Beer and Driving
This is not what you think.
As the Chicago Beer Pairing Examiner and writer for Associated Content, I can only taste so many beers without needing to drive. And when I pair beer and driving I always make certain that I am doing the drinking and - if I have too many -- someone else is doing the driving. Subway, bus, cab or other friend, it's good to be able to drink and live in the city with lots of transit options.
Little jaunts away from home can be entertaining as well, if done responsibly. Daytrips from Chicago are easy and fun. Hire a van or bus (complete with driver) and set out for Wisconsin's Madison or Milwaukee. Take a trip around the southern shores of Lake Michigan for ventures into the Windy City's south suburbs and neighboring Indiana. Or wend your way west between Illinois' two largest cities, Chicago and Aurora.
Madison, WI
Try a self-guided tour and tasting at New Glarus Brewing before heading into Madison-proper. Tour the Capitol and rendezvous for food and drink at the Great Dane Restaurant and Brewpub. Then zip east for more beer and fun at Ale Asylum. Don't forget a couple of classic tap rooms along the way: Come Back In/Essen Haus and The Malt House (...sorry, no website...2609 E. Washington).
Milwaukee, WI
Tour Miller Brewing, and then stop in Milwaukee's historic 3rd Ward for a pint or two at the Milwaukee Ale House. Try a couple taps at St. Francis Brewery and then finish at Stonefly, also in Brew City, before heading back to home.
South Chicago/Indiana
Chicago's south suburbs houses one of the area's best kept secrets: Flossmoor Station Brewery. The fun never stops at Three Floyd's Brewing in Muenster, IN, home of the Alpha King APA and Robert the Bruce Scotch-ale. Make your way to Michigan City, IN, on Lake Michigan's southern coast, to Shoreline Brewing.
West Suburbs and Aurora
Work your way west from downtown to Villa Park's Lunar Brewing. Slip a bit south and stop at Emmett's Ale House in Downers Grove. Trip a little further west to Warrenville to find an incomparable speakeasy, Two Brothers Brewing, brewhome of the brothers Ebel. Then follow the banks of the Fox River south to America's Alehouse (Payton's Roundhouse) for fantastic ales and fabulous food fare.
Pair beer and driving for responsible fun. Of course, never drink and drive; you might spill some of your precious elixir.
Published by Kent Palmer
Kent Palmer is a veteran beer-geek, having spent time on both sides of the rail in Chicago, Il and Madison, WI. He enjoys pairing beer with food and experiences. View profile
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