Hopleaf Bar

4.1 (2.4k reviews)

ModerateGastropubs, Belgian, Sandwiches

Open • 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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Outside

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Casual

Moderate noise

Outdoor seating

Good for groups

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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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Steve A.

Elite 26

4748

5576

8499

4 years ago

Came recently to a pretty casual bar and grill in Andersonville. It sure has tons of beer to choose from, as the name implies. Hopleaf literally has pages of both local and other brands. Made it hard to make a choice. The food was less memorable but not bad either. About the one thing that attracted us to going here was the extensive list of beer. I mean this place has a shitload. There's a lot of lesser known local brands too. It's about $7 a pint or around it. That's not bad, especially for a hipster beer place. I most liked the Around The Bend Brewery's Vera, a pistachio cream ale. Oh yes it had some nutty taste of course. As for the food, it wasn't quite as good, but of course the main thing here is beer. The only vegan item was the Entree Salad. It's $11 for a pretty small one. This was a mesclun mix with cherry tomatoes, pickled red onions, and a red wine vinaigrette. Pretty good for just a salad at a bar. There could have been more of course but other than that it was just okay. For sure we could hit this up again. It's a good place for anyone who likes beer. There's lots of local ones to choose from, and some that are worldwide. read more

Hopleaf Bar - Around The Bend Brewery Vera And Entree Salad - Gastropubs Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Rob G.

Elite 26 All-Star

306

410

4 years ago

Have enjoyed Hopleaf for over 15+ years since my wife lived in the neighborhood several years ago. We stopped by for the first time in awhile to visit and it is still great! The beer and drink list is immense and on this trip I enjoyed the Uncle John's Cider. It was excellent and wished we stayed longer to enjoy more of the beer list. While the food menu isn't huge, it has some exceptional food. My wife did the ham and cheese sandwich which she raved about. I had the CB&J which was like a grown-up grilled cheese sandwich. Perfectly cooked and the figs added a unique sweetness. Both were accompanied by fries which never disappoint. Do make a visit if you're in Andersonville! read more

Hopleaf Bar - CB&J - Gastropubs Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Peter W.

2 years ago

Wait staff should have polo shirts that match. They look a little scruffy. Ruben sandwich is different every time. Getting worse and worse This time I was just playing burnt with very little meat on it. I required to inspect my food first??? Never ever going back read more

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

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Wagging T.

11 months ago

Our food and service was great! Amazing burger and schnitzel sandwich. Loved the potato salad that came with the sausage plate. Had a pork belly with char siu to start along with a special that had some very yummy shishito peppers!! Huge beer selection and friendly staff. The patio was well lit but not too bright as it got dark and had some lovely plants and decor. read more

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Eddie U.

Elite 25

344

276

377

2 years ago

Great beer menu. Easy access via public transportation and metered parking around. Their menu is great and the ambiance is one of a kind. read more

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Hannah E.

Elite 25

1495

2081

2 years ago

I've lived basically around the corner from Hopleaf for over a year, LOVE mussels, and somehow never got around to walking down the street and trying their famed mussels in beer broth until a couple weeks ago. This was a grave error, as I have deprived myself of these mussels for a year unnecessarily. The mussels were ALL nice and wide open and fresh and sweet, not a bad one in the bunch, and they give you a BUNCH. The pot looks a little small, but it's deep, and stuffed. I finished the whole thing myself but had to lay down for awhile after. Make sure when you eat a mussel to put it in a spoon and add some broth to the spoon to make sure you get it steeped in the flavor. Not too much, because it's a little overly salted. Some of the mussels were a little rocky/sandy, so watch your teeth. I also got a salad in the hopes of not over-oiling-and-salting myself into oblivion with the mussels and fries (these fries are perfect, by the way). Unfortunately the Pear & Radish Salad, while delicious, was also pretty oily, and was mainly arugula. There was so much fennel listed in the menu description that I thought I'd get that herby kick, but I didn't detect it almost at all. read more

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Darran W.

1 year ago

Come for the huge beer list which is amazing and stay for the mussels with different preparations, they're all really good. But so are the other menu items Consistently good service with friendly bar tenders who really know their beers Great for groups and a fun time that's not too loud to still be able to have a conversation read more

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Matthew K.

6 months ago

Been going to Hop Leaf for years. It's great. It's a beer place and gastropub. The menu rotates so you never know what they'll be featuring. The courtyard is wonderful in season. read more

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Thomas H.

8 months ago

Beer list 5 stars. Service 4 stars. Food 2 stars. The beer selection is constantly changing in a good way - always something new to try. The staff is friendly and efficient while serving drinks and bringing out food. The food used to be super solid back in the day, but these days expect less attention to detail. The mussels are consistently overcooked and chewy. The brisket in their reuben sandwich is too firm/not tender. Perhaps the meat is too lean or isn't braised long enough. I've had a couple of their CB&J sandwiches over the past year (raclette cheese, cashew butter and fig jam) and the first one was perfect, but the second one had way too much of the fig spread, leading me to scrape a fair amount off the sandwich. The burger is nearly perfect but last time the grilled onions were tough and stringy, so it was hard to bite into. The fries don't come as freshly fried as they used to be, but the accompanying garlic aioli is always amazing. Come here for good service, and for a dimly lit pub vibe with a sophisticated beer list, but skip the food. read more

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Amanda L.

7 months ago

The best mussels in the city!!! Amazing beer selection. All around the best atmosphere!!

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Jason F.

7 months ago

Great cider options! They seated us pretty quickly given the wait. The portion sizes are huge, which is awesome!

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Rylan Y.

Elite 26

125

477

2 years ago

Came on a Friday evening on a whim for a late lunch. I'd been here for drinks before and it's pretty much THE place to go to for amazing beer selections. Even the glasses for the types of drinks are sick, I especially enjoy drinking out of a goblet glass, it feels so right. This time i started with their classic drafts brewed in house - the house pale ale, and it was so refreshing. For an appetizer, we started with a 1b of the mussels cooked in beer. This comes in an enclosed pot with bread, and at first i was concerned with how small it looked. Surprisingly, the pot is pretty deep and it was plenty of mussels for two for a starter. The broth was rich, salty and full of flavor. The mussels were big and fresh. it was soooo good, i'd come back for these by themselves. It comes also with a huge cone of hand cut fries, the aioli with it was a nice pairing. We then got entrees - Me and my girlfriend split the Slagel burger. The bacon-carmelized onion jam was to die for !!! the burger was packed with flavor - the only thing is it was cooked well done and i'd prefer a medium well next time (this was on me for not asking). The burger patty itself was crispy and i did like the smash burger aspect of it. For the side, i subbed fries for mac n cheese for an up charge. It was really creamy, cooked well and had a nice crumble on top. I'd only ask for more seasoning next time, as it didn't have much flavor besides cheese. We also got an apple salad. The whole salad was well balanced with flavors and had a lovely presentation. My only issue is that it felt pretty small compared to the price. Overall the meal was delicious and if you took anything away from this review, it's get the mussels in beer !!! All the other food was great too but that was the star for me. The service was good too, as our waiter was attentive and friendly. We told them our allergies up front and they were educated well on the dishes we could and could not eat. I will note if you want to sit outside, you will need a reservation most likely on a weekend. It seemed it was full and walk-ins there was a long wait for outside. We got a table immediately for inside. The vibes throughout the entire place are chill and there is plenty of classic cool signage and artwork through the place. I'd recommend here for a drink or a meal. read more

Hopleaf Bar - The Slagel Burger - Gastropubs Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Hopleaf Bar - apple salad - Gastropubs Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Hopleaf Bar - 1b mussels in beer - Gastropubs Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Austin W.

Elite 25

157

103

2 years ago

Great bar with an extensive list of local and imported beers. We just came for a quick drink before walking around and doing some shopping. Perfect spot to grab a delicious beer and plan a route. They have food but I didn't look at the menu. Bartender was super nice about helping us pick a drink from their extensive menu. read more

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Sarah F.

1 year ago

Great night at Hopleaf last weekend! Leah took care of us, and they were so knowledgable, kind and speedy! They recommended the "mussels for two" and we were really delighted - it absolutely delicious! Also, the beer selection here is amazing. Thanks to Leah for the great service and reccos! read more

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Ryan S.

Elite 26

353

470

1163

5 years ago

I've been hearing about this place since moving to Chicago. "Huge beer selection!", "Best brewpub on the north side!", "A must-visit!". Well, the beer selection is certainly large, but that's really the best thing about the place. The first time I came here, there was only seating in the back dining area. We only went in for drinks, but after being seated the waitress informed us that the back was "usually reserved for dining guests". Well we weren't informed that, so we felt uncomfortable and unwelcome as we hurried to finish our drinks and leave. The next THREE times I tried coming here, I was turned away at the door by an hour-plus wait. Finally I wised up and came on a Thursday afternoon during the pandemic. I finally got in! And it was completely dead inside! Well anyway, I've been back a couple more times since then, always during the day so I can actually get in, and it just doesn't seem to live up to the hype. The decor is pretty cool and the Belgian beer selection is extensive, but I've never been super pumped about food. It really just seems like an overly popular pub with a ton of sour beer. read more

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Bessy T.

Elite 24

740

275

2336

3 years ago

Huge menu & restaurant, great aoili, and lots of global draft beers Got the fried maitake, brussel sprouts with dill yogurt, Reuben and cb&j Food is normal pub food, nothing crazy You order & pay at the bar. Service is fantastic read more

Hopleaf Bar - Brussel Sprouts - Gastropubs Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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

Hopleaf Bar - Maitake Mushroom - Gastropubs Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Laurie T.

2 years ago

Very unique restaurant. We had the pale Ale and it was so good. Everyone was friendly, the food came out quick and was delicious. The beer mussels are a must! read more

Hopleaf Bar - Pale Ale - Gastropubs Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Hopleaf Bar - Delicious fries appetizer - Gastropubs Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Tom G.

1 year ago

We are visiting from Florida and we're looking for a convenient location with good reviews. Our experience was exceptional and the food was excellent. I would highly recommend. read more

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Euniishh L.

Elite 26

473

214

423

4 years ago

First time coming here and it was great. My friends rave about the beer selection, the food and the vibe. Parking can be a bit tricky since it's all street parking and it's ways busy. When you walk into the restaurant, there is a bar area in the front and the seated area at the back. You can check in with the hostess for table seatings. One thing about this place is that since many people come here, your whole party must be present before you could be seated. I ordered the mussels for 1 that came with a side of aoli fries and my friend ordered the CP&J. The food was delicious and came in huge portions. If you just want a side of fries to share, that is enough for two people. The beer selection was great and some were very high in percentages. Our waiter was very knowledgeable on the beers and recommended us certain beers which was great for those who don't know a lot about beers. Overall this place is great and I would come here again. If you are ever in the area for good food and beers, stop by and check this place out. read more

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Tiffany J.

Elite 26

260

3 years ago

Hopleaf has some of the best food I've had from a bar. I am a big fan of their pork belly and I get it every time we stop in. The mussels are also what they are known for and delicious. I was unable to take pictures on our last visit but we had quite the spread of the mussels, pork belly, slagel burger, charcuterie board, and fries. The service is fast and they are super knowledgeable in all of their beers and drinks they have. The inside of the restaurant is quite large and very cool, they also have a great back patio. read more

Hopleaf Bar - Crispy Pork Belly - Gastropubs Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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

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Kendra M.

Elite 26

268

411

1035

4 years ago

I'm so happy we found Hopleaf this year! A very casual and cozy beer bar with excellent food. They have a huge, ever-changing beer list with so many exciting options, plus wine and cider selections for non-beer drinkers. The staff is all very knowledgeable and gave great drink recommendations based on what we usually like. And, the food is great. There are a ton of unique options mixed with their regulars. We've had (and recommend) the mussels, smoked salmon dip, loaded pommes frites, and brisket Reuben. I'm honestly obsessed with the loaded frites. It has smoked chicken, gravy, and beer cheese smothered over a giant plate of fries. And I eat it all myself, no sharing here :) I will say, the food and especially the fries can be salty. I personally love it but you definitely need to be prepared for it. read more

Hopleaf Bar - Brisket Reuben - Gastropubs Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Hopleaf Bar - Loaded pommes frites - Gastropubs Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Hopleaf Bar - Smoked salmon dip - Gastropubs Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Susan L.

Elite 26

250

1138

2 years ago

Love the beer selections! Food was very good too. Love to go again and have a great time there. Service and ambiance were perfect for lunch or dinner. Great spot for anytime drinks. read more

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Taillon B.

218

1 year ago

I was a solo traveler and this place was recommended by a local during my trip. My bartender was absolutely amazing and recommended a few drinks after I told him what I liked. I actually went with one of his suggestions for my second round! I ordered the Ham sandwich with fries and it was amazing. Fries were so yummy and it was such a hefty portion. Highly recommend this place!! read more

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Frank L.

Elite 26 All-Star

104

615

2455

5 years ago

This is an amazing bar in Chicago, they have tons of top tier Belgian and Craft beer options available in bottles or on tap. The prices are reasonable for the beer for what you get. When you walk in, it may look like just a small bar but there's a whole back outside patio, an upstairs, downstairs and 2 bars plus a kitchen! It's a massive bar with huge beer selections and employees are all friendly. I just wish that their food menus were bigger as it's pretty small and they don't really have traditional bar foods. Overall a great bar to visit for some unique beers. read more

Hopleaf Bar - Delerium Tremens Beer - Gastropubs Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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

Hopleaf Bar - Front entrance outside - Gastropubs Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Hopleaf Bar - Downstairs seating - Gastropubs Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Hopleaf Bar - Upstairs Seating - Gastropubs Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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

Hopleaf Bar - Upstairs balcony seating - Gastropubs Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Stephanie T.

2 years ago

Be weary of sitting at the bar while waiting for your name to be called!!!! Put my name on list to be seated and was told by the host "we will look for you or text you if we can't find you" received a text message that the table was ready and would be held for 10 minutes. Closed bar tab after receiving text and headed to the line to be sat when we were told our table was given away even though we arrived within 10 minute frame. Was then told we would be seated next. Waited 45 more minutes before leaving. If I ever decide to come back, I will make sure to stand directly in front of the host stand. read more

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Melanie B.

1 year ago

The beer selection is amazing and the ambiance is nice. Nowhere else can you find some of these Belgian beers on tap. The food isn't really worth it. We expected the Belgian dishes to shine through, but the fries tasted frozen and we've had better mussels at a pizzeria nearby. My husband didn't eat the mussels because they tasted old, but the rest of us didn't get sick from eating them. Our server was prompt and attentive and very non-nonsense, which is expected and a plus at a bar like this. Would go again for happy hour drinks but would recommend grabbing food elsewhere. read more

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Michael R.

I am sorry that we failed to please you. It is not often that we…

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Tom P.

2 years ago

Cool place in a great location. You have to go through the bar to get to the restaurant, and my adult daughter got carded, but that's cool. No worries there. Our server was pretty rough. She had zero personality (which is okay, not everyone has to be super friendly) and it certainly set the tone for our visit. My wife ordered a second beer but it never showed up. The server did come over and lightly apologized, but with barely more than a word. Okay, I get that. Mistakes are made. At this point though, her extremely cold personality didn't help the situation. Then she brings us the bill, before we're even done and drops it on the table. Now, usually I don't look at the bill very closely but quickly noticed that she still charged us for the no-show beer. It was 12 bucks, so not inconsequential. I look a little closer, and she's also billed us for two deserts that we didn't order. Another 24 bucks. I wait about 10 minutes for her to come back to the table to point this out and she mumbles sorry and says she must have mixed us up with the table next to us (who, by the way, came in after us and weren't even close to ordering desert.) She wanders off to correct the bill and comes back with another one word apology. I really, honestly got the impression she did it on purpose. The food was good, but this server (Leah K) was really bad. Ruined a $100 plus lunch with my wife and daughter. I hope this server finds an occupation that she enjoys, because this is not it. My advice, make sure you check the bill closely before dropping your card on the table at Hopleaf. Very closely. read more

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Claire F.

296

3 years ago

Hopleaf is in my top 5 restaurants on the planet. Come for the unique, delicious food, stay for the best selection of sour and lambic beers you'll find in the US. While I have been here a couple dozen times and had many amazing meals, the meal pictured is my current go-to: pear and radish salad, mac on the side, and a funky kriek. The mussels are also phenomenal. Servers are super knowledgeable and always have great recommendations. A true Andersonville institution, deservedly so. read more

Hopleaf Bar - pear/radish salad and a beer mac and cheese - Gastropubs Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Hopleaf Bar - oud beersel kriek - Gastropubs Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Teresa W.

2 years ago

Cute cozy pub. Great place to come for mussels and delicious beer! I'm totally coming back for dinner. The outdoor patio in summer is perfect for a chill night. read more

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Meghan F.

2 years ago

The food is okay; not a ton of variety for a vegetarian. The place has different menus for different spots which is weird but it's also super loud and hard to converse there. If that's your thing and drinks are what you're after this would be a great place for you. read more

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Diana N.

1 year ago

Excellent food and brews. Lovely relaxing patio. Waitstaff good not great, had to ask three times for a water refill

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Melanie V.

Elite 26 All-Star

278

412

2416

6 years ago

Love coming to hop leaf for the food, beer, and atmosphere. Even with Covid changes all three items still shine like they always have. Outdoor seating is first come first serve and no reservations are offered. They have a 90 min time limit and masks are required. Nice antibacterial available, clean bathrooms, spacing noted by the bathrooms. Only issue we had was a limited menu. Their burgers are delish so I was bummed that didn't make the cut on this limited menu. But the mussels for one are amazing. You might as well just get them for two. The broth is creamy and when you dip that fresh bread in there, wow! The kielbasa was also amazing. And of course the fries are great. I just recommend that one side of fries is good for a while table. It's an unnecessary amount of fries! Anyway, glad to be back, so good! Also they have bike racks available right outside! You rock! read more

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

Hopleaf Bar - Side fries - Gastropubs Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Hopleaf Bar - Zombie dust, Peto pils - Gastropubs Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Hopleaf Bar - Slagel Farms Beef Kielbasa - Gastropubs Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Sarena R.

Elite 26

163

177

4 years ago

Within walking distance of my in laws place on Ravenswood and they took me here on my visit this week. Loved loved loved it. Brussel sprout appetizer unlike anything I've ever had before; I need to figure out how to make them just like they do. Ham on pumpernickel was great, frites crispy and fresh. Wanna go back when I'm in Chicago again for sure. This place changed my mind on beer too, was always a moderate fan, but wow, several of theirs on tap I could sip on again and again. read more

Hopleaf Bar - Maplewood, Mr. Shakey Peach 7.5%** I could drink all day. Loved it. Milkshake peaches n cream like. Brussel sprout app - Gastropubs Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Randall E.

2 years ago

Great selection of Beer! Lot of German brews but they've got some other options too and the bar tender knew just what to recommend! The double bar style was neat and and had a vintage vibe to it. Really nice back patio garden for afternoon cheers ! read more

Hopleaf Bar - Other Half - Broccoli (Brooklyn, NY) 7.9% - Gastropubs Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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marilyn c.

1 year ago

Food is always good and today was no exception. However we were basically ignored by our server. Almost felt like she didn't like us. We barely talked to her so I don't know why the attitude. read more

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Elle E.

2 years ago

What an unsettling experience. My friend and I stopped in one night for dinner and drinks and right off the bat our server was intense. We originally asked for a table for two but found out our friend was joining in a bit so asked to be moved to a table for three. This clearly offended our server as they made sure to point out the section we were in would be closing early and started interrogating us about when our friend was arriving and how they were planning on getting here. It was bizarre. When finally ordering we got the cheese platter and drinks to start. All were delish but again with the server. We made a joke about using the candle to make fondue with out cheese plate (which we obviously weren't gonna do) and they got so serious telling us not to do that cause we could start a fire. Like girl...we're not children. Then we went to order second round of drinks and ordered a cider. The server interrupted us to tell us that "if we're looking at the online menu it's probably wrong" but they could give us a rec. we had not looked at the online menu lol we were ordering from the paper menus in front of us. Overall I'm hesitant to go back. The food was good and the atmosphere was cool but it was such an odd experience otherwise. read more

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John C.

Elite 23

282

568

3 years ago

Is this the best beer bar in Chicago? If they're not wearing the crown now, tell me who is. Hopleaf has the most extensive draft menu that one can imagine. Beer wise, there is literally something for everyone. And the draft menu is always changing too. You'll never get bored enjoying a few cold ones at Hopleaf. That's for sure. It's a good size space too: 2 different bar sides to sit, tables and booths, one section with a fireplace, upstairs seating and even an outdoor patio in the back. The food menu is decent too. It might be a little more expensive than 'bar food' but that's because it's trying to be something more. There are many people who come here to eat and drink. I feel like they are going for a higher quality so expect the price to match. Either way, come here if you're a beer lover. And if you get hungry or need something to soak it up, take advantage of the food options. I've been here more times than I could count and all I recall is one good experience after another. Cheers. read more

Hopleaf Bar - 4/2/21 Draft Menu 1 of 2 - Gastropubs Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Hopleaf Bar - 4/2/21 Draft Menu 2 of 2 - Gastropubs Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Hopleaf Bar - 4/2/21 Bottle Menu 1 of 1 - Gastropubs Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Hopleaf Bar - 4/2/21 Lunch Menu 1 of 1 - Gastropubs Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Hopleaf Bar - 4/2/21 Dinner Menu 1 of 2 - Gastropubs Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Hopleaf Bar - 4/2/21 Dinner Menu 2 of 2 - Gastropubs Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Hopleaf Bar - Noon Whistle | Gummypocalypse | 8.2% | Lombard, IL - Gastropubs Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Hopleaf Bar - Elite rotating draft menu. Something for everyone. - Gastropubs Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Gonzalo A.

3 years ago

I really enjoy going to this establishment I get to relax and enjoy a good beer. The food is pretty good especially the pork Even though the serving size is small but the flavor is to die for so it is worth it to me They have a variety of beer and other drinks but for me is the beer if I want something light or malty and heavy I will find it here the service is good they do their best to accommodate you and take care of you. I definitely recommend this establishment to relax and enjoy a good beer read more

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Pre S.

1 year ago

Great selection of beer and wine with a cool ambiance. But my review must be 85 characters. But my review must be 85 characters. But my review must be 85 characters. read more

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Kaysha R.

Elite 26

158

230

576

4 years ago

I found the best Pils I have had since Germany in this neat little stop, along with a fantastically paired beet and asparagus salad, and some pommes frites that brought me back to my European travels years ago. There were not a lot of vegetarian options at this one (pretty much just the salad) but I'd still opt into HopLeaf for the vast assortment of European beers and sumptuous snacks, especially for those who like to reminisce over their years abroad. The pours and glasses were really just like the biergartens in Germany! read more

Hopleaf Bar - A great Pils and real German sized pours! - Gastropubs Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Back

Page 2 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

Ask the Community - Hopleaf Bar

Is this place dog friendly?

While it is certainly true that some places ignore the rule, the Chicago Department of Health does not allow animals in areas where food is served. We do strictly follow city, county and state health codes and thus do not allow pets at Hopleaf,… Read more

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Gretel

Stopped here after dinner for some drinks in their downstairs lounge. I've never gone downstairs…read moreand when I entered it gave speakeasy vibes, I loved it. I had one of the best espresso martinis here and enjoyed sitting on their cozy couches while chatting to my friends. The atmosphere downstairs was really calm and relaxing. Service was quick and our server was very polite.

Came for the burger, but stayed for the drinks. Maybe I chose a bad night, but I thought the burger…read morewas disappointing based on its hype and Gretel's reputation. Hands down, the saltiest burger I ever had in Chicago. At least, they were generous with the fries. Laidback vibes and cool space, I would come back to try the other cocktails on the menu with friends.

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Flowers

Outstanding butter & brine oysters from portsmouth maine

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Beautiful italian orange wine with great minerality

Copper Fox Gastropub

Don't be tricked and read recent reviews. Rating should be much lower…read more Walked in for an early lunch behind the only other group just before us. It took awhile for the one waiter to come to us. We could also see only one cook in the kitchen. Took exactly an hour to get our food. While the waiter and cook were trying their best, staffing is was a problem. And the food is nothing special. Pressed, processed breaded chicken patty with minimal toppings. Fries are also nothing special. Hushpuppies were also nothing special. Big pass on this place for the lack of staffing which effected wait time and for the food to being nothing worthwhile.

How disappointing! We stopped by as it shows over 4 star review from hundreds of people. We just…read morewanted a simple quick bite as we have big dinner planned. I chose the 7 layer salad as the picture from the owner looks beautiful, it is really 7 layers!! The actual dish is nothing like that! It is just a regular mixed salad dish. We asked the server, she denied that this is a dish from this restaurant, while I showed her the picture shows from business owner and the address match... While I understand that the picture might be outdated sometimes from customers, but if the photo is from the owner, you probably should update it if you changed the dish!! Then there is the service. The restaurant is empty when we showed up. We thought it might because it is 2pm already so lunch crowed is gone. The server tried to sit us on a corner while there are so many nice seats there. We requested a more comfortable seating. After a disappointing meal, then we waited for a long time to get our bill as the server was in a different room doing something herself. We had to go grab her. She dropped off bill, then she disappeared again. We had to once again to get up to find her... with just one customer on the house, I can't imagine how busy she is for paying no attention to her customer. I will never come here again for sure!

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The Fox Den

Join us for Fox's Hours Starting Friday November 17, 2017

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#16 Biscuits - Mixed Berry IPA, Whipped Honey Butter

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!

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Fresh flowers

Shrimp Tacos

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Bad Burger with fried onion strings

The Gage

Had lunch here and were seated right away. Our server greeted us promptly and took our drink order…read moreimmediately. We ordered the venison burger and, honestly, I was hesitant at first because I was worried it might be too gamey. However, our server did a great job explaining what to expect, and she was absolutely right. The venison patty was juicy, flavorful, and exceeded my expectations. The food was delicious and beautifully presented. Service was attentive and efficient throughout our meal. They also have an impressive selection of signature cocktails. I didn't end up trying one because the drink I was interested in sounded a bit too strong for lunch, but it's definitely given me a reason to come back later for drinks. Overall, I left as a very happy customer and would gladly return.

To be fair, we've been here before and absolutely LOVED it. However, this past visit on 6/19 was…read morerather problematic. After we sat down, our server took her sweet time getting to us and was largely absent the entire visit while the servers for the others tables were attentive and present as I've come to expect. We started with the Crispy Brussels and Burrata Toast which was an amazing and fun combination of flavors textures with the sherry glaze and pickled onions providing a perfect counter to the richness of the cheese. Our second course was the Gage Caesar which we've had before and have enjoyed sharing multiple times, but this time the lettuce was full of grit as if the prep chef did not even bother washing the lettuce. The server never came by to check on us so I had to wave the manager to complain about the salad. The server also never checked to see if we wanted refills on our cocktails so we placed our orders with the manager. The final dish was the venison burger which was perfectly cooked and seasoned if you like venison, which I do so we enjoyed that greatly. The condiments that came with it were perfectly matched to balance the game of the meat and the fries were perfect as usual! The server then FINALLY got more involved with our dinner and was predictably perky and present at the end, something that always irks me when they have been otherwise absent for the meal. The ONLY reason they are getting 3 stars instead of less for this visit was the flavor of the food and the response of the manager in dealing with the lack of service (and the gritty salad). I would give the initial server a zero if I could.

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The Gage Bar

Blueberry French toast

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The Gage Bar Area

The Dearborn

Absolutely incredible from start to finish! Every dish was outstanding. The burger was perfectly…read morecooked--juicy, tender, and full of flavor. The handmade gnocchi was phenomenal, with a delicious smoky flavor that made it unforgettable. The croquettes were unbelievably mouthwatering and absolutely delicious, and the burrata was simply to die for. On top of the amazing food, the restaurant had great music, a wonderful atmosphere, and a staff that was welcoming, attentive, and genuinely friendly. This was an exceptional dining experience, and I can't wait to come back. Highly recommend!

My partner booked a table so we could unwind and enjoy a nice dinner before heading to a Broadway…read moreshow. We arrived early and spotted an open bar table, so we grabbed it. Perfect timing because it gave us a great view of a FIFA match while we informed the hotess and settle in. We ordered the hamachi collars, the Midwest salad, and the Amish curry chicken. We forgot to snap a picture of the hamachi collars, but they were a huge, delicious portion. The sauce leaned a bit sweet, but thankfully it wasn't poured directly over the fish. The standout dish was definitely the Amish curry chicken. It smelled incredible and tasted even better. Kudos to the managers for making the whole experience genuinely pleasant

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$12 Martinis for Martini Mondays

New Spring Menu

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Spring desserts

Centennial Crafted Beer & Eatery

My friend (shoutout to Hunter) has been grilling me to check this place out, and now I totally get…read morethe hype. The service was genuinely friendly, and the ambiance gives off such a welcoming, cozy vibe. There's even a fireplace you can sit by during cold Chicago winters, which is a really nice touch. I sat at the bar, and the bartenders -- honestly, the entire staff -- were super personable. You can crack jokes and they'll play right along with you, which makes the whole experience feel relaxed and fun. I ordered the pulled pork skillet and it did not miss. They make your eggs however you want (within reason), and everything came out perfectly. While not the cheapest in town, the value is absolutely there given the quality of the beers and food -- prices feel totally reasonable for River North. Shoutout to Tessa, Tony, and the whole crew -- they really make you feel like a regular. As Tessa would say: Go Birds!

Still waiting on part of our party, but it's got potential! Dinner should be fish & chips!…read moreIt was, and it was perfect!

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Bar shot

Bombest fries

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Westmalle Trappist Dubbel (Brouwerij Westmalle) - Belgian

Armitage Alehouse

Food was excellent!!…read more Reservations are hard to come by but we know why, this place is so good. We made a reservation for 9:15 PM but had to wait about 30 minutes before being seated which was unfortunate, but once seated, service was great.

Came on a Saturday night. Got seated right away. Came to review the top dishes and was not…read moredisappointed. From the oysters to the tartar. From the waygu burger to the fish and chips. The chicken masala was delicious as well. We finished it off with gelato and sticky date cake. Most def will be coming back to check out their happy hour menu. Oh! I had the penicillin which tastes like a Jameson and ginger beer to me. Had 2x.

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Sticky Date Cake

Colorful and classy unisex restroom decor.

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Empress of India martini

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.

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Inside

Chicago style hot dog

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Squid Ink Chitarra

New Village Gastro Pub

4.7

(288 reviews)

13.0 mi

Locally owned & operated

Minority-owned & operated

The food and service is always great here! Nice place to gather with friends and chit chat…read more 9/10: bulgogi and beef brisket is always a solid choice 8/10 silken tofu soup was okay - more of a mala hot pot style 9/10: so tteok so tteok a classic! 5/10: fried dumplings were meh

We came on a Sunday evening for an early dinner with a large group (~20 people) and squeezed into…read more~4 tables. The restaurant was much smaller than I expected and filled up quickly. Our group shared the following: popcorn chicken, stir-fried chicken gizzards, fried eggs with Spam, corn cheese, truffle French fries, seafood pancake, bossam (pork belly, shrimp paste, lettuce wrap), rose tteokbokki, steamed egg souffle with cheese, spam and kimchi fried rice, station noodles (beef broth, veggies), and strawberry bingsoo. My favorite of the night was the rose tteokbokki. The tteokbokki was perfectly chewy and I enjoyed the flavor of the sauce. The popcorn chicken was also good and paired well with the sauce it came with. The bossam was on the dry side and the seafood pancake was pretty standard. The fries were good but wouldn't pay $10 for a basket of fries if we came back next time. The corn cheese was also good but the plate was small. There was a call button at each table which was convenient. Food came out individually as it was ready instead of all at once which was to be expected for our party size.

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2024 Yelp Top 100 Restaurant in the U.S.

Sea Snail and Squid Muchim

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Karaoke

River Roast

Went on an architecture tour on the river and spotted this restaurant, so I knew I had to try it!…read more We were lucky and got a spot outside right by the river. Lots of boat traffic so if that bothers you I wouldn't recommended going outside. Was super fun people watching on the river; lots of party boats and people just having a great time. We needed ended up getting tuna sashimi, sea bass, and a steak with a side of mac n cheese. Everything was cooked perfectly and the Mac n cheese was excellent. Had just the right amount of bread crumbs to give it that crunch factor and wasn't overly cheesy.. just the right amount. We of course saved room for dessert and got a slice of chocolate cake. But boy I'll tell you the slice was ENORMOUS so be prepared. Definitely meant to be shared with the table. Service was also excellent. Will be back soon

View 100% Food 70%…read moreService 0% This was my 22nd birthday dinner with my family. We sat down at our reservation time. Not a single person came to our table for 15 minutes until I got up and asked for someone to take our drink order. A very nice gentleman by the name of Victor came over and took our drink order. He was excellent. He told us that our server will be over momentarily, apologized for the wait, and got us our drinks. Then our server came over with our drinks. Didn't say anything other than asking what we would like to order. We ordered and receive our appetizer. 20-30 minutes after we finish our appetizer, he finally comes over to take our order after we ask a bus boy to get him. He take our food order and starts to walk away. We have to stop him in-order for us to get a drink order in as-well. We got our food, but still didn't have our drinks. Again, we had to ask a bus boy to get him. After our drink, he checks on us once, and then never appears until the bill. The bar messed up our drinks both time during the night. We never got our waiters name. But he was serving the outdoor table closest to the door on July 3rd, 2026. On the other hand, Victor was amazing for stepping up and occasionally making sure we were okay -- we tried our hardest not to bother him as he was dealing with his own tables. We also never received any compliments for my birthday. While the other tables got cakes and candles for their celebration, we got horrible service, and poorly made drinks. We will not be returning and hope other people use this message as a warning. Servers -- do better. Management -- do better.

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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.

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Bathroom

PROSCIUTTO SAN DANIELE and Duck Prosciutto

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Coppa alla banana

The Purple Pig

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.

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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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143 reviews that are not currently recommended

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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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