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Bloomington’s Upland Brewery brings its casual-dining experience to a massive indoor/outdoor beer mecca in the heart of Fountain Square. Start with a plate of hummus and the $8.95 beer sampler—a lazy Susan of seven half-pint pours. Hulking, juicy burgers are made of Fischer Farms beef or locally sourced buffalo and are as expertly cooked as the nightly Farm to Table Read more...
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This far-north “industrial pub” draws a loyal following with its fish ‘n’ chips, Celtic fiddle performances, and European League Soccer nights. Lunch and dinner daily. Read more...
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The real winners at this southside sports bar are the seasonal and specialty brews—novices should try the seven-beer sampler—and the Pizookie dessert: a chocolate-chip cookie, served hot out of the oven in its own deep-dish pan, topped with vanilla-bean ice cream. In between, the deep-dish pizzas and half-pound burgers will satisfy hearty appetites. Lunch and dinner daily. Read more...
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This fun-loving Illinois chain with a mall-side location in Greenwood Park Mall hearkens to the good old days of artichoke dip and California chicken clubs, when a person could order a glowing-green Honeydew martini without so much as a sideways glance from the bartender. Though the big American menu makes a lot of family-friendly concessions—including a basket of tater tots Read more...
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Smoky, saucy pulled-pork nachos reign among starters, but while pizzas and street tacos get the most attention on the menu, ribs and chicken may be the best bets for dinner. A playful “bag o’ donuts” with chocolate turtle sauce is a fun finish. Lunch and dinner daily. Read more...
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A quaint dining room belies the fact that Dawson’s does few things in moderation, from huge, fresh carrot-cake slices to a mammoth tenderloin sandwich. Most everything else about this Speedway spot is unassuming, from the stark interiors to its cheery, knowledgeable staff. The heaping rib platter and bacon-bound scallops do not disappoint, though a pretzel-bread appetizer lacks flavor. The roster Read more...
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Just when we thought this SoBro spot couldn’t boast a more impressive regional beer rotation, owner Kevin Matalucci padded the list with draughts concocted in his own new brewery, Twenty Below, in the eatery’s basement. Patrons can sip more than 40 craft beers while feasting on offerings like soy-glazed pork belly or the poutine’s bed of house fries covered in Read more...
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This Westfield addition to the local craft brewery scene would be dazzling enough for its mod fixtures, bocce ball court, and secluded sipping room. But owners Gregory and Jackie Dikos—he an orthopedic surgeon–turned-homebrewer, she a registered dietitian and champion distance runner—pegged former Cerulean chef Alan Sternberg to craft their menu, which is as daring as it is easy to pair Read more...
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Located in a Castleton strip mall, this tavern is far larger than it appears from the outside. With more than 100 beers and 35 TVs, it’s a popular place to watch a game. But beyond the intimate pub area resides a huge game room with a stage that hosts blues and funk bands. Lunch and dinner daily. Read more...
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Craft-beer fans flock to this renovated Catholic church that put the former Oaken Barrel brewmaster in charge of the tanks and gave executive chef Scott Reifenberger the proper grand-scale backdrop for full-flavored dishes like bacon-wrapped jalapeños stuffed with crab and goat cheese; rock-shrimp fritters; and an open-faced bison meatloaf sandwich on sturdy Texas toast topped with mashed potatoes, gravy, and Read more...