FIRST IMPRESSION: This craft beer-and-sausage themed bar was crowded when we stopped by on a recent Friday night, but not as packed as you’d expect for a shiny new sports bar in Wicker Park’s borderline-claustrophobic six corners. Taking over the former Bin 36 space, there’s not a hint left of the original wine bar among the sleek wooden tables and huge TVs lining the room. A pair of gigantic screens display the current tap list and statistics for beer left in each keg, in case you might miss out on the last dregs of a rare pour.
DRINKS: Sit at the bar and scan the beer list on a iPad provided by the bar staff. With a local-heavy selection, there’s a draft for everyone, and five wines on tap if beer isn’t your thing. Behind the bar is a smaller selection of liquor, but this obviously isn’t the place to order a cocktail.
FOOD: The menu is composed of classic bar snacks and a selection of house-made sausages. We tried the cheese curds, deep fried in a light tempura batter and unsurprisingly greasy. Links gives you an option of sauces; we chose the pesto aioli, dense with basil. Dipping fried cheese into mayonnaise isn’t terribly appealing, and we found ourselves wishing we had an option for marinara. The steak and ale sausage with fried shallots was pleasantly juicy, and the accompanying stout mustard is worth seeking out.
SERVICE: The bar staff is attentive and well-versed on the beer list. For food service, order from a window at the back of the room. If you’re lucky enough to find a seat at the bar, cozy up and enjoy the added bonus of being waited on.
THE TAB: $25 for two drinks, cheese curds and a steak and ale sausage.