM

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Stopped by for lunch and sat at the bar.. The had there usual line up plus 3 seasonals. All I had was there Hefe which to me was good for a chain restaurant better then Rock Bottoms and like better then Two Bros as well.

I had the fish and chips average at best. I would stop by again when I had more time to try some of there beers.

It was busy as it looks like it get a corporate biz crowd in there.

Wednesday 13th of June 2007 09:08:00 PM

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A very classy formal location with two relaxing bars, one located near the taps and wall o' TVs and the other bar is located forward from when you first walk in and this bar curves around the grill and food prep. areas. Open a conversation with cook as he grills you up a medium well burger (all of the Ram's burgers are sprinkled with a mix of sesame seasonings and other grill-friendly herbs. I was pleased to see that the 16 ounce tall pint glass of the Blonde Ram was only two dollars. An order of nachos and I was ready for another beer.

Seemingly a great place to bring a date with formal high back booths and white linen table tops. After dinner, slide over to the bar with your significant other and enjoy a bigg butt Ram ale.

On the out skirts of Woodfield mall's frontage road, this location is easy to find and has tons of parking. Watch out as this area and so many other surrounding suburbs are non-smoking. Overall a relaxing but rather quiet/slow establishment around mid-afternoon.