Monday 4th of October 2010 03:06:09 PM

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Maria's is so unlike any other bar in town. Located in the sleepy residential locale of Bridgeport, alleged "Community of the Future". What looks like a small corner liquor store at first glance becomes a back room speakeasy once you swing the hefty wooden door set into the back wall. The bar itself is a modest size, 6-8 tables for four in the back, with a tiny dj alcove, and ten seats at the bar. The bar room is presided over by a large mounted deer head and bearskin, lots of natural wood tones, with a vintage back bar housing the liquor selection. In the restrooms there are vintage beer cans mounted on the walls. Low light emanated from brown bomber bottle chandeliers above the bar, reflecting off the brown tin ceiling tiles. Service was good, Ed let us know right away what taps had been replaced, and directed us to the chalkboard above the bar for the most current selections. 10 rotating taps, all US craft in various styles (excluding $1.50 Schlitz). Beer list was extensive, and available online at beermenus. Rotating taps included Founders Porter, Redís Rye, DFH 90 Min., FFF Pride & Joy, Allagash White, Scrimshaw Pilsner, and others. They were one of ten bars in town to get a keg of Nemesis, which was $5 for 8 oz (gone now). Beer list was organized by style, and for drafts there were descriptions and ABV listed. The menu stated that they update their printed list twice a week The store was small but held some quality stuff, FFF bombers, Hop Rocket, Wild Onion Pumpkin sixers, Hitachino, Duvel Tripel Hop. At the counter, Maria the owner offered us some homemade fried green tomatoes that were delicious. Also of note was the "Bars Across America" bike tour book for sale on top of the cooler. This is truly a unique family-owned establishment, quirky and in a class all itís own. Highly recommended... this is the best beer bar on the south side if you don't count South Loop Binnys.