After a stressful day in the newsroom, Devin and I decided it was imperative that we head out on the town with intentions to “unwind.” And unwind we did. After a helpful tip from our professor, we were off to Lincoln Park to a bar aptly called, The Local Option.
The warm atmosphere (of which Devin and I were entirely grateful after a cold slush through the rain) was wonderfully inviting, and Noah, our server, was quick to come by our table with delicious beer suggestions.
Devin ordered a chocolate beer– of which I am sure she will explain in salivating detail. Per Noah’s suggestion, I had a German White Ale. It was the perfect first beer; light, crisp, and just hop-y enough to make me crave deli meats (as Devin would say).
After our delicious initiation, we moved to the bar for the next round. When in The Local Option, you will undoubtedly notice a blackboard listing the bar’s top brews. The #1 choice was Delirium Tremens, an old favorite. I had never been to a bar that had that specific beer on draft, so my curiosity, and intense thirst, led me to demand a round for each of us. It did not disappoint.
One thing I have found is that Chicagoans take their beer very seriously. There is a plethora of microbreweries all over the city where you will find a medley of beers to satisfy any palate. These places are not where you’ll find average PBR drinking crowd, but a more sophisticated group that will insist you dip your nose deep into the glass and experience your beverage with all senses.
The pièce de résistance of the evening was when the bartender, Tony, let us sample his personal stock of Bells Two-Hearted Ale. Fabulous. Chilling on ice, he slowly poured the beer into our glasses and let it sit while he explained (through the drone of his AC/DC dvd playing on the TV in the background) the taste sensation we were about to experience. It did not disappoint.
The fact that I am even going into painstaking detail over a night of beer drinking should stand as testament to the quality and friendly atmosphere of The Local Option. I highly suggest it to anyone looking for a relaxing evening with the hopes of meeting new friends and new beers.
The Local Option is located on Webster, off the red line el stop at Fullerton.
-Ileana
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27/02/2009 at 2:54 pm
My notes and camera will remember what my brain cannot. « Making Chicago Home
[...] We were about to start Round 3 at Hi-Tops until we received advice from a professor via mobile that we needed to change venues and make our way to the Local Option. You can see that Ileana has dubbed the Local Option the only option, and for good reason. Read and see pics of the Local Option on her post. [...]
23/03/2009 at 7:03 pm
They made a candy bar into beer! « Making Chicago Home
[...] I was at the Local Option the other night, I could not help but to try a new beer that looked as though it could be better [...]