Hopleaf

Bars, Beer bars Uptown
5 out of 5 stars
(12user reviews)
Winner<br/>2016

Winner
2016
Winner<br/>2016

Winner
2016
(Photograph: Martha Williams)
1/3
Photograph: Martha WilliamsHopleaf
(Photograph: Brendan Lekan)
2/3
Photograph: Brendan LekanHopleaf
(Photograph: Kelly Peloza)
3/3
Photograph: Kelly PelozaHopleaf

Thought this was just a bar to belly up to with a Belgian brew in hand? One bite and you’ll know there’s much more. Our perfect night involves sampling the drafts at the bar while slurping down the famous ale-steamed mussels, but you could also class it up, grab a proper table and dig into seasonal rotations such as wood-roasted spring chicken with morels and favas, available in the spring. Beer geeks know this is the place in town to school their palate on craft brews, and they do come in droves, but the addition of an adjacent space helps keep the place from feeling like a sardine tin.

Posted:

Venue name: Hopleaf
Contact:
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Address: 5148 N Clark St
Chicago
60640
Cross street: between Winona St and Foster Ave
Opening hours: Sun-Fri noon-2am; Sat noon-3am
Transport: El stop: Red to Berwyn; Red to Argyle. Bus: 22, 50, 92.
Price: Average main course: $20
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  • Things to do

    Tuesday Funk

    This eclectic reading series is where good writing and good beer mix. Every month five local writers and authors put together pieces to read while you order off Hopleaf's extensive beer menu.

    Literary events Tuesday September 4 2018 - Tuesday December 4 2018 Free

Average User Rating

4.5 / 5

Rating Breakdown

  • 5 star:7
  • 4 star:6
  • 3 star:0
  • 2 star:0
  • 1 star:0
LiveReviews|12
1 person listening
Tastemaker

One of my favorite bars in Chicago! Simply put it has amazing beer selection! Great food! Great atmosphere!

tastemaker

I'm in love! Seriously, can't wait to go back!!!

I keep a list of places I'd like to try and Hopleaf has been on there for a while. Knowing that they are known for their beer list, I purposely held off going here until after I'd given birth and was back on the beer wagon. As you can see, this entire mentality left a lot to the small chance that I wasn't over hyping and over expecting something from here.

I didn't. Hooray! It lived up to every ounce of excitement I had going in. The bar is quaint and cute. The bartenders were super easy to talk to and I almost would have hung at the bar versus sitting at the table with my group. The beer list is phenomenal and the prices aren't too shabby either.

We were sat after a very short wait at a table for 8 in the back. I just loved the vibe of the whole place. I ordered the mussels and sadly our server forgot to bring them out and by the time she came to the table to check on our meals, we had all decided to forgo the forgotten mussels altogether (my only complaint). My duck reuben and frites were outstanding and alas, I still had room for mussels so that became dessert and I am very glad they did. Not everyone at the table was into them, but I blame that more on their lame palettes and not the tasty dish. I requested the onion strings along with them since I'd already had the frites and that's the way to do it. They were crispy and flavorful, but delicate and not overly greasy.

If I lived closer and didn't have kids, I'd be here constantly. Since I do have kids and limited opportunity to get out, I look forward to the next time I can return.


Hopleaf is always worth the trek to Andersonville--I so envy those who live nearby! Its beer selection is massive, the sandwiches are tasty, and it's so big there's always space. If there's a long wait for tables, just go to the side bar and order food there.

tastemaker

Yes, Hopleaf is worthy of the hype. Yes, Hopleaf is the best beer bar in Chicago, maybe the best bar. Period. Being a lover of Belgian beers, I immediately delved into their impressive Belgain tap list, the best I've ever seen. Dubbels, Trippels, whites, and saisons galore! Bartenders always nice enough to let me sample, too. 


The food is also incredible. Can't go wrong with the Wittekerke-brined mussels, duck rueben sandwich, "peanut butter and jelly" offshoot, or the brisket. All delicious. 


Get a table if you can, some of the bartenders are snobby and don't like to converse with their customers. Otherwise, a truly wonderful, one-of-a-kind Chicago experience. 


Always something awesome on tap, great bottle list, and, of course, stunning food. CBJ is the stuff of dreams.


One of the best beer bars in the city (it is our shining beacon of Belgian brews), Hopleaf is also a real gourmet presence in the city. Go to drink or eat but always be prepared for excellence.

Tastemaker

I have only been to Hopleaf once, but I definitely plan on going many more times. Their food is a bit heavy for my taste, but their beer list is by far my favorite in the city, plus they ahve a great patio that isn't very difficult to find a spot at.


I love the cashew butter fig jam sandwich here. Hopleaf is the perfect place to go on a rainy day. You can hole up inside next to the mini fireplace and NEVER run out of beer options.

moderator

When you move to Chicago, you should get a welcome package that includes a coupon for a free beer at Hopleaf. The Andersonville bar and restaurant is one of those places that everyone should go, even if you're not impressed by the formidable list of beers from all around the world. Dishes like the duck reuben and the the cashew butter and fig jam sandwich are as venerable as the tired-and-true Chicago-style hot dog. Just make sure to stop by early—this place fills up fast.

moderatorStaff Writer

I think it would be impossible to run out of beer choices at Hopleaf. They have more taps than most beer lovers can dream of and they seem to rotate regularly, so if you like a beer make sure to make a note of it as the menu changes frequently. Whether you're grabbing a beer inside, claiming a table for the evening or spending a summer day on the patio the ambiance here is top-notch, relaxed and approachable. The food here is also amazing, at the very least get an order of mussels and frites to wash down all those heavy beers. 

moderator

Belgian beer nuts love Hopleaf. The gastropub has a massive beer menu as well as a creative dinner menu. Great service and cool ambience. Love this place!