Rosa J.
Yelp
First of all, St. Louis elite yelper, Dennis W., contributed lots of helpful information in regard to the Filbert's Old Time Root Beer factory in McKinley Park, Chicago. Thank you for your review so that I knew what to expect about this place.
The reason why I didn't visit the factory sooner was because I didn't think I would be able to carry a large case of soda or root beer home on public transportation since I CTA chauffeurs me everywhere I go. Well, you're not obligated to purchase the entire case; I bought four (4) bottles since I didn't have enough green bucks on me. The price was $0.50/12 fl. oz. bottle, so a case of twenty-four (24) bottles would be $12!
I felt like an "intruder" when I went in from the loading deck off Ashland Ave. I then walked around, looking at boxes and boxes of soda and root beer, while other workers seemed careless about my presence and intent of coming here.
Suddenly Mike, one of the workers at the factory, greeted me and asked if I needed help. Yes, please, because I wasn't sure what I was doing.
He practically told me to open boxes if necessary to find different flavors. Obviously this "outlet store" is cash-only. I paid Mike on the spot after I made my choices.
Continuing the discussion of their factory-store pricing, I don't think you can beat $0.50/bottle, even World Market charges $0.98 on their website for the same item.
I guess next time I should bring my grocery cart and try to carry as much home as possible. The factory is located four (4) blocks south from the CTA Ashland Orange Line station. Walking alone during the day is totally fine. Nevertheless, the area past the plaza where Mariano's is appears quite industrial and bare. Thus it may not be as pleasant of a walk like you would encounter other parts of the city.