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.

KnockBox Café
1001 N California Ave., Chicago, IL‎
Neighborhood: Humboldt Park

KnockBox Café.

It was a blistering cold day in Chicago, so Anna and I decided to head over to the Humboldt Park neighborhood this afternoon to try out KnockBox Café for the first time.  KnockBox is a wonderful, eco-friendly, and cozy café that is situated on the corner of California and Augusta, across the street from one of our favorite bars, the California Clipper (we had our first date there!).  KnockBox is a nice addition to the somewhat tough neighborhood.  I appreciate the fact that KnockBox believes in supporting and utilizing other local Chicago businesses for many of their needs, like Metropolis Coffee Company for their fresh roasted coffee and espressos and Red Hen Bread for their fresh made gourmet sandwiches.  Today, I had a white mocha while Anna went with a hot chocolate with toasted marshmallows.  Both of our drinks were under $4, very tasty, and perfect for such a cold winter day.  I highly recommend checking KnockBox out; I plan on going back and trying out their food next time.  Also, remember to bring your own travel mug because they will give you a discount on your drink!

-Rob

Rob’s white mocha.

Anna’s hot chocolate.