When the Wicker Park and Weed Street scene become cliche, pricy and overrated, resort to Brewery on the Northwest side. Here, you’ll find no lines, no cover, no cocky doorman telling you what you can and can’t wear; Brewery offers simple nights, games and cheap drinks.
You'll likely begin your Brewery experience after a long day of shopping (the bar is a five-minute walk to the Harlem and Irving Plaza and the Norridge Commons Shopping Center). Put down your bags and rest your feet in one of the booths lined up against the wall. Want to chat about your purchases? Pull up next to the bar and have Marta Mandziuk (the gorgeous and friendly bartender) put together a cocktail for a measly $3.75.
"Goodfellas" and Elvis posters share wall space with framed portraits of Fonzie and old cigarette ads. A pool table, dartboard and a scratch-and-win machine await in the back area. Otherwise, the space offers little for the eye beyond the few plasma televisions hung over the bar. Early evening, you'll likely join the few men in their 50s watching Wheel of Fortune. Otherwise, come and swap fish-talk with members of the Pike Busters Unlimited (a fishing group that meets the first and third Tuesday of every month). Weekends welcome a younger crowd.
Host an anniversary or birthday party in the back room, which holds up to 40 people. During summer, hit the beer garden with a Marlboro in hand and reflect on days before the smoking-ban. Beers range from $1.25-$3.75 and daily drink specials soar no higher than $2.
Centerstage Reviewer: David-Anthony Gonzalez
