Monday 2nd of February 2009 09:51:40 AM

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Stopped here last night with borrowedladder, Botham, and Zutroy...charting the few beermapping-worthy wrigleyville establishments during the off season. This is a big place, designed to accommodate overflow crowds after baseball games. It goes far back, worth a long bar on the right side, and another in the back. Exposed brick and wood beams, even a fireplace that wasn't operating. We grabbed a table near the Ms. PacMan/Galaga arcade game. Goose Mild Winter was the monthly beer special for $3, or $9 a pitcher...an outrageously good deal. Other craft pitchers were similarly affordable. Tap highlights were Obamagang, Brooklyn Savoir Faire, Hennepin, Maredsous 8, Bourbon County, Pride & Joy, and 2 Bros. Heavy Handed IPA. The other taps were mostly macro and common imports. Bottle list was roughly 50% craft, focused on US beers and Belgian imports (Atomium, DT, Duvel, Leffe), with a few German (Hofbrau. Celebrator, Erdinger). There was a $5 Italian beef special, which turned out to be almost a foot long. It was pretty tasty, served with au jus and hot peppers on the side.

The crowd seemed to be mostly groups, when we walked in the whole bar practically turned around. Some older folks, and even a family or two in for dinner. Table service was quick and friendly, our server knew which beers were new, and described Obamagang to us. Overall not a bad stop near Wrigley if you find yourself in the area, looking for cheap craft options.