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Hopleaf Bar

Beer Bar$$$$
Andersonville, Chicago
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9.2/10
1,180
ratings
  • Stars
  • Stars
    Has a stamp of approval from Food Network and Eater
    • Food Network
    • Eater
  • Tips
    Samir N.
    "It is a little further out, but great Belgian beers and solid food"(11 Tips)
    Darek L.
    "Cashew butter & jelly sandwich is soooo good!"(10 Tips)
    Time Out Chicago
    "Incredible beer selection and tasty food like mussels w/frites."(60 Tips)
    Joel S.
    "1. Zombie Dust on tap. 2. Outstanding, fresh and local foods."(7 Tips)
Tips and Reviews icon331 Tips and reviews
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  • Zoeheart icon on user image
    ZoeDecember 5, 2017
    Been here 10+ times
    Awesome beer selection, bartenders know their stuff. Everything you’ve heard is true... their mussel pot is amazing, which comes with fries but definitely get the onion rings.
    Upvote10Downvote
  • Chicagoist
    ChicagoistApril 10, 2015
    It's where you'd least expect, but Hopleaf actually features a great wine list. It's mainly European, focusing on old world wines, but that's not to say there aren't any new world choices. Read more
    Upvote11Downvote
  • Eater
    EaterJanuary 13, 2017
    Andersonville residents manage to agree that the fireplace at Hopleaf is a huge asset to the space. Get lost in the Hopleaf's massive beer menu. Read more
    Upvote6Downvote
  • Eater
    EaterMay 6, 2016
    Hopleaf is well known for its huge beer selection—which is well deserved—yet the interesting takes on Belgian food is also a main reason crowds continue to pack the Andersonville spot. Read more
    UpvoteDownvote
  • Chicago Tribune
    Chicago TribuneDecember 31, 2014
    Come to this bar for lunch or dinner as they serve up some delicious meals as well as great drinks. Ask your server what they recommend but definitely try the Montreal-style beef brisket. Read more
    UpvoteDownvote
  • John D.heart icon on user image
    John DunlevyMarch 1, 2023
    Been here 5+ times
    Although the food menu centers meat (& mussels), don't miss the great vegetarian options, including the CB&J sandwich ("on sourdough; housemade cashew butter, fig jam,& raclette cheese; pan-fried").
    UpvoteDownvote
  • Chicagoist
    ChicagoistAugust 7, 2015
    The woody pub atmosphere of this neighborhood staple adds even more to make this a must-do weekend stop, early or late, or if you’re compelled to linger there for hours (and you probably will be). Read more
    UpvoteDownvote
  • Jamie P.
    Jamie PitmanNovember 7, 2015
    We only had the mussels, but they were excellent. very nice atmosphere, high quality food. Andersonville is a very nice area to explore, and this is a great place to have a few beers and relax.love it
    UpvoteDownvote
  • Time Out Chicago
    Time Out ChicagoJune 4, 2012
    Always a bit more crowded than I'd wish, but with reason. Incredible beer selection and tasty food like mussels w/frites. Never had a bad beer there, out of dozens I've tried.
    Upvote16Downvote
  • Time Out Chicago
    Time Out ChicagoMay 23, 2012
    Always a bit more crowded than I'd wish, but with reason. Incredible beer selection and tasty food like mussels w/frites. Never had a bad beer there, out of dozens I've tried. -HS Read more
    Upvote5Downvote
  • Muriel V.heart icon on user image
    Muriel VegaOctober 11, 2014
    Get the Belgian style mussels (they come with pomme frites!). If you see the table by the window open, grab and order from the bar. Better than waiting for 45 mins for a table.
    UpvoteDownvote
  • Shycuheart icon on user image
    ShycuJuly 22, 2017
    Extensive beer list. Fancy food for a brew pub. Crab and corn fritters were yummy. Lots of pomme frites come with sandwich orders. Sandwiches $11-$13, entrees over $18-$32. Mussels are the specialty.
    UpvoteDownvote
  • PureWow
    PureWowMay 3, 2017
    Andersonville: Even on the hottest of days, the garden at Hopleaf is packed with people cooling off with a Hefeweizen and light salad—made with greens grown around you, no less. Read more
    UpvoteDownvote
  • Meghan G.heart icon on user image
    Meghan GebhardtAugust 25, 2019
    Been here 100+ times
    Mussels, beer, yes, but don't underestimate their wine selection (rare wines, low markeup, all on tap) and don't miss out on the goat cheese cheesecake- it's amazing.
    UpvoteDownvote
  • Theo E.heart icon on user image
    Theo EstesAugust 7, 2014
    Been here 5+ times
    Awesome beer selection. You can spend quite a few hours (and quite a few dollars) trying all the brews. The frites are a good snack to nibble on while you imbibe.
    Upvote2Downvote
  • Chris H.
    Chris HodowanecMarch 23, 2014
    Been here 10+ times
    One of the reasons I moved to Andersonville. Likely the world's greatest beer bar. The ham sandwich is epic, so are the muscles. Have a Zombie Dust, one of few places in Chicago that have it on tap.
    UpvoteDownvote
  • Dustin H.heart icon on user image
    Dustin HaleyFebruary 5, 2017
    Loads of great beer with a rotating list - always something new when I go in. Also, this place is crazy big with various different levels and rooms. Cool vibe!
    UpvoteDownvote
  • Simon K.heart icon on user image
    Simon KFebruary 24, 2015
    Great selection of actual proper beer. Staff very friendly and willing to let you sample a couple and advise you before deciding. Possible to get food in the bar, which was very good.
    UpvoteDownvote
  • Redeye Chicago
    Redeye ChicagoJanuary 16, 2015
    You may enter here as a novice, eyes glazing over with one glance at all the "brouwerijen" smattered through the encyclopedic menu. Take your time and experiment with something new. Read more
    UpvoteDownvote
  • Mia Q.
    Mia QJune 18, 2013
    Delectable beer and scrumptious food make the Hopleaf great for a date or a quick beer. It's usually not crowded in the afternoon and they serve the fries with mayo, need i say more?
    UpvoteDownvote
  • Eric V.
    Eric VenkerAugust 30, 2015
    Great potato chips and obviously a great beer list. Two bars so if the front is crowded, move around to the back left and find that the space opens up nicely.
    Upvote1Downvote
  • Fodor's Travel
    Fodor's TravelAugust 24, 2015
    The bar’s selection of around 400 different bottled beers and 64 on draft will satisfy even the most discerning beer fan, especially one who is hankering for a good Belgian ale.
    UpvoteDownvote
  • ben m.
    ben mAugust 20, 2014
    Incredible beer selection. Don't be like my friend who ordered Bud Light. But don't worry, the bartender put him in his place and it was great.
    Upvote2Downvote
  • Kristi D.
    Kristi DorsonNovember 18, 2012
    The brisket has great flavor but it's super lean and often dry. It's better in sandwich form, or just skip it and go for the amazing sausage plate with the bourbon white beans, and a side of frites!
    Upvote1Downvote
  • Hudson Sutler
    Hudson SutlerJuly 20, 2017
    This bar has been slingin’ beer for 25 years, and recently added onto the kitchen to satisfy any of your stick-to-your-ribs bar food needs. Read more
    UpvoteDownvote
  • Obadiah P.
    Obadiah PoundageMay 6, 2013
    Snag the CB&J - an adult grilled cheese made with cashew butter and fig jam and a side of Stilton Mac & Cheese - and pair it up with one of many draught beers, or a rarity from the south bar fridge.
    Upvote1Downvote
  • Renaissance Hotels
    Renaissance HotelsOctober 16, 2012
    The vast majority of the beers here are from the small, extraordinary breweries around the world, including many esoteric, seasonal or hard-to-find brews, so there’s always something new to try. Read more
    UpvoteDownvote
  • Adam W.
    Adam WebbOctober 28, 2013
    The mussels. Oh my God the mussels. The frites. And the biggest beer menu I've ever seen. And the best part: not a single TV in the place.
    Upvote1Downvote
  • Damon S.heart icon on user image
    Damon SununtnasukDecember 30, 2016
    Excellent beer list and wonderful food. Mussels are incredible and the charcuterie platter great too. Pork belly salad was to die for.
    UpvoteDownvote
  • It's A Major Plusheart icon on user image
    It's A Major PlusMarch 13, 2014
    Been here 50+ times
    Charcuterie is a treat, frites are a must, brisket sandwich is delicious & filling, mussels also a must and if it has any kind of fish (menu changes) GET IT.
    Upvote2Downvote
  • Alexander D.heart icon on user image
    Alexander DunnDecember 16, 2018
    The Belgian drafts are phenomenal! Mussels for two is a great meal and will definitely leave you feeling full.
    UpvoteDownvote
  • Adamheart icon on user image
    AdamOctober 30, 2017
    Mussels were great! Great beer selection as well.
    Upvote2Downvote
  • Pelle t.heart icon on user image
    Pelle ten CateJune 1, 2019
    The draft list is the obvious reason to go here, but the food menu is really good too. I thought the ribeye steak was really really good
    UpvoteDownvote
  • Steve ‘Pudgy’ D.heart icon on user image
    Steve ‘Pudgy’ De RoseApril 16, 2013
    Been here 5+ times
    A solid, sincere bar whose backbone was Belgian styles, but which has since expanded to the entire spectrum of craft beer; both U.S.A. & imported. ☞ Stunningly, it now has wi-fi [ComcastBusiness].
    Upvote1Downvote
  • Time Out Chicago
    Time Out ChicagoNovember 2, 2011
    Check out the roasted chicken with oven-roasted artichokes, spring onions and mashed potatoes or a CB&J: a grilled sandwich of housemade cashew butter, fig jam and Morbier cheese on sourdough bread. Read more
    Upvote11Downvote
  • Jordan B.heart icon on user image
    Jordan BishoppJanuary 13, 2016
    Great beer list! Downside- no flights or small pours. Cozy fireplace in the winter and lovely patio in the summer. Soup is excellent!
    UpvoteDownvote
  • Joe D.heart icon on user image
    Joe DodsonJune 24, 2017
    This place is awesome. Had the catfish hoggie and can't wait to come back and get it again.
    Upvote1Downvote
  • David C.heart icon on user image
    David C.September 25, 2016
    It's definitely a trek from downtown, but so worth it. Amazing beer and wine selection.
    UpvoteDownvote
  • Rick B.heart icon on user image
    Rick BendixSeptember 23, 2018
    The mussels, the brisket sandwich, the French fries and the Belgian beers are outstanding
    Upvote1Downvote
  • Jake S.
    Jake SmithFebruary 8, 2013
    The Onion "Rings" are more like onion strands or strings, which makes them way better than you would expect. Plus, the aioli sauce that the "rings" are served with is delicious!
    Upvote1Downvote
  • Time Out Chicago
    Time Out ChicagoOctober 19, 2011
    Check out the roasted chicken with oven-roasted artichokes, spring onions and mashed potatoes or a CB&J: a grilled sandwich of housemade cashew butter, fig jam and Morbier cheese on sourdough bread.
    UpvoteDownvote
  • Tammy
    TammyAugust 22, 2014
    Besides their extensive menu of drinks/beers, you must try their mussels and fries!
    Upvote3Downvote
  • L K.heart icon on user image
    L KJune 18, 2016
    Mussels are a must. And the chocolate brownie for dessert is mind blowing.
    Upvote1Downvote
  • Jake G.heart icon on user image
    Jake GoodJune 13, 2015
    The mussels "Belgian Style" are superb! They pair nicely with almost any beer!
    UpvoteDownvote
  • Larry H.
    Larry HallDecember 21, 2012
    I disagree with the comment about bartenders being asses. If you tKe the time to understand their disposition, excellent service ensues. I love this place for the beer, food and ambiance.
    Upvote2Downvote
  • Joel S.heart icon on user image
    Joel SavitzkySeptember 6, 2015
    1. Zombie Dust on tap. 2. Outstanding, fresh and local foods. 3. DESSERT WITH BEER
    UpvoteDownvote
  • Jenny F.
    Jenny Fukumoto 🍺May 21, 2010
    Been here 10+ times
    If you loved (or still love) PB&J as a kid, try the CB&J for dinner - cashew butter and fig jam sandwich with mac 'n' cheese, chips on the side. It's a sophisticated childhood meal - so tasty!
    Upvote7Downvote
  • Tiffany C.
    Tiffany CFebruary 24, 2014
    The Brisket sandwich with fries was absolutely delicious. Great place to grab a beer and chat with friends. Great atmosphere!
    UpvoteDownvote
  • Food Network
    Food NetworkAugust 4, 2014
    They're nixing regular fries and burgers and adding in none other than cheese head (that's pig's head) charcuterie. Or, try a duck and Gruyere crepe. Read more
    Upvote1Downvote
  • Damon S.heart icon on user image
    Damon SununtnasukJanuary 15, 2017
    CB&J (cashew butter and fig jam) comes with Mac & cheese and house made chips is absolutely amazing
    UpvoteDownvote
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