Hopleaf Bar
(773) 334-9851
5148 N Clark St
Chicago,
IL
60640
41.9756
-87.6685
Neighborhoods: Far North Side, Uptown
What People Are Saying About Hopleaf Bar
The Editor
Contributor
Citysearch
In Short
Neighborhood regulars discuss current events (well-thumbed encyclopedias help settle disputes) among the booths, barstools and dining room of this spacious bar. There are no mass-marketed American brews--instead, an outstanding collection of nearly 200 international craft beers (30 draft), 100 of which are Belgian ales. Ciders, wine and cocktails round out beverage offerings. The kitchen serves upscale eats like duck breast sandwiches and, the house specialty, mussels steamed in Belgian beer.
User Reviews
katrina2s
November 21, 2008
I was first introduced to the Hopleaf in 2006 and it has been my favorite Chicago bar ever since. The beer selection is perhaps the best in the city and you wont find a single television in the entire place. The focus here is the beer, but the staff is not snobby in the least. They are happy to recommend beers and will even give you samples of the draft beers if you ask nicely. I especially like the Kwak (and not just because of the fancy glass it comes in). Additionally, this bar holds some great events. For example, the Drinking and Writing Festival. Two drink minimum writing contests, poetry readings, what could be better! Just get their early if you want a seat. It gets crowded quickly, even upstairs. Also, the restaurant doesn't take reservations, but that's not the end of the world because you can always grab a drink or two while you wait.
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MaxPower11
October 02, 2008
This place is horrible. Don't go here. Don't finish this review, just listen to me and don't go here. ......... . . . . . . . . . .Good. I'm hoping this review keeps the flakes and loser hipsters away. But for those who love everything about beer, I'll let you in on a little secret. GO HERE. This place is by far the most awesome beer bar in the good ol' US of A. They have stuff on tap that most bars don't even know exists. A testament to this place: I went to a bar in LA that is supposed to have the best tap AND bottle selection in the city. Granted, LA is trendy, but beer is coming back in fashion; especially imported beer. Looking over the list of product, I saw one of my favorites: Tripel Karmeliet. So I asked the bartender, "Do you have this beer on tap?" Her response was no less that comical: "On tap? There's no such thing as 'on tap' Karmeliet. It's only sold in the bottle." "I'm sorry, but I believe you are mistaken", I said " I've had it on tap at another bar." "That's not possible", was her reply, "It says on the label, 'Bottle Conditioned'. That means it ONLY comes in bottles." Needles to state, if THAT counts for a top beer bar in LA, the most up-to-date and trend-conscious city on Earth, then the Hopleaf is so far above top, it's lapping those on the bottom. Seriously, this place rocks. Every time I go there, I meet interesting people. It's not the best place to meet "beautiful" people, so if you want that, I can recommend other places. But if you want to have some of the best beer ever, with a friend you haven't met, then the Hopleaf is the place for you.
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Maureen826
September 26, 2008
Don't be turned off by the loud and crowded bar atmosphere in front, because the upstairs & rear area are perfect. Every meal I have had there has been supurb. The mussells for one in a spicey cocoanut are $10 and enough to feed two, and they are only an appetizer. The York Creek Cabernet mix is wonderful but my the wide array of obscure beers are also great. Service is also good. They are often stressed because it is constantly busy but we were seated fairly soon after were told there would be a wait. Must try @ least once.
read full reviewThe Details on Hopleaf Bar
Know Before You Go:
Hopleaf intentionally does not have the typical barroom diversion of television, perfect for guests who enjoy a little conversation.
When to Go:
Food is served from 5pm to 11pm Sunday through Thursday and 5pm to 12am Friday and Saturday. The bar is packed almost every night at dinnertime, especially weekends, so go early or expect to wait.
Where to Sit:
The handsome upstairs room is available for private parties, offering warm atmosphere and a slightly less-expansive beer menu.
Category:
Bars & Pubs, Neighborhood Bars, Taverns
Payment Methods:
Diners Club, Visa, Discover, MasterCard
Bar & Club Special Features:
Recommended Drink:
Belgian beer
Smoking Permitted:
Yes
