HopScotch

So I finally stopped in at Hopscotch Friday night with my friend for some girls night drinking and shit talking, you know the usual. We both have been wanting to try this place and finally made it in. Now it maybe have not been the very best night to try it because the Bulls game was on so the place was packed, but just around the bar area (where the tvs are) so we could only find a seat next to the window alone, which was kind of nice in some way, but also would have liked to see more of the game as well. But none the less, we were their to try the drinks!

When you first pull up it looks like all the weird funky windows on Franklin Ave. But once you step inside you'll be very pleased! Very clean and cozy place. Its not very big but it didn't feel claustrophobic.

We sat down and there was a $3 whiskey drink list at our table with tons of options to chose from. We are not big whiskey drinkers so we decided to save that for another night where maybe we had a few drinks before we get there. So we ended up just asking the bartender what are some of his fav beers from there. We took his recommendations and really enjoyed them.

In all, I really enjoyed the place. They put on some hip hop music after the game which my friend really enjoyed. I was really surprised by the music they play because you wouldn't think Drake and Niki would be playing in that type of place. But for me I like all types of music so it doesn't faze me. I will definitely be coming back! So many different options to chose from! And price options very from $3-$500 (yes $500 that isn't a typo!).

Really friendly folks and plenty of unusual froth.

I uncovered this gem via Yelp while in Chicago for a flight. It was a quick drive from my airport hotel too. Once inside, the wall was covered in brown liqueur bottles and a large chalkboard with an impressive list of rotating craft draft beers and ciders (along with a few domestic familiars too).

The owner and the staff were very welcoming and friendly. The selection was great and the lines were fresh and clean. I had a great time chatting with a few of the regulars - trading travel and beer stories made for a fantastic night.

It was obvious the owner was proud and took a great deal of care in building this space. The staff enjoyed their jobs there and the usual suspects keep coming back. Make a point to stop here and support them - I will be sure to find my way back there when in the Chicago area again. Cheers!

Fun fact: The GPS directed me through an industrial area from the hotel. I arrived swiftly and safely but don't give up and think you are on the wrong track. On the way back, the path was through a residential area so there are plenty of paths that lead you to good drinks and people.

Whenever I sit back and enjoy a fine craft beer in this establishment, i tell myself I am supporting a local business (not that i need to justify why I am drinking a fine craft beer).

That being said, I have lived in this area for over 10 years and it used to be you had to travel to an area called "Lincoln Park" to find brews of such quality and variety.  Not to mention, you might even have to travel to several bars to get the variety you seek, which in turn can kill a nicely worked on buzz and pay Lincoln Park "atmosphere fees".  NO LONGER.

Lincoln Park, who needs ya!  HopScotch has got it going on in Franklin Park.  That's right, Franklin Park!

The atmosphere is top-notch, the bar staff (Julie, Kevin, Gina, Bernard to name a few) and the owner Jay, know...their...crafts, and so far my friends and I have received fantastic service each and every time i have visited (even during the SRO hours on Friday and Saturday).

It tends to get very busy starting around 8:30/ 9:00 on the weekends and the music gets louder, so if you prefer a sit-and-talk-and enjoy-my-drink type of place, get your table before 8:30 and hang out.  If you prefer the more hipster type of atmosphere, with lots of people and music, you will be happy to know that happens later.

Either way, you can still enjoy the beer (and whiskey and mix drinks and...).

I left off a star because they do not serve food...YET.  However, they do allow you to order in from one of the other fine food establishments in the area.  Or,  just bring your own chips and salsa like we did. We get the munchies.

Now all the gas money i save not going to Lincoln Park, i can spend here in my local classy craft beer bar. Not that i need to justify my drinking.