Friday 14th of August 2009 10:16:33 AM

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Rootstock was quite a surprise. We had stopped in before on a weekday night soon after they opened and they were super crowded, so we didn't stick around.

We went early on a Thursday night and sat at the bar. They had recently opened an outdoor patio with a few tables and most of the patrons at that point were sitting out there.

They have 2 draft lines (Goose Island Matilda and Brooklyn Brewery's Sorachi Ace) and they have about 15 hand selected domestic bottles and 15 or 20 imports. While the beer selection might not be a draw for most, there are definitely interesting beers here that you can have with your food.

The food we ordered was outstanding. Some of the best Mussels in the city (broth maybe richer than Hopleaf's?). The two front of the house employees that were working when we first arrived were Rootstock's owners.

When we left at 8 or 8:30 the inside and outside were both fairly full. Many of the tables are "family style" so if there is room at the table, they want you to join in.

The parking situation is street, but we found a spot within a few yards of the front door. You could catch the California bus down from the California Blue Line stop, or the Division or Chicago buses (east/west), but most will probably drive or cab it to this location.

Sunday 14th of June 2009 10:59:36 PM

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New eclectic beer bar in Humboldt Park, just south of Augusta on California.

Atmosphere was dark and warm, it felt cozy like a "brown cafe" from the Netherlands, minus the nicotine stains. Mismatched wood tables, dim lighting, exposed brick near the ceiling, visually rich artworks, there were many unique elements to the place that came together well. Jazz & electronic music played in the background.

At the bar there were two taps pouring Matilda and a Goose Island seasonal. They mentioned expanding the taps to a larger system in the future. Bottle list was handpicked with an eclectic selection. Behemoth, Curieux, 13th Century Grut Bier, Founders Porter, Allagash Black, Unibroue Chambly Noire, plenty of others to choose from. Not a vast selection like the Map Room, but varied enough to keep you interested.

The food seemed to be the main draw, small plates of charcuterie and cheese, "crusts" a variety of flatbreads, mussels, a few burgers and sandwiches, everything under $10 excluding the full charcuterie/cheese selection plates. Individual cheeses were $4 and served on a wooden Gouden Carolus board with warm bread and assorted fruit marmalata and port soaked cherry. The kitchen is open until 1am (a godsend for the area), serving the main menu minus the meat and cheese plates.

John was the bartender, and he chatted with us for awhile. Service was quick with attention to detail. Patio seating and a weekend brunch menu are planned...