Bluebird, The (CLOSED)

1749 N Damen Ave, Chicago, IL, 60647, United States
773-486-2473
Latitude: 41.91373, Longitude: -87.67752

website

Wifi Available
Cask Beer
Indoor Smoking
Available Parking
Beer Pricing: $$$$
Public Transit
Proper Glassware
Outdoor Seating
Family Friendly
Selection: 4.13 | Atmosphere: 4.13 | Service: 3.50
78.3
out of 100
Overall Beer Mapping Score
Based on 2 reviews.
Score from Google Reviews:
4
out of 5
View Google reviews
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emerge077 (360)
Friday 27th of March 2009 02:42:04 PM
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I've been in here twice now, and still have mixed feelings about it. The beer list is pretty solid, heavy on the Belgians. The list is leatherbound and well laid-out by country of origin, style, name, tasting notes, abv, and price. Correct glassware is used, often a tulip, also pints, pilsner flutes, and goblets. Most recently I stopped in while there was a special Two Brothers event going on. They had a pin of their Bare Tree Weisse Wine, which was served in a 7 oz. wine glass for $5. There are no taps here. A couple of $5 bottles were on the menu, other beers cost a wee bit more, such as Cantillon, $20 for 12 oz. Bluebird is also one of those places that adds sales tax on your drink tab. An $11 Loterbol 11.2 oz. becomes $13 and change with the tip. Easy to rack up a high tab here...

The interior of the space is cool, exposed brick, framed art, recycled vintage materials, old wooden bar. Lighting was low in the evening, and it was packed on a Tuesday. Kind of an older, trendy scene. Not many identifiable beer geeks around. The menu offered some creative small plates, flatbreads, and entrees. I like the vibe ok, but with Map Room so close, I don't see it as a destination. Maybe a special occasion dinner date place, but that's about it...
Selection: 4 | Atmosphere: 4.25 | Service: 3.5 | Food: N/A
78.3
Overall

beerinator (131)
Friday 14th of March 2008 08:31:33 PM
link
A visit to the Bluebird is a pretty easy stroll north from the Damen blue line stop. Piece is only about 3 blocks away and the Map Room is 4 blocks in the other direction.

The Bluebird is dark and long with a bar made of real wood planks. There are chalkboards behind the bar that are listing the beer specials. There are no taps, but the bottle list (and wine list) is quite impressive.

Most of the food appeared to be small plates that you are expected to mix and match (ex: order one meat and two cheeses). There were also some larger plates and there are things like mussels and frites that are nice to see on a menu. We did not try the food, but what we saw looked and smelled pretty good. The prices did seem a bit high though.

I really liked how the bar looked and felt. I am not too keen on the hipster attitude that seemed to be looming on both sides of the bar, but I can get past that.

I would definitely suggest hitting the Blue Bird for a beer on your next walk from Piece to Map Room. The beers were somewhat reasonably priced and there were definitely some interesting selections to choose from.
Selection: 4.25 | Atmosphere: 4 | Service: 3.5 | Food: N/A
78.3
Overall
The sign out front looking North down Damen
The sign out front looking North down Damen
Image credit: beerinator
Uploaded: March 14, 2008 08:19 AM
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