Peter M.
Yelp
A Sanctuary for the Foodie and the Beer Lover!!
I stopped into the 18th Street Brewery while in the area for business. I had been to the Miller location previously to buy beer and learn more about this brewery. I travel to the area quite often and I've been to 3 Floyds, and the Byway so I had to cross this place off the list. This is not only a local favourite but USA Today had listed this Brewery as one of the best in the nation so I had to check it out. As I pulled up to the parking lot in an industrial area, I saw that they had a fenced-off patio area with families and kids enjoying food and beer in the warm sunshine. I walked around to the sidewalk and went in through the front door where I saw the graphic designs and artwork of the Brewery.
The Brewery itself is sectioned off in four areas, the first is the regular dining area and kitchen, the bar, and behind the bar is the group seating and party area while the other half of the brewery is the warehouse and shipping area. This is a great sight to behold as you really get a feel for the amount of beer that they produce and the amount of beer they ship out locally and nationally.
Now to the beer and the food!! I sat at the bar and was greeted warmly by the bartender who took his time to recommend beers to try and help me navigate the menu as it was my first time eating at the 18th. I sampled some of the higher alcohol beers like Deal with Devil and Disciples Revenge but settled on a lighter flight when I had dinner. My food choices that night were the smoked wings, juicy, tangy, tasty and a perfect match to my flight. My main course that night was the delectable Pork Tenderloin. Smoked to perfection, with an amazing tenderness throughout, it was probably one of the best Pork Tenderloins I've had in a long time.
To recap, the beer, space, the vibe, the food were all indicators of very well run business and establishment who care and are passionate about their beer, their food their ambiance and the way they treat guests. The 18th Street Brewery is a must if you're ever in the Chicago, Northern Indiana area. If not then ask your local beer retailer to stock 18th Street beers, even if they're only for you.