Sunday, June 19, 2011

An Off-The-Beaten-Path Brewery of Chicago



Revolution Brewing Co.
2323 N Milwaukee Ave
Chicago, IL 60647

One of the uniquely Foodie parts of Logan Square is this two and a half year old brewery. While this restaurant-bar manages to attract the usual types that glorify old lady glasses, it also has attracted Lincoln Park and Lakeview people. While they do make some excellent “Revolution”-themed beers, they also have excellent burgers and pizza. This brewery is off the beaten path from most Chicago landmarks and attractions, however, it certainly is something most should seek out. If there’s one thing you take away from this review, it’s that the burgers and beers are fantastic!


Revolution Brewing has several brews that are made in house. If you have lunch there on a Sunday at noon, you can tour the brewery for free. All the brews have a name that imply some sort of military or political upheaval theme like the Iron Fist Pale Ale or the Anti-Hero IPA. As a stout person, myself, I recommend the Repo Man Rye Stout. It has a nutty flavor and not too bitter. Just right. My favorite, however, was the aptly named, Coup D’Etat. This is a saison beer, which can be appreciated by all beer and non-beer drinkers alike. If you aren’t up on saison beers, get with the program. If beer is still not your thing, the Mexicali Mule is a nice, light tequila and lime, summer drink.


Their starters are very tasty. They have a delicious take on your run of the mill calamari. This version comes with asparagus, arugula and parmesan cheese lightly sprinkled on top. Calamari and asparagus is a surprisingly good combination. Give it a try. But, the most interesting combination for a starter that they have here is Bacon Fat Popcorn. If you’ve been converted to the side of being a bacon enthusiast and not watching your figure, grab yourself a bowl of this. The popcorn is topped with bacon fat, a few crispy pieces of bacon, sage and parmesan. At first the bacon fat texture can be off putting, but a few bites later and you will be on your way to getting your bacon fill and getting that much closer to a cardiac arrest!!! Mmmm. This dish is also great as just a drinking snack.


For an entrĂ©e, you have plenty of options. Salads and pizzas here are good, but if you stopped at that part of the menu, you’d miss the hidden treasure. Order from the sandwich and burger section. While the burger selection isn’t as crazy and diverse as, say Kuma’s Corner’s burgers, you can get a gourmet burger here hit the spot and in some ways rival Kuma’s. Mainly, you can get a great tasting burger without waiting for hours to get a table and without getting a burger whose size is wildly inappropriate for human consumption.

The Farmer’s Burger is excellent. This burger is your usual beef patty with spinach, beets, horseradish and a fried egg on top. It’s a very fresh combination that doesn’t feel too heavy. But, the best sandwich they have at Revolution is the Smoke Pulled Pork Sandwich. I love pulled pork. This sandwich may be the best one I’ve ever had. The pork was simmered in a mustard sauce and topped with honey-jalapeno coleslaw. Coleslaw is pretty much required for pulled pork, if you ask me. This sandwich has a little heat to it and it can very VERY messy, but it is delicious.


Revolution Brewing offers plenty of great food and brews for foodies. As their line of beers grow and spread through Chicago, this place will surely help put Logan Square on the map for foodies. If you live in Logan Square or even if you live off the Red Line, this place is worth the trek.



Getting down to Brass Tax:

Date place? Yes.
Friend Hang out? Yes.
Recommended dish: Southern Pulled Pork
Recommended drink: Mexicali Mule
Price Range (2 People): +/- $50

2 comments:

  1. I'm a fan of the Eugene porter myself - malty with notes of coffee and chocolate. My main complaint with this place is that whenever I go, I'm seated next to a young couple with a screaming baby - seems LS is becoming a haven for new parents as well. I think they've opened up more seating upstairs since I've been there so perhaps it's better now.

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  2. I will have to try the Eugene. Got to love chocolate in beer!

    I also have noticed the trend of more parents in Logan Square. The number of strollers (especially at places like the Farmer's Market) has just suddenly appeared. It's a combination of hipsters finally having hipster babies (and they are out there) and as gentrification continues here, people from areas like Lakeview, Lincoln Park and Wicker Park that are starting families are finding Logan Square to be a desirable place to raise a family. Cheap rent for more space, generally quieter neighborhood, green space, etc. So, there's no surprise families are headed to Revolution. I didn't notice many there on a Friday night, but I wouldn't be surprised.

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