Rootstock Wine & Beer Bar

954 N California Ave., Chicago, IL‎
Neighborhood: Humboldt Park

Rootstock.

Rob and I have been wanting to try Rootstock for months now and we finally got around to it this weekend.  For those that are not aware, Rootstock is a bar that specializes in unique beers and wines.  It was fairly crowded when we arrived around 10:30 on Saturday night, so we were seated at a longer table that seated six and told that they might have to seat another party with us.  Thankfully, that didn’t happen, and we were able to enjoy our drinks without strangers sitting next to us.  Although Rootstock has an appealing food menu, we weren’t hungry and decided to just get drinks.  Rob went with a North Coast Brewery Brother Thelonious beer from California, a dark ale with hints of chocolate, black fruits, brown sugar, and grassy hops.  He enjoyed the chocolatey taste a lot, although it was a little bit heavy and definitely a beer to be sipped and not drank quickly.  I went with a glass of pinot noir, a 2006 Churton Malborough from New Zealand, that had volcanic soil induced spice, strawberry, and a velvety texture.  It was definitely one of the better pinot noirs I’ve had recently.  With Rob’s beer priced at $6 and my glass of wine at $9, Rootstock is a cheaper option for those that are interested in unique beers and wines that tend to cost a bit extra at other restaurants.  We definitely plan on checking out Rootstock again in the future.  

-Anna

Rob’s beer and my glass of wine.  Straight, No Chaser.

Revolution Brewing
2323 N Milwaukee Ave., Chicago, IL‎
Neighborhood: Logan Square

Photo courtesy of Metromix/Barry Brecheisen.

For months, Anna and I have patiently waited for Revolution Brewing to open up their doors; and this week, they finally did.  As one would suspect, the place was packed when we arrived and we had to wait for about 45 minutes to be seated.  While waiting, we couldn’t help but notice the amazing construction that was put into the brewery.  I particularly liked the woodwork at the bar, the beautifully restored tin ceiling, and the large glass window that peers into the brewing room where Revolution crafts their beers.

We started off our meal with an appetizer, opting for the bacon fat popcorn, which was terrific.  You can’t beat popcorn that is topped with crispy bacon, sage, and shaved parmesan.  For dinner, Anna went with the Smoked Pulled Pork sandwich that was topped with South Carolina-style mustard and honey-jalapeno slaw, and she washed it down with a Cross of Gold, a very crisp golden ale.  I decided to try Revolution’s Anti-Hero IPA beer and the Smokehouse Burger, that is topped with a slice of pepper jack cheese and a small portion of the South Carolina style pulled pork.  Our entire meal was very satisfying and the beers were good as well.  I’m happy Revolution opened up shop in Logan Square, especially on a stretch of Milwaukee Ave. that is riddled with abandoned store fronts.

-Rob

Bacon + popcorn = the best bar snack we’ve had in a long time.

Anna’s pulled pork sandwich.

Rob’s smokehouse burger.