Bitter Pops
Bar · Lakeview ·
Coffee, taproom, kitchen, and retail shoppe with craft brews
Coffee, taproom, kitchen, and retail shoppe with craft brews
"Bitter Pops. one of Chicago’s best beer shops, relocated to a new and larger home in 2021 — one that also included a restaurant portion left behind by the previous tenant. That created an opportunity to feature a robust retail selection of craft brews alongside a food menu that includes Pop’s Double Smashburger (Courage Lager caramelized onions, American cheese, dijonaise) and Patti’s Single Smashburger. Patrons can also swing by for a rotating monthly regional burger such as the Mississippi Slug Burger — a smashed patty of beef mixed with pretzel crumbs — from Cornith, Mississippi." - Naomi Waxman
"Originally a small craft-beer retail operation on Lincoln Avenue, this longtime beer destination expanded during the pandemic into a full counter-service restaurant while keeping a strong retail and taproom focus. Ownership moved into a larger space vacated by Bareburger so customers could linger; the retail side reopened earlier in the year and the kitchen launched in May. Owner Michael Jorndt emphasizes maintaining a bar identity and avoiding traditional table service, using counter service with text notifications for order pickup. Chef Kevin McCormick — whose résumé includes Balena, Bar Takito, Bristol and Swift & Sons Tavern — takes a technique-driven approach to reinventing pub grub: standout items include an adapted Irish “spice bag” (fresh steak fries seasoned with Chinese five-spice, topped with onions, pickled Fresno peppers, Aleppo flakes and garlic aioli), plus a burger, fried chicken sandwich and vegan Buffalo-style fried cauliflower. The program features 18 draft lines, packaged imported and local Chicago beers, beer tastings and planned beer-dinner events with guest breweries; the venue also serves coffee, kombucha and cocktails." - Ashok Selvam
"A premier beer shop that expanded into a taproom featuring around 20 rotating taps highlighting craft beer plus a concise, well‑crafted cocktail program, serving as both retail and a convivial drinking spot." - Naomi Waxman
"I noticed that Bitter Pops, one of Chicago’s premier beer shops, moved into a larger space at the former Bareburger location: the retail side is fully stocked with craft favorites and rare releases, while a restaurant portion left by the previous tenant remains and could become a great neighborhood bar—details on the food are being kept under wraps, with the restaurant portion possibly opening in late April or by mid-May." - Ashok Selvam
"I saw that Bitter Pops in Lakeview is expected to stock Metropolitan’s new cans and will feature a Newbies and Freshies Illinois Craft Beer Week Box in May, a variety pack of new beers selected by the store." - Ashok Selvam