We came in late afternoon on a Friday. Parking wasn’t too bad. The space is interesting; an open front space with a few tables, and the bar on the back and right, then a narrow hallway leads to more seating in the back. Plenty of Three Floyds stuff on the walls. Nice bottle list and a dozen taps, which were mostly interesting things. We didn’t try the food but it all looked really good. Great bar.

Northdown is the brainchild of Tom Lee (of Map Room fame), and the owners of Comet Cafe and Honeypie in Milwaukee. Its sort of a hybrid place, neither simply a bar or restaurant, more a fusion of various elements. Yes theres a bar that seats about 15, plus a few booths and tables in the front room, with a few more intimate tables in the back past the pair of pinball machines. The space itself is fairly open and airy once you walk in (if its not crowded). The ceiling is high, with modern ceiling fans, and front windows that open onto the street. Grey and steel blue walls, with a row of rust-belt americana photos along the side wall, framed in barnwood that matches the lower paneling along the booths (and the front door). Moose antlers are mounted on either side of a back pillar near the bar. FFF neon in the center window, and a new sign painted on the front facade. Eclectic decor. (July 11: Tap handles mounted vertically on wood panels behind the bar.) Draft list rotates frequently, and taking a cue from the Map Room, includes a healthy mix of styles both import and US craft. Kölsch, Rauchbier, Helles, DIPA, Saison, Wit, Quad, Porter, and those are just a few from the current lineup. Highlights from FFF, Jolly Pumpkin, Founders, Girardin, Boulevard, Flossmoor, Bellegems, Mikkeller, Hitachino, Lambrucha, and many more. Again, emphasis is on a broad variety of styles from quality brewers, and not necessarily just rare/exclusive bullshit. Prices are very affordable on the beer, food prices are reasonable too, considering the high quality, locally sourced ingredients. Semi-upscale American comfort food seems to be the menu theme, with plenty of vegetarian/vegan options. The stout-braised short rib sandwich was excellent, also the meatloaf "tower", mac & cheese, and roast beef were all tasty too. Check out the locally-made Fiery Alyce hot sauce if you enjoy smoky sweet heat. Great casual spot for lunch, brunch, or dinner... or just for a couple of beers. Conveniently located near the Paulina brown line stop and 77 Belmont bus. 9/11: A new contender appears... Green Lady is a block or two up the street, 30 taps. Good 1-2 stop with Northdown, different taps and crowd.

This place looks and feels like a west coast bar. But it’s just not....right. I want to like it so badly. I went there on Valentines and they had Cantillon. Their draft list is super cool, short, and quality over quantity. As for the food, well, I was embarrassed for them. They charged $22 for a charcuterie plate. There were three meats on the plate. Two of the meats were literally 2 circular slices each of poor quality salami. The cheese was sliced insanely small. I get charcuterie at nearly every place I go. I f***ing love cured meats and cheeses. Not only was this about $8 overpriced, but it SUCKED. The rest of the food we had was pretty sub par. I don’t know what to think. It is honestly awkward for me not to like a bar with this good of beer. I’ll probably give it another chance, but it won’t be my only planned destination of the night. **edit - I met several people in Amsterdam who had been to and like Northdown. I’m definitely going to give them another chance.

This place always seems to have decent stuff but I’ve never enjoyed going there. The food is average, and its almost painstaking for me to find something I’d want to have. Random great bottles appear at good prices, and great events, just not my place.

Hmmm, pretty high ratings it seems though I’d not put it in the top tier. Food is decent, good mix of veg/vegan and regular food, pretty well made but not earth shaking. Beer choices are hit and miss. Well maintained overall but not really anything too crazy on tap. A nice addition to the scene for sure, prices are fine.

Amazing place. There are plenty of good bars in Chicago (when it comes to beer selection) but this one is on another level. AND their food is delicious and each dish can be substituted with vegetarian options. Always FFF on tap, people are super nice, and cool vibe all around. Has become my favorite bar in the city.

This place is absolutely wonderful. Terrific beer selection that changes CONSTANTLY, outstanding food (try the pie OMFG), and a really friendly, knowledgeable staff. Plus there’s always good music playing. I love it! My favorite "real beer" bar in Chicago.

Hooray, this place is great! Their selection is great. First Gumballhead of the summer. Plus, there are lots of new beers! Their burger was amazing. For a place with so many vegan items on the menu, it’s crazy to think they would have such a great burger.

On Lincoln Ave, this is a newer place but it is not to be overlooked. The tap list is terrific! The people at this establishment are at the heart of the reasons to check this place out.

Northdown Cafe has quickly become a staple to the West Lakeview area, and so far I am impressed. The first time I decided to stop in, I checked the place out, and had a couple beers. They have 12 taps, around 60 bottles, with the focus of the beer menu mainly being on seasonals and more unique beers from American craft breweries, along with a solid collection of Belgian and other imports. Newbies and seasoned beer veterans alike will be able to find something new and interesting each time. The prices are reasonable, with $1 off specials on Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday. I settled on a Three Floyd’s Zombie Dust and a Founder’s Cerise. The atmosphere is laid back (at least on Tuesday night), with two big seating areas. The front has an open feel, with big windows and a high ceiling, and the back is more cozy, with a more intimate table setting in the back. The food is upscale bar food, maybe venturing into gastropub territory. The short stout is my go to sandwich there.