Hopleaf

[Fletch94]

My wife and I are traveling to Chicago for our first time to see Bruce Springsteen at Wrigley Field on Saturday, September 8. We're staying downtown. I'm trying to figure out whether we can and should squeeze in an early dinner and a couple of beers at Hopleaf before the show. The scheduled start time of the show is 7:30, and I expect the Boss will take the stage about 8:00. We don't want to eat (fork to mouth) earlier than 5:00. How long does it take to get from Hopleaf to Wrigley and what is the best method of travel (we will be without car)? Is Hopleaf worth the trouble, or would we be better off eating somewhere walking distance to Wrigley or downtown before we board the el to Wrigley? I'm attracted to the Hopleaf because I like craft beer and I saw it has a Michelin bib gourmand rating. Any guidance is much appreciated.

[danimalarkey]

If you like craft beer, Hopleaf is one of the best destinations in the city. If you get there at 5pm, they will just be switching to the (larger) dinner menu and I don't think it would take too long to get entrees out to you -- ie., it's not like the kitchen can really be backed up at that point. Since their recent expansion, I have not heard reports of long waits anymore. You can also order from the full menu if you sit at the bar.

If you didn't want to make the trip to Hopleaf (or maybe find yourself without the time) but still wanted craft beer and good food, I'd take a look at Farmhouse. It's just under the Brown line (which will still easily get you to Wrigley) and has a very, very strong craft beer list. Not nearly as many imports/Belgians as at Hopleaf, but there's a solid list of local/regional options. Food is good, too, very much in the farm-to-table/comfort food zone, though I feel the prices are a hair on the high side for what you end up getting.

This won't necessarily help you with eating/drinking before the concert, but I can't recommend enough taking a trip to Revolution if you have the time. I think it's the best brewpub in the city at the moment -- beer is consistently excellent and the food is really well-executed bar food classics (pizzas, burgers, etc.) prepared with local ingredients. Steps from the Blue line, it's easily accessible from downtown, though not so much to/from Wrigley.

[Fletch94]

Thanks. I looked at Farmhouse's website and it looks right up my alley. We may try it out if we don't have time for Hopleaf.

[Gonzo70]

Hop Leaf to Wrigley Field is very easy via public transportation. The #22 Clark Bus (about $2 per/person) will take you pretty much door-to-door in about 15 minutes. Hopleaf is a nice place, amazing collection of beers and pretty good food as well. Can be a bit loud and not a lot of ambiance, but it would be a nice choice for a beer aficianado to enjoy a couple great beers and some good food before the game.

[lbs]

On game day I would double that estimate on the bus. It would be best to walk the half mile (ish) to the red line stop Berwyn and take that to the game. I personally love the Hopleaf and highly recommend

[Fletch94]

It's a Bruce Springsteen concert, not a cubs game, but I guess your advice is still applicable because of the large number of people (maybe more than for a game?) that will be in the area. Thanks to both of you for the advice.

[iphonechica]

If you decide to try the bus, make sure you have exact change, or at least a fare card with enough funds. If you walk to the Red Line, you can buy a fare card at the station. Fare cards can be used for both the bus or the train. Just a tip, in case you didn't know.

Edited to add: I really like Hopleaf, mostly because I like mussels & fries and the beer list. For sandwiches, I enjoyed the CB&J and tilaplia. However if you order mussels & sandwiches be prepared for a lot of fries.