May 19, 2012
Near downtown and parking is expensive so best bet is the take the train here. Very old school pub with dark wood, there are a few TV’s and music (which I found distracting). I was there during lunch and it was a local crowd of familiar faces. The burger I had was very good but tater tots... really? Had a good tap list and bottle selection but not too much I have not had before.

March 2, 2012
This is a decent place to stop in for lunch (normally a bit of a wait around noon) or for after work drinks but not really a destination if you are looking for beer. The beer they have on hand is actually quite good but, while they do seem to get an occasional limited Goose Island release, it is mostly stuff that’s pretty common in the area.

The decor is actually pretty cool looking, an old timey kind of feel w/ bookshelves full of (mostly fake) books and lots of wood, including big wooden tables. It is also one of those places where they let you throw peanut shells on the floor which some people are really into for whatever reason.

The crowd here is very local. Work buddies getting lunch or hitting up some happy hour drinks. There is really no emphasis on craft beer---though they do offer flights if you find a few things you want to try--and, from time to time, I get something that is obviously a wrong beer when I get table service.

The food is pretty standard pub fare. The burgers seem like they were made from frozen patties or were otherwise not hand formed and the french fries are good. The rest of the menu is your greasy standbys like chicken wings, fish and chips and salads with meat in them. It’s tasty but nothing stands out as especially good.

At the end of the day, you’ve got a place w/ tasty brews and food you can’t really complain about. It’s convenient in the loop and that’s about all it’s got going for it. Worth checking out but not worth going out of your way for for the beer.

December 5, 2011
Awesome spot in downtown Chicago. 12 taps, and you can flight them (4 for $10). Nice bottle selection, including a bunch of Belgians. Great atmosphere, great service (thanks, Cheryl) - I’m digging this place.

December 20, 2010
I went just to try the 3 philosophers.

June 16, 2010
Came here to while away some time, rate the place, have some chow, and good beer until my train departs from Union Station tonight to Boston for the Craft Beer show. Nice place with an old pub feel to it: lots of wood, on the dark side without being too dark. Got immediate seeting at a table by an outlet for the laptop. Interesting beer lineup with five Urthels, Tripel Karmeleit, Lagunitas, Goose Island and Sam Adams seasonals. + a bunch of macros, cider, etc. Had a great blackened tuna sandwich on whole grain, good fries. I’ll return here again when the opportunity arises.