Pilsen has collected its fair share of breweries over the last five years, with each newcomer offering a wildly different vibe. The folks behind Lo Rez Brewing have managed to re-create the simple pleasure of drinking at home inside a funky, no-fuss warehouse space. Avoiding the hops hype, the brewers here offer a short list of draft options on overhead chalkboards, plus a fridge of to-go bottles in the back.
The Local Logic pilsner and Keeper Quencher Summer Saison were top picks from our visit. Stout fans will love the Public Declaration with notes of dark chocolate, cinnamon and roasted malt. It's worth noting that just like sipping brews in your parents' basement, no one here is waiting on you hand and foot. My date and I waited 15 minutes before a server approached us at the bar. For a laid-back, nowhere-to-be kind of Friday night, we weren't terribly annoyed.
Also noteworthy: You can order packaged cheese and beef jerky (both of which are surprisingly good) at the bar or bring your own food. Tables around us packed everything from Tupperware-clad picnics to goodies from nearby taquerias. Low Rez's new Pilsen taproom might not be the most glamorous opening of the year, but it has the low-key cool vibe down pat, making it worth a trip in my book.
Vitals
Atmosphere: The ginormous warehouse space leaves plenty of room to mix and mingle. Did we mention it's dog-friendly? Because it is.
What to eat: BYO snacks or order cheese and jerky at the bar.
What to drink: Start with the Local Logic and ease your way into anything barrel-aged. If they're out of the beer you want, be sure to check the fridge for a to-go bottle.
Where to sit: Bigger groups will want to commandeer a picnic table; two-somes will be happy at the bar.
