Hopleaf Bar

4.1 (2.4k reviews)

ModerateGastropubs, Belgian, Sandwiches

Closed • 12:00 pm - 11:00 PM

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Hopleaf Bar - Mustard cheese toast, Cheese Board and salad - Gastropubs Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Hopleaf Bar - New bar upstairs - Gastropubs Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Hopleaf Bar - Gastropubs Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Hopleaf Bar - St St. Bernardus, Christmas Ale 2024, 10% - Gastropubs Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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HOPLEAF BAR ATMOSPHERE

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Casual

Moderate noise

Good for groups

Outdoor seating

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Shelly V.

Such a cool vibe inside hopleaf! Came early for our reservation to sit at the bar in celebration of our 1 year anniversary. Forgot to take a picture of the mussels but we got the beer mussels and white wine mussels for one and it was more than enough food. Happily took the fries home for leftovers though. Service was a little slow but it was pretty busy in there for a Sunday. Pretty inexpensive considering the amount of food you're served so definitely will go back and try some other things.

Mark T.

Simply, all around excellent! This was one of those cases where I stopped in, started a review, and then it sat in my drafts collecting dust. Thus, a return visit was a must! Primarily because I genuinely enjoyed it, and secondarily because I enjoy writing. Hopleaf boasts a tremendous and awesome beer list! It's truly hard to do it justice in a review. I will say they offer a wide variety of different kinds, origins, styles, bottle versus draft, and so on. For those who aren't beer lovers, there are cocktails, ciders, and more! For food, I was able to try both the Pork Belly and the Slagel Burger. The pork belly was much better than I expected! The exterior was delightfully roasted, and the interior was soft and savory with a good balance between meaty and fatty bits. The pork was well-sauced, and the accompanying accoutrements were similarly fantastic, helping to round out the pork, and adding freshness. On my first visit, my main memory of the burger was a very high salt level. However, this appears to have been addressed on my second visit. Now, is it the best burger in the city? No. However, it is excellent in its own right. The smashed patties have good flavor and a proper char around the edges. The vegetables are present but not so overwhelming that it becomes a hard-to-eat salad, and finally, it is delightfully cheesy! Where service is concerned, the bar staff were friendly and welcoming. They took great care of me and other patrons approaching the bar. Food came out in a reasonable timeframe, especially for items cooked to order. In terms of their vibe, I feel as though the best way I can describe it is to say it's a larger, elevated dive bar. It isn't cramped or dark, and there's plenty of space. At the same time, it isn't at all uppity and preserves that neighborhood establishment feel (though I would certainly go across town to visit on occasion). Finally, regarding value, when the bill came, I felt the amount due was more than reasonable considering the quality of food, beers, and service I received. Thus, while I am generally not a big beer drinker (I'm more of a spirits/cocktails person), I'm not totally against printing out their beer menu and crossing out items as I try them. That is to say, I look forward to coming back again and again.

Jackie B.

This was a top tier burger in the city. I was told to try this place after raving about leavitt street and this burger was really good as well. Leavitt still is better in my book, but a huge burger with lots of substance for it being a smash burger. Typical bar vibes and was very cozy. They do not have table service in the front area, but you can order at the bar and it's just as good. Would recommend to try their burger.

Audrey K.

This is seriously one of my favorite bars in the entire city and I have only had the pleasure of coming here once. Hopleaf itself is worth a trip to Andersonville. On a sunny day this patio is unbeatable. It's what heaven probably feels like. There's shade, there's sun, there's vibes. The food was delicious. Everything I had was amazing. I have tried so hard to find a place closer to me that is even close to being as good as this place and I have failed. It's one of a kind. I had the best day ever here. I journaled about this place.

Rachel L.

Get the frites. I could end my review there and it would still be the most accurate statement and all you need to know. Seriously though, best fries in Chicago. They are perfectly crisp on the outside and fluffy in the middle. You won't find a better bar snack anywhere. I was lucky enough to live walking distance to Hopleaf for a while, and it was my go to spot. It's huge inside, you don't realize how big by looking at it from the outside. Several different rooms plus an outside patio out back. Beer menu is expansive and since I don't like beer, I love the fact they have such a wide variety of ciders, which I do love. It's not fancy. They make you feel at home. Gets quite busy on Friday and Saturday nights, so be ready to share tables with strangers and get to know a new friend. One of the places I miss most in Chicago since I moved south. Don't forget, get the frites!

A big Rev BA stout and the smashed potatoes

Joshua M.

Incredible place. Unparalleled beer selection including many Belgians/other imports and wide variety of local dandies. My smashed potatoes appetizer was a beaut. Can't wait for my next trip back.

Jonathan W.

Takes credit. Lots of seating. They have bar seating and table seating. Excellent service. Mussels with white wine ($18) for one- they are famous for mussels. It's actually mussels enough for 2 people. I was hoping for more flavor, but the mussels kind of didn't have taste. The soup needed more seasoning. Frites- large serving enough for 2 or 3 people. But they are like shoestring fries cut in half, so it's too small for me. Slagel burger ($20)- prob the best burger I've had in this side of Chicago. Gooey cheese on 2 slices of smashburger. It's so good. Upgraded for German potato salad - nice change from American salad. Cooked golden potatoes, grilled onions, and bacon Cider Uncle John perry- fine pear cider. Refreshing Fat orange kitten IPA- very fruity with little ipa after taste Weissbier- super good German beer Middle brow - sour beer, I'd get again. Maypop- sour beer with citrus

Don J.

Fun place to have a beer with snacks or dinner. Dozens of interesting beers on tap, especially if you're into Belgian styles. The outdoor patio in back looked like a lovely place to hang out, but not every table is shaded. We opted to sit indoors in the bar area, which is counter service only. Lots of vintage beer posters on the walls. Bread and butter board, consisting of two kinds of butter and hearty thick slices of toast, made for a nice snack. Sausage plate also pairs well with almost any beer.

Kelly T.

We were looking for a good lunch spot on our last day in the area and my husband had seen this place on Diners, Drive- ins and dives so we decided to give it a try. It has plenty of indoor, outdoor and bar seating. We chose indoors because of the great air conditioning. The menu has plenty of appetizers, salads and sandwiches. I opted for the burger. It was big and delicious but very sloppy. The fries were tiny, tasty and greasy. My husband had the brisket reuben and said it was really good. Service was good from our server, Joe.

Mustard cheese toast, Cheese Board and salad

Aparna B.

Delicious bar in Andersonville! They have so many great beers and really cool industrial vibe. Their menu was SO diverse with a lot of vegetarian and vegan options. We had the best service too!

Lauren L.

New favorite restaurant? Maybe!! It's a good thing I live quite far away or it'd be so dangerous for me (because I'd go every day). Food and Drinks: The fries were so delicious. The burger was the best I've had in Chicago (really really). The meat in the Reuben was delicious but I didn't love the bread as much (just not a fan of the seeds that were in it but the quality of the bread was undeniably phenomenal). They have an entire menu of all their draft beers, all with a note of origin location and a quick description, which made choosing so much fun. Vibes: We went on a weekend right at opening, so it was pretty quiet. You can choose either table service or bar service, each table is clearly marked so no confusion there. We went with bar service and chose a small booth in the back - such cozy vibes! By the time we left most of the table service tables were full. Service was prompt and super kind! Cannot wait to come again.

Ed S.

Hopleaf is more than a local bar and restaurant! It's an institution in the Andersonville neighborhood of Chicago. It's a place where you come for good food, drinks, and memories!

Michael B.

Hop Leaf is located on one of the main strips of Andersonville. We walked in and the ID checked said he needed to see our IDs and then said "Oh, actually just yours," doing my companion dirty. But he asked he we'd been he before and said how there is two bars and a patio. We stayed inside and had a helpful bartenders with a nice mustache. I asked about a beer and he gave me a sample. The one was somewhat dark, both were "Belgium" memorabilia and posters. While the bar has 20 Belgium draft beers it also has about 40 non Belgium craft beers, including two house beers made by Art History Brewing. I got the Jester King West Coast IPA; it was almost a nutty malt, very unique but not my favorite. We also had Revolution's Deth By Cherries, still Revolution's good typical bourbon barrel style with sweetness, sour, and chocolate in this beer.

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Sharon R.

266

7 years ago

I have only lived in Chicago about 6 months, and we have been to Hopleaf twice, and I can't wait to go back! I am a vegetarian and order their version of an adult grilled cheese. It comes with Mac and cheese and everything is absolutely delicious! My husband is a meat eater and has gotten the duck and also said that was absolutely amazing! They have a great beer menu with many craft beers you can't just find anywhere. The atmosphere is great and they also have a great outdoor area in the summer time as well. read more

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Grant A.

Elite 26

510

701

2931

9 years ago

Hopleaf is one of those bars that make me optimistic about the future of the country. Good beer, knowledgeable bartenders. Options for people on draft,bottles. Never eaten here. It's a comfortable place to have a beer or two. read more

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Nan N.

Elite 26

334

284

463

9 years ago

If I reviewed this place 5 years ago: 5 stars Food taste itself: 5/5 Famous for: mussels Last experience not so great Been here multiple times over the years. No reservations so come here decently early if you're coming on a weekend for dinner. Hopleaf is basically a bar in front and the dining in the back. Large selection of Belgian beers in the bar up front. Smart move on their part because there's usually a wait for dinner. Last time I went here, my friend and I got the mussels, salmon and a steak. The mussels are what I come here for. Always great and even better the next day as leftovers. Steak was alright. Salmon dish tasted great but it was undercooked/raw. I don't mind my fish slightly undercooked as I absolutely hate overcooked seafood, but this was not cooked through to a good temp and was a deep red color like raw tuna. When I brought this up to my server, she said that the fish is supposed to be like that... Okay...fine, I'll eat it and risk salmonella. Later on, I found a few fish bones. At that point, they apologized and gave me a salmon replacement. By the time I got a new salmon, however, I was pretty much full. Disappointed. Hope they are better next time. Bottom line: will be back, but cross my fingers for next time read more

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Joshua C.

7 years ago

Great food and beer selection. Cool space with a cool vibe. Plenty of food and beer options for anyone's taste. read more

Hopleaf Bar - Sausage plate - Gastropubs Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Hopleaf Bar - Belgian Beers - Gastropubs Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Hopleaf Bar - St. Bernardus - Gastropubs Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Travis R.

3 years ago

Terrible service- pretentious bartenders and staff (... making character limit......)

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Sue H.

8 years ago

Second time I have been here. Their grilled cheese is a must try. Mushroom flatbread appetizer was great.could of you aten a few more pieces of that. Nice atmosphere Will definitely go back again read more

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Dan D.

3 years ago

Good food, great selection of beer (including hard to find gems), and service never let us down. The only reason for a 4-star is it seems to be a bit darker in there than I care for. read more

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LeAnn B.

Elite 21

7 years ago

I went to Hopleaf back in January, and I'm finally getting around to writing a review about it. I don't know why I haven't sooner because I had a great experience when I went. Let me start by saying I'm a huge fan of stouts and Belgian beers. I ordered a few beers, and I don't remember exactly which ones I ordered at this point since it has been awhile. I know I ordered the Left Hand Milk Stout, which was awesome. I really enjoyed it, and I would say it's now one of my favorite beers. It is even better on tap than it is bottled. I think I ordered a nitro stout as well and some sort of Belgian beer. All of the beers were fantastic. I would definitely recommend going for the beers. The bartender there was also really helpful for me in finding things I enjoyed (though I don't think I'm too picky), which is how I found the beers I ordered. My reason for 4 stars was because I thought some of the food was only okay. I did love the mussels - I got them belgian-style in beer, and they were incredible! I had not eaten mussels previously, but I love seafood and I had read online they were really good. I did also order the CB & J because I read that was really good too. I will say that generally I prefer things with not a lot of meat, so I will often order things similar in ingredients to this sandwich. I love cashew butter and fig jam, so I was really excited for this sandwich. However, when I got it, there was hardly any of the cashew butter or fig jam, and the bread was somewhat burnt. The bartender asked if I wanted it remade, and at first I said no because I really don't like to do things like that. A few minutes later, I did decided to get it remade, and it still tasted like it could have had much more of both the cashew butter and fig jam. In sum, I would say go for the beer and mussels (I'm sure some of their other foods are good as well), but I wouldn't order the CB & J because it didn't have enough of the ingredients on it, making it dry. read more

Hopleaf Bar - Brussels for One served Belgian Style in Beer - so yummy! - Gastropubs Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Hopleaf Bar - CB & J with housemade chips & mac and cheese - just alright - Gastropubs Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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D B.

3 years ago

A five star review feels redundant. Everyone in Chicago knows that Michael Roper created the place in Chicago for Belgian beer, delicious food and a warm and unique atmosphere. If you haven't been here, you need to go - so much neighborhood history. read more

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Frank O.

Elite 26

1028

3936

9 years ago

Gastropub with a boundless drink selection, and a great food selection as well. The grass fed brisket sandwich was delicious, but had a prominent mustard flavor (clearly fresh ground though). The drink menu is helpfully broken down into styles, and should you be curious, the wait staff is knowledgeable and able to give small samples. Everything is high quality and you will not be disappointed with your experience. read more

Hopleaf Bar - Grass - Fed Brisket Sandwich with fries - Gastropubs Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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LeShonne S.

314

216

251

5 years ago

Hoppeaf is a good brewery with a good beer selection. I got the mussels and fries. I really love fries, kind of a connoisseur, and these were pretty delish! read more

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Jeff P.

3 years ago

Upon entering Hopleaf, I begin to feel good. As I eat and drink, the sensations of pleasure wash over me. Staff are professional, courteous and kind. The vibe is welcoming. read more

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Sally C.

Elite 22

386

374

10 years ago

NO KIDS ALLOWED!!! It's their actual policy!! A craft beer bar after my own heart, finally a place for us to spend our money & enjoy adult company without fussy screaming kids being foisted on us in a place they shouldn't even be allowed. Hop Leaf gets it. We need more pubs like it. Much love to them. (And this place was absolutely PACKED on a Thursday night at a very late hour so clearly those of us who wish to be free of the company of other people's unruly kids, we are legion.) We worshiped at the shrine of amazing beer & enjoyed excellent food in a cozy European cafe atmosphere. 4 stars instead of 5 for two misses-- the guy at the door checking IDs on 12/1 was a total dick & the single cheese on the pricey cheese plate was rubbery & the wrong temperature (very cold), rendering it utterly tasteless. read more

Hopleaf Bar - Celery in the mussel aromatics-- genius! - Gastropubs Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Hopleaf Bar - Autumn in a bowl, excellent. - Gastropubs Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Hopleaf Bar - Cheese was pretty but served far too cold- rubbery & tasteless on 12/1. - Gastropubs Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Brian B.

4 years ago

Great beer list. Nice menu. Little pricey. Would always return. Outside garden is wonderful. read more

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Chris S.

Elite 25

139

2359

10 years ago

My girlfriend likes this place, I'm not a fan. This may be due to the available beers and also the food. Don't get me wrong, the place has a big beer selection, it is just not something I enjoy drinking. This is strange, since I like Belgians beer a lot. Pretty much stuck drinking Temperance all night. Regarding food, I had headcheese the first time around (small and basically the taste of soy sauce was overwhelming) and the pork-chop. I like head cheese, not a fan of eating soy sauce thought. Second time around I went for a sandwich (see picture). I'm pretty sure the sandwich was a mix-up order or one meat sold as something else. It was edible for what it was and I ate it because I was hungry. Service: The service is really good and friendly. It also hopes that they are open late night. I just wish the food/beer was more agreeable to my pallet. I'll be back, but only if the GF requests it. read more

Hopleaf Bar - Wings - Gastropubs Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Jess S.

155

7 years ago

Great food, great service. Never disappoints. The beer broth mussels is the best. The menu is a little heavy - so come with an appetite. Lots of beer and interesting wine selection. read more

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Elizabeth M.

Elite 26

185

478

208

7 years ago

They have DELICIOUS fries and great service. Very few vegetarian/pescatarian options was a bit disappointing. But the fries and that garlic sauce... read more

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Katie N.

159

6 years ago

I've always loved Hopleaf! It's the best beer bar in the city, with a great imported Belgian selection. It's huge with a nice little back patio, and the food is creative and always delicious! It is a bit expensive, but worth it for the quality and the neighborhood. read more

Hopleaf Bar - Blanche de Chambly - Gastropubs Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Richelle T.

Elite 24

195

4050

7 years ago

Came here for a late lunch. Beer selections were great. Ordered the muscles and it was okay. The fish sandwich was pretty good. I am definitely interested in trying the duck next time read more

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Anne S.

3 years ago

Best mussels in the city! Amazing beer list, bar gets super noisy at peak hours but if you're in the back, in the restaurant, it's great.

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Shay C.

Elite 26

9 years ago

Solid food- even though I think more should be offered on the menu. Beer selection and specials are plentiful. Patio is clutch and perfect for a summer date night fellas ;) you will thank me later read more

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Francis R.

Elite 26

1469

1127

2400

10 years ago

The low down on Hopleaf for me: Great beer selection, but not feeling the vibe here. Maybe had to do with the fact we visited on a really quiet Sunday afternoon and opted to just sit in the front self serve bar area. Buuuut, if you like craft beer, their selection is top notch. They had Stone's Mocha IPA which I'd only heard thru word of mouth from my friends back home, and somehow they had it on draft out here in Chicago. The coffee flavors mixed with the hops is trippy. I expected more of an IPA style beer with bitterness and all just due to the color of the beer, but when you drink it almost tastes like you drinking a stout. Really weird but cool at the same time. Anyways, only did one round here before heading back on the road on our Sunday funday bar crawl. I'd have to give this one another visit and hit the sit down area in the back and probably order food to get a real feel for this place. 'Til next time, cheers! read more

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Cole D.

Elite 26

494

1564

2941

7 years ago

I never have mussells and it was fine dining to say the least. The waiters are always checking up on you and making sure everything is in order. The mussells were tasty, but sometimes I felt a little bland. Maybe I haven't had enlightened mussells to properly say. I love the two bread rolls that come with it. Get a side of fries or onion rings (the onion rings were tasty). Great night out and wasn't too expensive which is appreciated for such a fancy meal. read more

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Leanne A.

Elite 22

445

435

8 years ago

Hopleaf has a super cozy vibe. It's a great choice in the winter months. I like the small upstairs area especially. I'm not sure how long it's been around, but to me it feels like one of the originals in featuring a large craft beer selection. The only food I've had is the mussels and it was delicious, obviously a great one to pair with beer. read more

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Andrew W.

4 years ago

Great beer selection and great food. Parking is generally convenient (depending on the time of day) and the atmosphere is great. read more

Hopleaf Bar - Kwak - Gastropubs Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Jennifer S.

154

4 years ago

This place is the complete bomb!!! Incredible beer list, awesome atmosphere and decor, and it's the absolute perfect date place. Casual, memorable and get the mussels for two! Comes with delicious French fries!! Love love love read more

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Gar A.

4 years ago

Must try! One of my favorite pub restaurant in the city. Great ambience, fantastic food, and awesome beer selections. Duck Rueben and muscles are fantastic here. Outdoor patio is cozy and romantic - perfect for a date night! read more

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Nicole O.

4 years ago

The fries and ham sandwich is incredible! A great hidden gem. I would highly recommend the food. Great atmosphere! read more

Hopleaf Bar - The best ham sandwich and fries I have ever had with a great blend of flavors. Atmosphere is great and bartender is very friendly. - Gastropubs Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Jb M.

4 years ago

Rude waitstaff. Always. Never fails. And not the only game in town anymore, so...why bother?

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Karen D.

3 years ago

Absolutely love this restaurant. Their food hits the spot and the decor is great to look at.

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Kathleen M.

2 years ago

We found this place in a book and were really excited to come because we had the day off of work. We walked a mile from our house with our kids (ages 21 and 24). They didn't bring their ids because they weren't planning on drinking. There was a possibility that my third daughter was going to join us, so when we arrived, we told the hostess the situation. She responded with a lot of sass, telling us that this was not allowed and that if my third daughter were to join us, she would have to sit alone at the bar (not with us). Although this was frustrating because we were staring at a ton of empty tables, we said it was fine, and she said "okay well you all need to show me your ids". When we tried to explain that although our daughters didn't have their ids, they weren't drinking, she told us that "we were not allowed in the building". I completely get sticking to the rules but the communication was absolutely terrible and sassy. The strictness in the rules is kind of outlandish as well, and it is usually appreciated when a restaurant can show some flexibility. On top of that, the hostess is the first person to greet the customer!! Show some positivity and respect. The hostess was a blonde girl. read more

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TW H.

3 years ago

The bar/restaurant has great ambiance and the mussels are wonderful. They have a huge selection of beers.

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Zach B.

Elite 18

151

9 years ago

The food came out so quick, damn! I really enjoyed the food, beer, and atmosphere of this place. It just kept going and going and going. As much as you enjoy IPAs or pale ales, I really think that the European beers are the strong point. It may sound obvious but there's a very alluring American craft selection on tap...but my IPA just wasn't very fresh/carbonated. The German ale though...was exceptionally crisp and on point. I don't believe the fries lived up to hype either. I really need to visit again for the onion straws! read more

Hopleaf Bar - A delicious goat cheese + raspberry puree + almonds and toasted bread - Gastropubs Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Liang H.

Elite 21

595

430

1375

8 years ago

My husband's favorite bar in the city is Hopleaf as an avid beer drinker (snob I say), and I can see why. I myself love Hopleaf for the following: It's an older crowd, so less obnoxious Great selection of drinks, beer and otherwise Their duck reuben is to die for, and affordably priced Also, their truffle fries are out of this world We've had good service every time we've dined We'll be back to try the mussels since we have never gotten that before read more

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Omar R.

4 years ago

This place is very good for dinner we coming all the time and he's friendly for this great service is very very accommodated and definitely and recommended to come in to stop by for gave a good bike read more

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Chris K.

4 years ago

Left without ordering anything. The bar staff too busy to even acknowledge you. This is the second time. Not going back.

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John T.

Elite 26

4746

2581

3258

18 years ago

Wow. Reading these other reviews, I am psyched that I discovered this place pre-Check, Please! (it loses something if you can't hear the lilt of "Check") because crowds make me crazy and crazy makes me cut folks and that's no fun - for the victim. Anywhoo - this place is truth! Each time I come here is an exercise in gluttony. I suppose I shouldn't revel such tawdry details, but they are true. I came upon Hopleaf in a rather auspicious way. Some of my college friends were in town and they told me about a fabled Belgian beer garden in Andersonville. Really? In Andersonville? I'll check it out. The cab dropped us off a few blocks away and I looked to the left and right. On one side of the street was a garage/laundry/sweatshop/mob cover of some kind. On the other side was a leather bar. Immediately, I thought that my friends had played a cruel joke on me but our fearless leader implored us to move onward. We walked a few blocks and arrived at our destination. Since this was a pre-Check, Please! event, we didn't have to wait long. But our wait wasn't that bad because we went upstairs and started drinking. And then we came downstairs and started drinking. And the we ordered food and started drinking. And then we unbuckled our belts, leaned back and started drinking. My friends stuck to the tried and true European goodies. I like variety, so I wandered from old school European to classic Belgian to fruity cherry to smoky chocolate to lagers to porters to ales to stouts. It was exciting and intoxicating (*rimshot*) to experience such great beers. Then we got in a cab, went to Lincoln Park and hit on college coeds. Yeah. Not one of my finer moments. Another not-so-fine-moment of pure gluttony at Hopleaf: the mussels. I went there (again, pre-Check, Please!) with three other guys. We ordered the mussels for two. The waitress erroneously thought we needed two buckets. No. We needed four. And sausage. And cheese. And lots of beer. Just when I thought the evening couldn't get any more disgusting, two of my party DRANK the mussel bucket juice. I was shocked and sickened into sobriety. Surprisingly, one of them threw up. Hopleaf: great food, amazing beer, poor choices. read more

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Andre W.

Elite 26

566

2121

1424

17 years ago

As promised, I returned to Hopleaf again as I showed up as soon as they opened. My buddy and I thought we were there early enough to get a patio seat, but nope, they were filled. We got a seat in the dining area which was fine. My pal has been telling me about their delicious sandwiches for a few months now so mouth was watering and all I was thinking about was the Duck Rueben and the Cashew butter & Jam (CB&J) sandwiches. For beer I ordered the German Ayinger and a Jever. I got the Duck Rueben which came with fries and my buddy got the CB&J. We decided to switch half of the sandwiches so we could enjoy the taste of both. The Duck Rueben was really juicy and flavorful and the CB&J was outta this freaking world!!!! These sandwiches really lived up to the hype and my day was made! Hopleaf, I am gonna make you my new backyard, Understood????!!!!! read more

Helpful 9

Thanks 0

Love this 10

Oh no 0

Nick M.

Elite 14

412

845

543

14 years ago

I'm sure most people know by now but if you don't... the expansion has finally happened and it is GLORIOUS!! Space is not Hopleaf's only new frontier, the menu has become vast as well. Don't worry, of course they kept the mussels but I now have a new fav... CB&J -sourdough bread; house-made cashew butter, fig jam & raclette cheese, pan-fried; with stilton macaroni-and-cheese & house-made potato chips... HOLYF*CKSTOCKINGS! I may hold some sort of record for ordering the same thing every time I go. A good shout out to the Duck Reuben which is what every else orders every time. Staff wasn't so bad before but now they are super friendly and quick too. read more

Helpful 10

Thanks 0

Love this 10

Oh no 0

Gina V.

Elite 26

308

780

3120

10 years ago

Ok I was debating between 3 or 4 stars. I gave this place 4 but I wAnted to give them 3. The food was a new experience for me since I am so used to eating the same flavors and spices in most of the restaurants but since this place is a bar. I gave them 4 stars for creativity and the use of a lot of condiments new to my taste buds. It was very different but overly too pricey for my opinion. Our server made a few mistakes to our order which was a plus because we had to remind her she had forgotten something. Either she was new or was over worked but hardly made it back to our table. For desert we got were wrong order but the manager saw the mistake and he gave us our original desert which we enjoyed. No I will not come back. read more

Helpful 7

Thanks 0

Love this 4

Oh no 0

Page 7 of 61

5148 N Clark St
Chicago, IL 60640
Andersonville, Ravenswood, Uptown
Directions
(773) 334-9851
Call Now
Visit Website
http://www.hopleafbar.com

Full menu

Hours

What time does Hopleaf Bar open?

Hopleaf Bar opens at 12:00 PM on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Sunday, Friday and Saturday.

What time does Hopleaf Bar close?

Hopleaf Bar closes at 11:00 PM on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday.Hopleaf Bar closes at 12:00 AM (Next day) on Friday and Saturday.

Mon-Thu, Sun 12:00 PM - 11:00 PMFri-Sat 12:00 PM - 12:00 AM (Next day)

Payment methods

Does Hopleaf Bar take credit cards?

Yes, Hopleaf Bar takes credit cards.

Food & Alcohol

Does Hopleaf Bar have catering options?

No, Hopleaf Bar does not have catering options.

Does Hopleaf Bar have a drive thru?

No, Hopleaf Bar does not have a drive thru.

Does Hopleaf Bar have a happy hour?

No, Hopleaf Bar does not have a happy hour.

Does Hopleaf Bar serve alcohol?

Yes, Hopleaf Bar serves alcohol. Full Bar

Indoor Amenities

Does Hopleaf Bar allow dogs?

No, Hopleaf Bar does not allow dogs.

Does Hopleaf Bar have TVs?

No, Hopleaf Bar does not have TVs.

Outdoor Amenities

Does Hopleaf Bar have bike parking?

Yes, Hopleaf Bar has bike parking.

Does Hopleaf Bar have outdoor seating?

Yes, Hopleaf Bar has outdoor seating options.

Does Hopleaf Bar have parking?

Yes, Hopleaf Bar has parking options. Street Parking

Other Amenities

Is Hopleaf Bar wheelchair accessible?

Yes, Hopleaf Bar is wheelchair accessible.

Does Hopleaf Bar have free WiFi?

Yes, Hopleaf Bar has free WiFi.

More Info

Health Score

Hopleaf Bar Reviews in Other Languages

Spanish
1 Review

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Falcon's Handcrafted Sandwiches

4.7

(91 reviews)

0.7 mi

This little gem is a must try. My personal favorite is the chicken caesar wrap, but I've been happy…read morewith their sandwiches and burgers. They offer a student and teacher discount during the week, but even without it, the prices are reasonable, especially considering the quality of the food. The owner-chef, who previously worked for Eatly, also serves a variety of pasta dishes and gelato. They have a rotating soup menu and seasonal specials. During November, you don't want to miss the thanksgiving sandwich. I'm looking forward to finally trying the gelato this summer.

I was in the mood for a sandwich and this place came highly rated....we were not disappointed. The…read moreserver was friendly & made sure we had everything we needed. I started off with the potato soup which was creamy & delicious. Perfect for a chilly day. The buffalo chicken wings were fantastic. If I'm being honest, they far exceeded my expectations. They were a decent size, had good flavor, and had a nice crispiness. I had the turkey sandwich and my husband had a bacon cheeseburger. We were both happy with our choices - the bread on the turkey sandwich was particularly delicious. We'll definitely be back to try some other options.

Photos

Booths

Left: Fried Chicken Sandwich Right: Cheeseburger

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A Taste Of Heaven

My friends and I kept passing this restaurant near our Airbnb and so glad we did!…read more We had a bit of a wait because the place was popping on a Saturday morning. Luckily it was nice outside. We got a table after 10-15 minutes. Our server was very attentive and kind. They both hot and cold coffee although the menu did not specify they had cold coffee. I ordered the 2 eggs any style breakfast and turkey sausage. It was a great size portion and served with fresh fruit. The biscuit was so fresh and delicious! I was also really impressed with the baked goods selection they had on display. My friends and I got a blondie and a Nanaimo bar. Both were absolutely amazing. I loved how friendly everyone was and how delicious the food was. I definitely recommend you stop by!

I was always a fan of this place with the baked goods and when back in the day they asked parents…read moreto make sure their kids used their inside voices so as to not disturb those of us that wanted to have a nice breakfast, I became an even bigger fan. The food here has always been solid and I LOVE their Sloppy Joes sandwich. This ain't a Manwich sloppy joe, but one for gown folks. It is made braised brisket and ground sirloin in a smoked chipotle barbecue sauce on a homemade baguette and it is to die for! I am also a fan of their Chicken and Biscuits, but you have to get it with a side of mash potatoes, trust me on this as it is the total meal. The Queen speaks highly of the Smoked Salmon Omelet (smoked Atlantic salmon, goat cheese & sautéed onions). I had the a bite and loved the fact that it had goat cheese in it, so tasty. I am also a fan of the Coconut Almond pancakes (two buttermilk & almond pancakes with shredded coconut, topped with warm homemade caramel, fresh whipped cream, and banana slices). While they come with a lot of toppings, I prefer just the pancakes on their own so I can get the full impact of the coconut and almond flavor. The space is very small and they do not do reservations, so be prepared to wait depending on what day and time you go. Weekends can be crazy but they do have an outside are you can eat at, but with the weather getting on the cool side, it's a dealer's choice if you want to eat outside. Parking can be tight as it is all paid street parking nearby, although there is free parking on the side streets...good luck locating it though. Service has been great when I have dined in or gotten take-out, so no complaints there. I will still say my favorite dish is the Sloppy Joes and that will keep me coming back.

Photos

A Taste of Heaven. Andersonville. 5401 N Clark St, Chicago, IL Bakery Breakfast Lunch Brunch.Nice Service.Good Food.Cool!

Assorted Cookies

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Exterior

JB's Deli

I finally tried JB's deli in Andersonville. OMG, what a neighborhood gem! While the sandwiches are…read more$18, it comes with like a half a pound of meat on fresh rye bread. It's a hefty sandwich that's made very authentically! Excellent service and they can guide you to what is popular on the menu, like their Reuben sandwich and corned beef sandwiches.

4/5- quality meats and bread. The sandwich I had was amazing- just a classic pastrami. I tried my…read morefriends club sandwich and that was also very good! If you're looking for a good classic deli sandwich on the north side this is definitely the place to stop. The only downside is the price/portions. I feel like the prices are high because the portions are so big (which is fair), but if they offered half portions for half the price I feel like I would be more inclined to go there because I can't really finish any of those sandwiches myself and they're all around $20. The service is great though and the inside is interesting and sort of eclectic. The seating area isn't anything special but it's a place to eat your food

Photos

Deli counter

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Open-Face Hand-Sliced Nova Lox Sandwich

Little Bad Wolf

We loved and enjoyed this place we drove here after having a craving at midnight and it was one of…read morethe best experiences in the city. The seating was great service was great and food was even better at 1am !!

Little Bad Wolf was a great experience! The food was flavorful, creative, and definitely lived up…read moreto the hype. The atmosphere had a cool neighborhood feel, and the menu offered a nice mix of elevated bar food, burgers, tacos, baos, cocktails, and craft beer options. Everything felt thoughtfully prepared, and it's the kind of place I would gladly visit again. Great spot in Chicago if you're looking for good food, good drinks, and a laid-back but memorable dining experience. Highly recommend!

Photos

Fresh flowers

Shrimp Tacos

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Bad Burger with fried onion strings

Sfera Sicilian Street Food

Well, unfortunately I couldn't really eat anything. I'm nondairy. I can't eat nightshade vegetables…read moreincluding red bell peppers which are all over the menu here. And I don't eat meats that are made with nitrates. So that knocks out the whole sandwich menu. Oh and I just don't like mushrooms. It's not their problem! Believe me, I know I'm a hot mess. You can't just order a sandwich with chicken and arugula because everything is pre-made and the chicken diced up and is already mixed with red bell peppers, more like a chicken salad sandwich, rather than just a piece of chicken breast waiting for some bread and accoutrements which is what I expected after reading the menu on my phone the day before choosing it for a visit. So it's impossible to get a custom sandwich where you pick and choose what's on it. But they were extremely nice answering all my questions about the food. I could maybe get some focaccia and a side of broccoli if I was desperate and nothing else was open. But I was in no rush and just went home and made something for myself. But my partner really enjoyed it so I'm glad we stopped by to check it out. It's definitely unique and convenient if you don't have so many food allergies like I do. I had already had my coffee fix for the day so I neglected to ask if they have nondairy milk options. There's limited seating inside but lots outside if the weather's nice! Cute little place.

So yummy! Great to grab to go for a picnic. Lemonades were awesome and we for sure will come back…read morefor a day on the patio. Classico were our favorite

Photos

Inside this treasure Place.

Sfincione Chicago Style Slice

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Roasted Chicken and Red Pepper Relish Sandwich

Beard & Belly

Had the chance to stop by again recently and B&B is every bit as good as I remembered! The staff is…read morealways kind and the vibe is a total pick-me-up. I doubt anyone leaves feeling less jolly than they did going in. On this visit, I started with the After Word to drink. It was light-bodied, not at all too sweet, and possibly went down *too* easily. We split the short rib poutine and I can't think of a better dish to get you through the winter. The meat absolutely melted in the mouth and the cheese was abundant and rich. Would order again in a heartbeat! We also tried the alligator bites as a seasonal special. I'd not had alligator before, but they were super crispy and spicy with an addictive gochujang sauce. It really does taste like chicken. If you've ever wanted to try alligator, this is the place to do it. For the main event, I opted for the red beans and rice hand pie. It came with a light, citrus salad and delicious hand cut fries with 3 dipping sauces, which were very fun to try. I loved the buttery pie crust but the filling tasty very tomato forward- I was missing the heat of a traditional red beans & rice and wished there was more seasoning. Still good. As usual, the portions were generous for the price and we left with leftovers. Absolutely recommend making the trek over here to give B&B a try, and will be back soon!

This is one of my "little treat" spots, as whenever I get paid or somehow find $20 in my wallet, I…read morelike to come here. Then I forget for a few months, find another $20, end up stumbling across this place again and going "why don't I come here more?" This has happened three times. The most important part though- it's real tasty. Always. I'd say all of it, but I'm still working my way through the menu, but the burgers and Mac never let me down. The servers are always really laid back, and nothing feels rushed. I think it's part of the charm; somewhere to go and relax and take your time to enjoy the vibe. And you know what would help the vibe even more? Including the bread pudding on the menu full time. Keeping that bad boy stocked for me at all times. (This time was my first time seeing it on the specials menu and listen, it WAS special. So special that you should upgrade it to mainstay is all.)

Photos

Interior

Short rib poutine. Two kinds of gravy. Exceeding 3 bites may trigger profound regret and/or a heart attack. Beware.

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The shrub

Hollywood Deli

4.3

(39 reviews)

1.0 mi

I'm not sure if they deliver or not I gotta find out - I…read morehave a hard time walking but my neighbors love it- I do know tons of folks stop there on their way to the beach

This review is for one thing and one thing only and it's the Italian sub...It's amazing and better…read morethan the legendary J.P. Graziano Grocery...Yep I said it. I couldn't believe it myself especially when you walk into this place and look around, it just doesn't seem like it's going to be good but I've had folks recommend this spot for Italian subs and it turned out to be one of the best Italian subs I've ever had. I now think of Grazianos Italian sub as mid in comparison ...Who knew? Gotta go back and try other subs now.

Photos

Inside

Italian Beef dipped with hot peppers

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Ham and roast beef sandwich with cheddar, lettuce, tomatoes, and onions.

Grilled Cheese Society

4.0

(1 review)

0.3 mi

I came for lunch with my sister after our daily walk since this place is only a few blocks away…read morefrom our brothers' place. It was our first time and we'd like to try something new so we stepped inside the store. The place is nice and clean. And we were welcomed by a very joyful and polite staff, all their employees seems nice. There are only a few people, maybe because we are early in the morning. Since we are really hungry we did not waste any seconds and ordered food from their menu. The staff are nice but the service is really slow, my sister and I waited for almost like 20 mins and there were only a few of us in there, the store was almost half full so I did not quite understand what took so long. But the good thing is the food is nice and made me forget I almost lose my patience for waiting.

Photos

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Uptown Deli

4.8

(42 reviews)

0.9 mi

Uptown Deli is thee best Deli ever. The staff are so wonderful, kind, fun & accommodating. This…read morestore is filled with love and goodness. The food is always so good & fresh. There's such a vast variety of choices from the healthiest to the most satisfying snacks. You just can't go wrong choosing the Deli as your daily go to. This Deli has accomidations for people of all ages and Ethnicity. When you shop here you won't be disappointed.

Every sandwich from uptown deli is a perfect arrangement of tastes and flavor. Prepared fast and…read morefresh in front of you, there is no better place for a quick bite to eat. The sandwiches are massive compared to their price. The homies working behind the counter are the best around. So kind so fast so skilled at sandwich making. Don't second guess it, get a sandwich here

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Deli counter

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Fresh fruits and veggies alongside our deli counter, where you can get deli cuts and yummy sandwiches!

Great Lake

3.3

(6 reviews)

0.2 mi

This place has re-opened! Super chill, nice husband-and-wife duo run this place. It's famous for…read morehaving served pizza to celebrities like Beyoncé, but for Tuesday - Thursday, they mostly sell sandwiches, salads, and desserts (as well as other other goods like yogurts, eggs, and meats). I believe they don't have any social media or website that they post their changing menu on, but they've served peanut butter and jelly sandwiches quite often, which I had today! Pizza is served Friday and Saturday. Extremely high-quality bread, delicious PB and raspberry jam, and cute table and chairs to boot. Check it out for lunch. They don't accept cash. Bring a card or your mobile wallet! News coverage: https://www.nbcchicago.com/news/local/chicago-pizzeria-once-lauded-for-americas-best-pie-reopens-report/3776944 https://blockclubchicago.org/2025/06/26/owners-of-great-lake-pizza-open-new-shop-in-andersonville/

Oh what a lovely little place. Food to go or to sit, with special treats to discover, chocolate,…read morenuts, and random delights. The pizzas are divine, divine! Yes, I said it. Everything they make is special. On the higher end of price, okay, but worth it because the food is made with excellent ingredients, and the fresh flavors prove it. Look, if you want fake-y smiley customer service, you've got the wrong place. The people who run this shop are as authentic as their food. Go in there, chill, ask questions nicely, and treat yourself to food made by people who actually care deeply about their creations.

Photos

Assortment of teas, desserts, and tea and coffee wares

Pecan peanut butter and raspberry jam sandwich

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July 9 salad and sandwiches menu

Quartino Ristorante

Great service. Amazing food. It does come out at different…read moretimes. You can also order half plates to share! The gnocchi was amazing. The lasagna was a showstopper.

We had a long travel day due to weather so I ordered ahead. So grateful an authentic place was…read morestill open for food orders at 10pm near our hotel. I ordered a mushroom pizza and the cheese was so good plus the funghi and crust. We ate there again the following night after a Cubs game. The bartender graciously took our order. We had the lemon kale salad, gnocchi and lasagna. The couple next to us had a to go order but they also were too hungry! Delicioso! Buon Appetito! Highly recommend. In the bar area we sat; mostly high tops there. A little more casual than the restaurant. But being a late night location, I'm sure if you are clothed and not drunk, they'll serve you.

Photos

Bathroom

PROSCIUTTO SAN DANIELE and Duck Prosciutto

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Coppa alla banana

The Purple Pig

A thousand percent YES Worth the wait…read more Worth the cost. Service, ambience and food delicious. Can't wait to come back and try more Whatever wine I had was SO good and so bad I can't remember the name because I want to go back to order it again

The first bite in Chicago... and what a delicious welcome!…read more My culinary adventure began at The Purple Pig, a Mediterranean spot in the heart of Chicago's Magnificent Mile. A James Beard Award-winning restaurant and Michelin Bib Gourmand honoree. The star of the meal? The divinely delicious Spanish Octopus. Cooked to perfection, so meaty and tender. And paired with marbled potatoes, sambuca, chimichurri, and Spanish chorizo. Every bite was beautifully balanced and flavorful. This octopus dish will be remembered. Service at the bar was attentive. And the restaurant was nice.

Photos

Inside

Chicago style hot dog

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Squid Ink Chitarra

Green Street Smoked Meats

Not sure what else to say than.. food is good. Just…read morefantastic! Closes thing to the Texas .. Chicago jalapeño poppers were my favorite. Meat is always fresh and good here! Counter boys were lil mean but who cares!

Attached to Sawada Coffee, I was surprised to see a BBQ joint located inside! As lunch time started…read moreapproaching, I noticed more and more people standing in line for Green Street. This prompted me to go check out what was on the menu. When I was greeted by someone to order, it seemed like they were a bit impatient or a bit annoyed that I was between two entrees. I understand that businesses get busy, but it is always important to treat everyone with respect! That being said, I ordered the brisket sandwich and it was great! The potato salad as a side was the perfect pair. Portion sizes were great and overall a good experience! I would go again to try some of the other options.

Photos

Line to order + Menu

Chopped Brisket Hot Link Pork Ribs smoked turkey Elote Style Corn Baked Beans

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Inside

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Hundreds of millions of reviews are posted on Yelp, and our automated recommendation software works in the background to showcase the reviews that it …

143 reviews that are not currently recommended

The reviews below are not factored into the business's overall star rating.

Mike R.

20 years ago

Well, gotta play "I was there before it was cool" for a moment...Went in there about 10 (!) years ago, when the daytime bartender was Shirley who was about 70+ and moved about as slow as molasses in January but was the greatest bartender around there. We got pulled in by the jukebox that played almost scratch-free 45s for a dime (!). I mean, Archie Bell and the Drells doing "Tighten Up"?? C'mon! No back dining room then, two tiny rest rooms (mens and womens) on the main floor where the one is now (where you could hear EVERYTHING from the bar...ahem), and a few of the leftover patrons from when the bar was a hillbilly haven. But Michael and Louise turned it into a great bar with the best beer selection I had ever seen at that point in my drinking life. They had a TV in the corner of the back wall then, but only rarely did anyone watch it (sporting events primarily). But between the jukebox and the excellent musical tastes of the bartenders at the time, it was perfect. And I liked hearing his stories about traveling to Malta, his family's homeland, and his trips to discover new beer. Over the years it became more popular, but thankfully they haven't changed their basic premise: offering a wide selection of the best beers around for all budgets and now great food. I remember when a couple of guys stumbled in apres-Cubs game and asked for Genuine Draft or Miller Lite or something like that. I was expecting some sort of infuriated lesson on beer vs. swill from him in a Mr. French voice but he calmly explained their beer concept and made a couple of recommendations. They left happy. Yeah, it's crowded now and that has made me limit my visits (unless it's right after they open at 3 p.m. and it's pretty empty, I'd rather not fight for a seat at the bar). Gotta admit I'm anti-crowd. But I still stop in every once in a while just to try something new in beer (been there this long and still haven't tried everything), listen to some great music that I haven't heard in a bar 50 gazillion times ("Gimme two steps" my ass!) and occasionally snack on some great food. read more

Improvidius S.

15 years ago

I'm done with the Hopleaf forever. I've been here a bunch of times over the years, and I'm done. Here are the reasons why: 1) Its just too damn busy to be worth it, go buy some good beer and hang out with friends at home instead. If you're a 20 something kid that just starting going out legally to bars then you'd be into this place. 2) I ordered an Aventinus once. I know how to pronounce it, I speak Latin (just look at my name), not to mentioned I've had that beer more than once before. The bartender corrected me, despite being wrong - he also, to me, sounded and acted like an ignorant jackass. 3) Bartenders and staff having personal conversations is more important than serving customers. This has happened every single time I've been here. 4) Let's talk about the food. It can be really good. But first of all, the service SUCKS, has always sucked, and always will suck. Every. Single. Time. From the clueless hostess' the Hopleaf employs, to the servers and kitchen staff. Your wait time for your table, server to come by, food to come out, drinks to arrive, bill to come will be forever and not less than forever. Oh, and average wait time to even get a table will be in hours, always. 5) Lets talk about the noise. Forget about conversation, just forget it. You will yell to talk at all times, no exceptions, ever. 6) They have a passion for beer but more of a passion for turning people off with their useless pretensions. They are missing not only numerous opportunities for education but also losing customers - but the Hopleaf doesn't have to care with the throngs of mindless hipsters filling up the place. 7) Drinking good beer does NOT make you superior to anyone else. If you understand that statement as a reasonable, rational thing to think, then you will not fit in at the Hopleaf. I'd like to see these same people go to pubs in Europe. I think they'd be shocked. read more

April M.

15 years ago

I visited Hopleaf a few days ago to meet a friend for dinner. The wait was over an hour long, which was ok, not ideal. They had a good beer selection in the bar area, then we found our way upstairs to wait for our table. The environment and decor made the experience worth it, but I most likely would not return. After being seated, we decided we both wanted to order the brisket. There were 2 options, a brisket sandwich and a brisket meal. The meal was just the beef with a side of their mac n cheese. The sandwich however came with fries. Well, in fears that the brisket wouldn't be good alone, I asked if I could order than sandwich with the mac n cheese.. and id idn't mind paying the difference. Nope, I had to order the mac n cheese separate, brinign my brisket sandwich meal to over $20 a plate. So I opted for just the brisket in hopes it was good.. It was HORRIBLE. The meat was so dry I couldn't choke it down. With only a side of horse raddish, I ended up paying for a meal and only being able to eat the mac n cheese. If I ever return, I'll eat before i come. I guess unless you enjoy mussels, there's nothing else edible on the menu. I was very disappointed in the food. The place was cool and the server was nice.. but yeah.. they need to revisit the menu and make some changes... stat! I did tell the server.. as she could see neither of us were able to choke it down.. and they offered us a dessert.. however.. i was still hungry after dinner. read more

Eric O.

17 years ago

I really wanted to like it here. In fact, I did like it here. The atmosphere was great and relaxed (although the bathrooms were down in the dungeonlike basement and were very cold). The food was excellent: I shared the steamed mussels in white wine sauce and then had the brisket platter. The beer list was jaw-dropping, more Belgian ales and microbrews than I knew existed. All I could do was pick the first name that I recognized (I had the Ommegang ale; not my favorite beer but it was quite good.) One of the most enjoyable moments of the evening occurred when somebody in the table next to us asked for a Bud. The waitress didn't quite know how to respond. Which brings me to the killer. Our waitress was terrible. Now normally, I'm very forgiving of the waitstaff. I understand how horrible it is to work for 8 hours on your feet, keeping people happy and making sure that everybody's order is straight. But our waitress showed no interest in us, never came to ask how our food was, and then we had to wait 20 minutes before she even approached us so that we could ASK for our check. Whenever we needed water or bread, we needed to flag down somebody, sometimes making quite a scene. So my suggestion: if you're a beer geek, this is possibly the best place in Chicago to go. Otherwise, there are much better places to go, where you won't have an hour of extra waiting tacked on to your meal. Who knows, maybe we just came on a bad day. I like to hope so. read more

Rae R.

9 years ago

this place used to be a chill local hang out. then it was 'discovered,' and even marilyn monroe questioned whether 'discovery' was the best thing to happen to her. they expanded, added things to the menu and... well, the fries are amazing. the beer list is truly incredible. but it's often too crowded to enjoy or to try to meet folks there and be assured of a spot. and the WORST THING about this place is this nasty bitter amarga evil nasty vile older woman behind the bar. her tongue is atrocious. and yes, i know who the 45th is. she insults people in front of them. she makes fun of the customers. she gets off on spitting hate at people. her behavior is deplorable and intolerable--and yes, i mean to say racist and discriminatory comments behind the bar, not just under her breath, but said to coworkers and to customers alike. she's been there as long as the fixtures and horrifies people, but she continually said whatever the hell she wanted. --imagine an old school, pre-lyft taxi driver bitching you out and calling you and your mother every dirty name in the book bc you didn't tip him enough for his shitty mouth and contemptuous comportment during your ride. then he tosses heavy things at you in addition to the bile as he pauses for you to jump out of a slow moving car. lots of us in the hood would walk in and walk out if we saw her. t'aint worth it. please post updates if she's finally outta there. appreciated. read more

Caitlyn O.

18 years ago

I have never understood the hoopla surrounding Hopleaf. Yes, it has a million beers and even an extensive wine list. But the crowd that surrounds this place reminds me of bees swarming a honeycomb and it is what keeps me far, far away. Before "checkplease" and other media that this place received, it used to be a quaint and quiet neighborhood place. Now, it feels like the entire art district of Wickerpark and Bucktown has transcended on Andersonville. Don't even think about getting a table on almost any night of the week in the bar area. THANK GOD it is now a non-smoking establishment. But just walking by the place, I feel my lungs collapsing from smoke inhalation. Smoking must be a requirement for every person who goes to Hopleaf. I do feel devious that I can't wait to watch those "hipsters" freeze their asses off when Winter strikes its ugly head again. Anyways, I digress. What's with having to present an I.D. to pick up a to-go order at the bar? I'm not staying for a drink and clearly, you can see that I'm walking right up to the bar to get my food. Clearly, I'm of age. It just seems a bit crazy that I have to dig through my purse to show an I.D. only to be in and out within a minute. Food is nothing to write home about. Could've been a cute and quaint neighborhood spot, but unfortunately has become an entity that I choose to stay far, far away from. read more

Thad T.

17 years ago

I'd been reading about this joint for years and had never gone in. The location is a touch out of the way and the bar is, while inviting, not all that interesting visually. The typical old posters of Belgian greats and a wall of bottles that shows off their impressive list. I had a Van Honsebrouk Gueze Fond Tradition that was superb. A tart, refreshing mix of 30% wheat and 70% barley that was spot on and, according to the beer list, a Hopleaf exclusive. The beer prices here run about the norm in Chicago, which is, sadly, way over-priced. The only real issue I had was that, while I had heard rave reviews of the food menu here, I found it to be just adequate. The "house specialty" Belgian-style mussels were good and the frites and aioli that came with were great (is aioli every anything but awesome?) However, I would have traded half of the huge amount of frites for a few more mussels.. I'm sorry, but "mussels for one" in my mind requires more than 20 shells. Give me a whole pot for $12 thank you. A great bar nonetheless and it will require more exploration in the future. Which will be awesome. read more

Kristen D.

223

418

21 years ago

This place is one of my absolute favorites!! They have hands down the most extensive beer list in the city, and they have wonderful Belgian food. You have to try their fries with aioli (they come with pretty much anything else you order on the menu), and I highly recommend their ham sandwich (it has a more sophisticated name then that, but you'll know what i'm talking about! This is the best ham sandwich I've had in my life!). The mussels are always a delight, as is the cheese plate. I however, do not recommend the lentil sandwich, as it is pretty boring, and the shrimp croquettes are not so great either.(Sorry Renda! I should have told you sooner!!) The servings are pretty big though, so we usually split an appetizer/mussels for one/cheese plate and a sandwich. The crowd is very chill, but can tend to be on the older side depending on the night. It can get pretty crowded in the front bar, but they also have a non-smoking dining room and another bar upstairs, so if you find yourself cramped, waunder around! A warning though, if you are not a beer fan, than this is not your place! read more

Laura B.

18 years ago

It is true that the Hop Leaf has a wide selection of beer. I suppose that this is a plus if you are or you know someone who, instead of just ordering one of their standard favs, prefers to pick and choose between 20 or so different European beers, taste it and then tell everyone at your table how your beer tastes so different, and how it is so cool that it is served in a goblet-like glass, and how it tastes kind of like raspberries. This same kind of person would enjoy paying $7 or so for each one of these fancy beers. This same kind of person would order from the Hop Leaf the "cashew butter" sandwich (a fancy way of making a peanut butter sandwich taste bad), or some other high-priced, not-so-tasty meal. If you are this person than you will love the Hop Leaf. I am simply not that person. And, I thought that the mussels were no good. Why skimp on the garlic? read more

Tonks L.

10 years ago

If you are LGBTQ (or just not white) don't go here. I used to come here, hadn't been in a while. When I came to the door I was told I couldn't enter, was asked "Ma'am" [I'm queer] "You need to wear a shirt or a jacket to enter." Which was hilarious, because I was wearing a shirt, a sleeveless shirt from Beyoncé's Ivy Park collection--she just made this big #BlackLivesMatter statement and I wanna show support. Shit, I'm white and got shit for it! So I asked what was wrong and was told "your boobs are showing," and when I challenged this, I was informed again "your breasts are visible ma'am." Trying to speak logically didn't seem to work. Apparently this place is just for white, cisgender, heterosexual hipsters and asshole management. read more

Todd T.

10 months ago

Not what it used to be. I've been going here of over 25 years. No more. Why? Because the doorman is an asshole, a racist, and just bad at the job. Last weekend I took my girlfriend and an out-of-town guest there for food and drinks. We were denied entry when the doorman accused my Puerto Rican (with dreads) friend of being drunk because he was shifting his weight back and forth. When we tried to explain to this D-Bag (tall, bald rude and wearing a mask) that our friend had been in a car accident recently and suffered a back injury, he wasn't buying it. Even after showing that bubba Gump D-man his back brace, he refused to acknowledge his mistake. Until they get a better rep to "guard" the door, they've lost my biz. read more

Erin H.

18 years ago

Do you guys know what a "capacity" is? Please do yourself a favor and keep it to your capacity. Your customers will have a better time and they may even get a chance to spend some money at your establishment. You pack the place way too tight! The bartenders are slower then dirt anyways. The guy i was with was standing at the bar for almost 15 minutes.....HE'S 6 FEET 5 INCHES!!!! How do you miss a guy that big? Here's a tip for your bartenders and management - serve everyone, not just your regulars and keep your business at it's capacity. If you worked as hard on getting good bartenders in there as you do on changing your beer list, you'd have a great place! read more

Richard c.

17 years ago

Great Beer Selection. My friends in Chicago wanted me to discover the premier gastropub of the windy city. I get lost in their beer menu, I honestly think they have too many! Just my opinion. Pro & Cons Lets start with the cons, too noisy, very loud! The waitress seem to be in pain! Our table! they stuck us on the second level in a corner, my 2 friend were Little embarrassed by our seating arrangement. The pros, the polenta was to die for, the mac and cheese was pretty good with just the right crust. Great beers, we sampled 3, I don't remember the names. Overall, good place, Chicago have room to improve on gastropubs read more

Allison j.

17 years ago

Well, it seems like the Hopleaf just doesn't do it for me anymore. That last time I was there they didn't have a single fruit beer on draft, and what's with the crowd they draw these days? It's like Wicker Park north. It seems like the food has gotten steadily better, and is now actually very good, except they never adequately season the mussels, or put enough cream or ale in them. The mussels themselves are good, they just aren't dressed up for the big time. Hopefully someday Wicker Park will go back to the other side of the Kennedy and leave us the Hopleaf we knew once upon a time. read more

Brian E.

18 years ago

First of all, the food is vastly over-rated. The beer list always has a few treats, which gets them a few points, but the bottle list needs work, as it is pretty well full of non-vintage working class beers. To be a world class destination, really needs to work on its cellar. That being said, the taps are pretty damn good. Unfortunately, the front room is a horrible place to get a beer with people groping and nowhere to go to get out of the way. And the people seated at the bar tend to be territorial. Not to mention that the prices are higher than Map Room. Not a fan of this joint. read more

Jeremy H.

6 years ago

Hands down the best bar in Andersonville, and easily in our top 5 of Chicago. What can be said that hasn't already been said about this place. My partner and I enjoy their mussels so much, that we sometime come twice a week just for those. The thing that we love the most is the robust Belgium beer list they carry. We have tried over 30 different beers at this point that we have never seen anywhere else. The back patio, the back room, the upstairs, and the front bar are all charming and clean. If you're debating about going- stop and just go! You won't be disappointed. read more

Jeremy H.

16 years ago

Belgian beer heaven - this alone gets it 6 stars. so many to choose from it is absolutely ridiculous especially being a big belgian fan. Its always really crowded and the food is really overrated even the mussles which are advertised like they are the best in the world. But with a beer selection like they have however, they can pretty much fail every other category and get 4 stars from me. But nothing fails, the food is still ok, its just not great. Wish i could give 4.5 stars because in my opinion, this is what the place deserves. 4.5 read more

Jake W.

11 years ago

YES!! This place is AWESOME Best beer selection, Outdoor patio thats gorgeous and inside is beautiful as well! The kitchen runs like a well oiled machine and it's so cool to get to sit and watch them working (like watching hells kitchen or any other FANCY cooking show!!) Staff is always friendly and if there is a wait (of course, because its popular) theres two bars downstairs and one upstairs thats opened once and a while so plenty of drinks while you wait! Mussels are incredible and they have my FAVORITE BEER ZOMBIE-DUST ON TAP! read more

Liz M.

109

18 years ago

I absolutely adore this place. I was devastated when I moved to the suburbs because I was no longer within walking distance. The beer selection is extremely large and well thought out. The menu is warm and comforting. If you can go in the winter time and sit next to the fire you will be in heaven! I highly recommend the steak frites! The mayo that they serve with the french fries is unbelievable...I could eat it by itself. I have never gotten dessert...just order another beer and enjoy the atmosphere! read more

Matthew S.

14 years ago

I guess there is nothing novel about recommending the mussels, but there is no shame in being one of 411 people to say they are superb. Otherwise, I haven't had a bad bite at Hopleaf. Hype worthy. Just don't contemplate not ordering water and no beer on a Monday - the waiter might respond - so, you do realize that you're at Hopleaf, right? Hey waiter guy - I can order dank beer lots of places. While I love your beer selection and respect it's elite nature, the food is what sells me on Hopleaf. read more

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