Wednesday 29th of December 2010 02:09:35 PM

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Excellent beer selection, including some exclusive choices from Two Brothers (although that was a while ago). Includes hand pull, Three Floyd's, and a few different meads from a place just south of Chicago. Free pretzel rods are great to snack on. A few televisions in the corners, but mostly a dark, relaxed feel to the place.

The beer garden in the back was lacking a little bit when I sat there at the end of this summer. I felt like I was sitting in an alley behind a bar. I'm not sure what else they would have to do to make it better... lighting? music? better service? more tables? I'm not sure, but based on the last experience, I would definitely sit inside, even on a nice day.

Stopped by on New Years Eve and they insisted on serving everything in plastic Miller Lite cups, which was odd to say the least. A guy walked in and ordered a Talisker and it was served to him in a plastic tumbler that the owner probably bought from Walgreen's. This, however, was an anomaly -- my past experiences have been nothing short of great.

Friday 4th of June 2010 04:18:51 PM

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Always worth a stop in the River North area. It's an oasis from the chi-chi elements of the neighborhood. Fairly down to earth crowd, a little noisy after work, but weekends are pretty pleasant. Last weekend we had the beer garden all to ourselves, which was pretty nice. Even a hop bine grew on the edge of the patio. Brewing-themed murals on the back wall. Very classy dark wood interior, elements suggest an old-time "ale house" how it may have looked years ago. Luckily the selection is contemporary.

Always a 3 Floyds, Bells, or 2 Brothers seasonal or specialty on tap. Cask ale on the last visit was 2 Bros. Bitter End. Also enjoyed a draft Fantabulous Resplendence served in a snifter. There are a number of Wild Blossom meads in small bottles available here (five +1 not on the menu), which I haven't seen elsewhere. Selection is focused on US craft beer and regional stuff. Chalkboard is fairly current, look for the printed menus laying around for the most current selection. Bourbon & Scotch selection here is also top notch.

The owner can usually be found tending the bar, and gives good recommendations. Service is always quick and friendly. They have hosted beer related events in the past, such as the release party for 2 Brothers 10 Kriek. This beer bar seems to be a popular destination for travelers staying downtown...be sure to also hit Rock Bottom & Binny's while in the area.

Friday 26th of June 2009 12:28:52 PM

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I have been here a bunch of times and was kind of surprised I have never reviewed it.

The Ale House has a classic bar set-up. It is roomy with seating for about 20 at the bar and plenty of large and small tables for groups. Small patio in the rear adds to the ambiance.

They concentrate on American Micros and the tap choices (25 or so) are well thought out with a good variety of both brewers & styles represented. I do find it a bit surprising that they offer limited choices from FFF & GI, but what can you do? They are good about rotating in new beers, so every time you go, there are several new options to try.

They also offer a decent bottle list. You should have no problem finding an old or new favorite. Prices are reasonable for the area.

Tap lines are well maintained and they serve the beer in the correct glass type.

The bartenders are friendly and professional. Can easily “speak beer” and will give you samples.

Usually not overly crowded. The crowd is a friendly mix of locals, regulars and travelers.

Well worth a stop and its convenient to many hotels & the Red Line.

Saturday 1st of March 2008 04:16:29 PM

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Clark Street Ale House was another of the initial 'beer bars' in Chicago [i.e.: Germinating when craft beers had their first breakthrough in the mid-1990s.]. When it opened, it had an island bar ringed by seats. A subsequent remodelling moved the bar to the south wall. Its forte is craft beers on draft. It still has its own house beer. (I forget where it is now brewed. I believe it used to be from _Golden Prairie_ [R.I.P.].)
Its keen point is its location. You can stroll around the area and find many, many *expense-account* restaurants. Here is a venue where you can sit down, have some beers, and not bust the budget (or tap out!). Many of the usual craft breweries have draft handles; but here you will find their brands which do not get to many other bars.
The personal highlight for me here was one December evening when a Steely Dan Danvention migrated from Pizzeria Uno over to here afterward. I got a lot of compliments from people who did not know about here.
I believe it has food. But I cannot recall ever having any of it.
It is three blocks west of the Chicago|State station on the Red Line “L”.

Sunday 26th of August 2007 10:38:42 PM

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This is one of the best beer bars in the city. It doesn't give quite the list of the Map Room or Hop Leaf, but it's only a step below. They have an extensive tap selection and bottled beer list that has included Two Brothers Cane & Ebel and Three Floyds 10th anniversary. They also get most of the hand-pump cask ale that comes into Chicago. One of the best parts of Clark Street is the environment. It's completely laid back, without the hordes of people like other beer bars, which makes finding a table a breeze. Unfortunately, the service can be spotty, especially early in the evening, but the selection is well worth the wait.

My main gripe with this place is that they don't have a website to list their current selection. This is especially bewildering since they update and print off new menus on a daily basis.

Monday 30th of April 2007 10:03:22 AM

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Clark Street is in a fairly nice location if you are doing anything down near the "magnificent mile". The Clark Street Ale House (often called the "Stop and Drink") is about three blocks from the Chicago stop on the Red Line.

Or if you're ready for a slightly longer walk, Clark Street is about 6 blocks from Rock Bottom Chicago (right at the Grand Stop).

Clark Street has a solid focus on craft American beers. A Two Brothers beer is often gracing the hand pump, and they usually have quite a few Midwestern regional beers available on tap.

I have seen a few cellared bottled beers show up from time to time as well. The bartenders are usually friendly and the atmosphere of the bar is fairly comfortable too. Like most Chicago bars, Clark Street is often quite smoky. But if you come by on a warmer day they will have the front windows open and those seats are relatively safe from smoke.

You can find parking nearby, but it isn't always easy. They do not serve food here. There is a beer garden in the back during the warmer months.