Apr 2, 2025

Hopleaf Chicago

Beer enthusiast's delight

""Hopleaf" in Chicago started out as a tiny, dark tavern reminiscent of Belgium. They now also have a patio & restaurant, but beer still is the focus..."

Hopleaf started out as a tiny, dark tavern reminiscent of those in Ghent or Bruges, Belgium. Although they've added a restaurant and patio, the main entrance still opens to the original tavern, with a dark wood bar, little stools, low tables, and a few wood booths. I enjoy sitting in the old tavern most, though there is a potbelly stove nestled among the tables of the dining area that maintains Hopleaf's coziness and charm in the larger restaurant space.

No matter where you're sitting, you can be guaranteed warm aromas tinged with an addicting mixture of malt, frites, and the buttery broth served with some of the best mussels in Chicago. Hopleaf's beer list is extensive, and while they specialize in unique Belgian brews, they have something for everyone. I also really appreciate that their menu includes a description of each beer, in addition to the usual notes about glass size and alcohol content. If beer isn't your thing, or your just feeling too full, definitely try some of their wines on tap, which you can get by the glass, half or full carafe.

You'll probably notice on each pint glass is the Hopleaf logo, which actually says "Michael & Louise's Hopleaf Tavern." They're still the owners, support the neighborhood, and are very likely to be seen around the place on any given day. Hopleaf is their baby. Speaking of babies, leave yours at home. Hopleaf remains a 21+ bar, a tradition maintained since its tavern beginnings.

028-beach-bar-1
Bars

About this spot

North Clark Street 5148

Most drafts:

USD

9

7733349851

Find your way with 114 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters

Discover hidden gems and all our locals’ favourites! Get full access to our Chicago guide.

Nice place right!? There’s so much more to discover:

Discover all other hidden gems in Chicago

Sweet Cafe

Dim sum heaven

From sweet egg custard buns to savory BBQ pork buns — to classic plates of noodles and soups, Sweet Cafe has all of your Chinese food favorites.

021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants

by

Lydia

Schultz

Apr 29, 2025

Oliang

Incredible Thai food

To conclude your meal I recommend Kanom tuay - Thai coconut milk custard that is surprisingly warm and absolutely incredible.

021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants

by

Lydia

Schultz

Apr 29, 2025

Tostini

Turkish Cafe that feels like home

Tostini’s specialities are “tostini” sandwiches with different filling options such as veggie, chicken or köfte meatballs wrapped in pita bread.

021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants

by

Lydia

Schultz

Apr 29, 2025

Verzenay Chicago

Fabulous French Bakery

Their chocolate croissant is flakey while still being chewy and buttery without being heavy. Verzenay also has a selection of macarons, quiches and more.

021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants

by

Lydia

Schultz

Apr 29, 2025

Strapoli Pizzeria

Venezuela meets Neapolitan

The first distinguishing feature of their Margherita pizzas is the tomato sauce — which tastes just like the blended tomatoes picked from a farm in Italy!

021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants

by

Lydia

Schultz

Apr 29, 2025

Royal Highness Zhu

ChengDu Street Food

We ordered a hotpot of spicy broth, thick glass noodles, sesame balls, sweet glutenous rice balls, dumplings and I was very satisfied with the experience!

021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants

by

Lydia

Schultz

Apr 29, 2025

Ping Tom Park

A Peaceful Getaway

The park was once an abandoned rail yard named after Ping Tom, a civic leader who advocated for a park in Chinatown before he died in 1995.

002-building
Art & culture
017-plant-1
Relaxing

by

Lydia

Schultz

Apr 29, 2025

88 Marketplace

A Chicago Asian supermarket

Just a short bus ride or walk from West of Chinatown, you'll find a range of Asian groceries within a 80,000-foot, three-story interior of 88 Marketplace.

021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants
026-thrift-shop-1
Shopping
024-burger-1
Snacks

by

Lydia

Schultz

Apr 29, 2025

QuesaBirria Jalisco Tacos

Juicy Birria Heaven

Orozco began making quesabirria tacos using his aunt’s recipe from Mexico and is now serving them to the Chicago community with enormous success.

024-burger-1
Snacks

by

Lydia

Schultz

Apr 29, 2025

Don Churro

Churros at a local bakery in Pilsen

Chicago's Pilsen community is known for its plethora of Mexican eateries. Those with a sweet tooth will delight in freshly made churros at Don Churro.

024-burger-1
Snacks

by

Lydia

Schultz

Apr 29, 2025

Bungalow

Natural wine meets fresh bread

I am always stunned by their appetizers, including "the big salad," which includes seasonal vegetables topped with plenty of pepper and shredded cheese.

021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants

by

Sophie

Amado

Apr 16, 2025

Pasta Bowl

Pasta to die for

"Pasta Bowl" in Chicago boasts about being a laid-back restaurant with fresh dishes, but if you're not in the mood for a bite, they also act as a cool bar.

021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants

by

Sophie

Amado

Apr 16, 2025

Heading to Chicago?

114 Insider Tips from our local Spotters

Authentic Stories by Real People

Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌

... for just €9.99

Heading to Chicago?

0 Insider Tips from our local Spotters

114 Insider Tips

✓ Escape the Crowds

✓ Find Spots nearby

✓ Authentic Stories

... for just €9.99

App Download Download our app

City guides by those who know the city in and out!

Our Locals' Favorite Bars

Our team loves Chicago

Get to know our other Spotters from Chicago

As featured on:

New-York-Times
the-guardian
mashable
the-sunday-times
false
0
false
71
Filters