Forbidden Root Restaurant & Brewery

"This brew pub in a remodeled old theater has enough historical touches to fit in with the neighborhood, but still seems modern: the space is open and airy, with cool steampunk light fixtures and brewing vats visible in the back. The food and beer are both great—they have a great burger as well as interesting bar snacks, like housemade spicy beef jerky. It’s an easy option for a post-work drink with friends, since if you end up wanting to get a full dinner, you don’t need to find another place." - adrian kane, veda kilaru, john ringor, nick allen

"This West Town brewery is inside a former movie theater and was known for adding botanicals to its beers in funky ways. There’s a vegetarian mushroom pot pie on the menu with wild mushrooms and “porcini caramel.” This is only available in West Town, not at a second location in Ravenwsood." - Ashok Selvam, Naomi Waxman, Eater Staff

"This West Town brewery’s focus is botanic beers, and the space matches, with dark woods and greenery filling the restaurant. The theme spreads to the Botanical Room private dining space, which has a large wooden table (or hightop cocktail tables if preferred). The private dining menu features favorites like the burger with giardiniera mayo and marinated fried Brussels sprouts with miso butter. Number of guests: 15-30." - Samantha Nelson, Eater Staff

"Chicago is home to the most breweries of any city in the country and that impressive lineup includes this unique botanical brewpub. Using plants and other natural ingredients, Forbidden Root offers options like strawberry basil hefeweizen, wildflower pale ale, and sparkling rosé ale." - Eater Staff

"This West Town brew pub is located in a remodeled old theater, which will give you something to talk about for at least three minutes if you’re feeling nervous. The open and airy space feels historical but still modern, with cool steampunk light fixtures and brewing vats visible in the back. The food and beer are both solid - there are interesting bar snacks like fried giardiniera and chili popcorn, and the burger is fantastic." - adrian kane