April 21, 2012
Best beer bar in suburbs- excellent waitstaff- selection of beers unmatched in northern burbs

March 11, 2012
I go here quite often. It is kind of small, but that is the only negative that I can find. It has a great atmosphere of old wallpaper and pictures, as well as strands of lights everywhere. And no tvs! There is always about 30 premium beers on tap and the selection, which constantly changes. There is often very rare or unique selections brought in. The staff is extremely knowledgeable. They know everything about what they have to offer. The food is very good. Quite simply, there is no other place like this in the area. I strongly recommend checking this place out if you’re around.

February 19, 2012
Been here a couple of times. Sat at the bar both times. This place is a bit small - like a long rectangle that you’re oddly required to enter from the back side. Atmosphere is an odd mix of the local richie-riches and beer geeks. Nice selection of beer with lots of rotating taps. Nice to see they had both regional breweries (like FFF, Bell’s, and Great Lakes) and locals (like Half Acre and Tighthead). Everything served in the proper glasses. Ate lunch this time around and while it was better than average, it really wasn’t anything special. Had a burger (supposedly grass-fed beef) and while it was good, it had to have been previously frozen. Wife had a muffaletta which was overly salty and lacked the requisite olive dressing. If I lived in the area I’d come more often, but couldn’t see making a special trip.

February 17, 2012
This place is no joke they really do have a great selection with a bunch of revolving taps. My only complant is that the place is so small and gets very busy at times.

February 13, 2012
Finally had a chance to stop in here and was pretty impressed. Nice unassuming bar that is unpretentious and reminds me a lot of many other beer bars I’ve patronized. Strong beer list, probably 30 deep in taps and solid bottle selection as well. Clean lines and the food is pretty damn good, too! Prices are nice but I don’t know how they compare to other suburban places. Will definitely come back.

December 11, 2011
I used to work at the bar down the street from here. When the firkin would close I would get all their bartenders drunk. 5 years later I’m coming back to my hometown and enjoying this bar in a whole new light. Lovely atmosphere with a gorgeous ornate wood bar. A phenomenal beer list considering most bars in the area consider sapporo and pranqster amazing "craft" beers. If you’re in the suburbs of Chicago you MUST visit the Firkin. Also, amazing and very knowledgeable bar staff. Ask for Dave...he’s amazing.

December 11, 2011
Exactly what a neighborhood beer bar should be like. Decent tap list with no obvious losers on the board, though arguable (at first, ill explain in a second) nothing retardedly rare on tap either, interesting and apetizing sounding menu (haven’t tried anything yet, may later though), nice vibe...decorated for the holidays but in a nice, inviting way, attentive friendly staff, not a tv in sight...I like it. So, my gf knows one of the guys here and upon talking with him for a few minutes about having the desire to drink something akin to imperial stout or something barrel aged, which at the time, they didn’t have anything on tap at the moment...he leaves for a moment and comes back and asks if we’d like him to put on the firestone 15 anny for us. Yes sir, that would be splendid. Accomodating service, chill beer-is-important vibe...several different pate’s on the menu and a venison terrine. Yes, this place is legit.

September 4, 2011
Finally made it out this highly rated place after a day at Six Flags... cool quiet street with easy parking and just about a hundred yards from Mikey Finn’s for the tickers... 25 taps and about the same number of bottles. the draft list was decent nothing spectacular, focused mostly on localish suff, daisy cutter, 2 hearted, zombie dust, the bottle list was weak, all easy to find stuff... the food all sounded good with some great unique combo’s, some of it didn’t pull together but it was solid... a great neighborhood place but ont a destination spot that you need to drive an hour to get to

August 28, 2011
Big fan of the Firkin, try to hit it at least once a month, and follow it on Face book as they let you know whenever they tap something "rare" or special. I gave it a 15 on selection because if you can’t find a drink your looking for with 30 taps and generally about 50 bottles which cover a wide range of style, seasonal’s one offs, domestic, and imports than you might need to be a touch less picky. Firkin is a trendy place in a very nice downtown area. A great place for a date night (if your not looking for intimate) during the summer with a rose garden across the street. The only knock is the prices on food are a touch steep. That being said I have never really quabled as the quality is always very good. I live 30 Min. away and make a point to stop in frequently.

August 1, 2011
Really enjoyed the firkin! especially the high-ceilings and laid back atmosphere. the food was also quite good and the beer selection adequately diverse.