Joie De Vine

No Longer In Business

04-07-2011: Clandestine neighborhood spot nestled along the Ravenswood Metra tracks, just east of Pauline’s. Blink and you’d miss it, doesn’t look like much from the outside, and that’s part of the charm. Joie De Vine is a GLBT friendly outpost on the fringes of Andersonville, in Edgewater if we’re getting technical. If you’re not looking for it, the place might as well not even exist. Inside is a serious modern lounge vibe, a narrow space with art hung on the west wall, and a slick modern bar to the right. The front windows had a shimmering effect with lighted strands and one-way mirrored glass. Beer selection is handpicked and eclectic, sorted loosely by style on the menu. Categories include "Light/Easy Drinking, Wheat/Weisse/Wit, Extra Flavor: Sweet to Bitter, Pale/IPA/Double IPA, Malty/Robust, Dark Side, and Big Bottles". The spectrum covers a specific range, including 3 Jolly Pumpkin offerings, Metro Krankshaft (more please), 3 FFF, Founders Double Trouble, several Lagunitas (Lucky 13), 2 Clown Shoes, Southampton Double White, Green Flash West Coast IPA, Modus Hoperandi, DFH (Bitches Brew, Poppaskull, Aprihop, & Festina Peche), LH Milk Stout, New Holland Poet, Hennepin, Hitachino White, and more. Seemed to be mostly US craft focused, approachable to craft noobs and nerds alike. Early evening the vibe was laid back, some clubby music, a couple muted flatscreens. Bartender was welcoming and friendly, willing to answer beer questions. A worthwhile destination for open minded seekers. Not far from Fireside Lounge if you’re looking for a good meal and Daisy Cutter on tap, also equidistant from Hopleaf and Acre if looking for a refuge from the Andersonville crowds. 9/11 edit: Even more unusual beers like Innis & Gunn, Little Kings/Hudy cans, Sierra Madre, Hop Whore, B. Nektar, Bruery Rugbrod, and more. Super knowledgeable beer buyer/bartender here. Small list of assorted bar snacks, not really enough to qualify as an "eatery" however.