Hopleaf Reviews

Heard a lot about the mussels. Probably the worst I've ever had. Broth/sauce was totally tasteless and almost had the look of dirty dish water.. Talk about fennel - no flavor of fennel at all and undercooked on top of it. Almost non-existent mussel meat. Awful experience. Just had to pig out on the fries. What made it okay was that we were sitting right by the fireplace. If I ever returned I would just sit at the bar and have a couple of beers.

Had a wonderful meal with great Belgian beers. The CB&J was amazing. A cashew butter sandwich on sourdough with fig jam and cheese. Wow

Great location. We had beers & appetizers in the courtyard out back. Enjoyed the herbs, trees, and other lovely plantings. Fantastic choices on the beer list. Six of us shared the CB&J (very rich!), crispy onion rings, housemade sausage, macaroni, and pommes frites. All scrumptious. Put this on your must-visit list for Andersonville.

There's a brewpub trend sweeping Chicago these days, but Hopleaf was around long before craft beers were a craze. If you're passionate about beer, this is the place: incredible atmosphere, dozens and dozens of unique brews on tap (including an amazing Belgian selection), and--best of all--an incredible food menu, including THE BEST MUSSELS IN THE CITY. I swear, I've stopped ordering mussels anyplace else because Hopleaf has ruined me for going anywhere else. Served with a cone of perfectly crisp frites and delectable aioli plus a hunk of bread for dipping in the earthy broth...perfection.

We came here as a group of 4 before a show at the Aragon. Being a brewer and a beerhead in general, I love the wood floors, brick walls and tons of old-school beer ads and merchandise on the walls. We ordered a number of different beers along with some appetizers and entrees. This is not bar food by any stretch. The people in the kitchen do a great job of preparing some delicious food. We ordered some scallops which appeared to be on some hummus, quinoa and herbs. We ordered some fries because... well, they're fries. We ordered some great sautéed walleye too and everything was great. There is also friendly and attentive service. A great place and I'll be going back for sure. Cheers to HopLeaf!

Had the opportunity to try Hopleaf for a Sunday brunch. The food was good. I recommend the CB&J and the steamed muscles w/ fries. The fries and aioli were amazing. The beer selection was impressive. I tried several drinks off the beer menu and none disappointed.

My wife and I stopped in while in Chicago. Amazing beer list and amazing food. Everything was great. The mussels were fantastic and we had excellent service. Great all around.

The appetizers, specifically the sausage plate and the potato-cheddar croquettes were both very good and have me wanting to come back for dinner. The beer selection is very large and made up of high quality choices. This is a local bar/restaurant that is easy to reach by using the "L" Red Line and getting off at the Berwyn stop.

Not your typical bar food by any means, and a wonderful beer selection. Gets annoyingly crowded at high-traffic times, but outside of that, it's a great place.

It used to be all tiny and cosy, but it's been expanding over the years and now it's large and cosy! The expansion of the original bar and grill must be one of the most successful transformations on Chicago's restaurant scene, as it managed to maintain the place's many little nooks and crannies and added a bunch more. The beer list is legendary here and the food menu assembled around it. Its not a family place, though: under eighteens are not allowed in.

Very lively bar, good drinks. We didn't eat here. The counter in front by the window doesn't have bar service, you have to go to the battle order and pick up drinks. Lots of beer choices.

Have been visiting Hopleaf for many years when visiting Chicago while here to visit sons. Always a good time, friendly staff, array of beers. They have added wine, and the food pairs well with the beer, etc. Good place to meet up wirh friends. European ambiance. Good place to hang out with friends/family.

We went to Hopleaf with a friend during our trip to Chicago, October 6, 2018. The establishment was already hopping when we arrived around 5 pm. The bar area was a little too loud for us, so we were seated in a very nice area a bit more toward the back in a more quiet area where we could easily enjoy conversation. Our server was with us quickly to take our drink order. They offer a wide selection of beer and spirits in addition to non-alcoholic beverages. My Husband and I ordered their sausage platter. It included 3 of their house made sausages (one each - chicken, pork, & beef). All were excellent, but I enjoyed their beef one with a nice smoky flavor best. Our friend enjoyed their salmon plate. It had a nice char and he said it was quite tasty. Do give Hopleaf a visit.

I repeatedly come here and not just because its super close to my apartment. It has expanded over the years to different rooms and an upstairs. There's a designated dining room but you can get food at other rooms but you need to order at the bar. The beer is Belgium but there's so much to choose from. Between the Belgium beers and the hard cider, I'm a happy camper. The ambiance is welcoming and warm. The food is okay...I wish I could like it more but I think its on the pretentious side. Sometimes you just want a really good burger and not a fatty duck sandwich. I go for the drinks and eat at home. If you go at night, you will get carded right when you come in the door.

Whenever we visit our son and his family in Andersonville, we have to make a stop at Hopleaf. On this occasion, we had an excellent lunch with 3 of us having different sandwiches. My wife had the brisket, my son had the pork belly BLT and I had the duck Reuben. The draft beer selection was as extensive as always, my wife had the zombie killer, my son and I had the Gueze fond tradition. Our server Sarah was excellent. All in all, a very enjoyable lunch.

I enjoyed the Tandem cider with the mussels and frites. Great service and delicious food. Highly recommend visiting!

This place has an excellent beer selection... that's what I'll say first of all. The food was solid - we all had some sort of sandwich which came with an excellent dip (not sure what it was, but it was great). Has a really nice vibe to it, and the wait staff was incredibly friendly. Recommended!

One of the most draft beer selections in Chicagoland...even have some draft sours. Wow. And lovely food options as well, especially mussels and salad. (You can spend more on entree-sized portions, but the sides and appetizers where great.) Wish this were in my back yard. It would be a regular hangout!

We stumbled on this high-rated bar while we were out bookhunting (Myopic Books is just down the street) and loved the place immediately. Friendly service that reminds you of an old Amsterdam brown bar.... plenty of beer and drink options on the menu and good food. We had the Brussels Sprouts with our drinks. Superb. Wish we lived in Chicago so we go back sooner!

This is one of my favorite places to eat and grab a beer in Chicago. They have an amazing selection of craft brews. The décor is dimly lit with a nice ambience. The food is AMAZING! I wouldn't even call it bar food or a gastropub because it is straight up gourmet quality with a very affordable price tag.

Came here for lunch with our son, who gave us the tip. We did not have any beer, so this review is entirely about the food, which was outstanding. My wife had the smoked cod salad, my son the vegetarian soup (ramp and other vegs) and I had the (wait for it) Peking Duck Reuben, along with the Spring Vegetables, which included green peas, fava beans, onion, and other vegs. The Reuben was awesome as were the fries that came with it. Really unique and very delicious. My son also had the cheese plate which featured a whole milk ementhaler that was wonderful. For dessert we had the flourless chocolate torte which was so rich and flavorful, garnished with pineapple, macadamia brittle and basil whipped cream. They have one amazing chef at this place. Can't praise it enough!

Set up almost like an English pub but with mismatched chairs and tables that matched the menu. Duck reuben was interesting sounding and I went with it. It was a phenomenal sandwich! Friend had the Stilton mac and cheese and was disappointed at the mild flavor. We had heard that mussels were the specialty so we tried them. My friends had never had mussels and ended up cleaning the pot!

We went primarily for the craft beers, and were not left disappointed, a wide and varied selection on tap, a huge number of bottles. This is all on top of an excellent choice of Belgian beers too. The food is also really good, we have a number of dishes between us and everyone enjoyed what they had. The duck fat fries have to be tried!!!

One of my favorite spots. Beer selection is outstanding and enormous. The classic mussels, Belgian style, with fries and bread, is the best I have had...better than what I have had in Belgian. Relaxed atmosphere. Conversation is even possible. During the winter, choose the main room with the fireplace.

I had the duck rueben with a plate full of fries. The beer selection was great. We were there while they had the fire place going putting off great heat on a cool Chicago night. The place doesn't look like much from the outside but once you get in it really opens up. Great atmosphere and great food.

Had a beer here last summer and new I wanted to come back for more. Visiting family in the Andersonville area gave us the perfect opportunity for lunch. Starting with an amazing beer selection, with a heavy Belgian focus, we sampled a few before making our final selections. I had the celery and squash soup with a beet relish garnish that had great flavor. My meal was the duck Reuben with beans on the side. Excellent. Others at the table enjoyed the ham sandwich on pumpernickel bread with side fries. We really appreciated the knowledgeable servers. I'll be back.

Great bar to go in the Edgewater area. The staff is so nice and helpful when choosing the beer. They have so many draft beers for good prices.

There are many good beer options. I went with the Rosa (or something like that) which was so refreshing and (sweetly) smooth that I forgot it was beer. It was also almost pink in color which stood out amongst the other brown beverages at the table. But, if you're staying for dinner, they won't seat you until your entire party is present.

I live a block from here and spend plenty of time exploring other restaurants in the city, but I'm very lucky that this is my standby. The atmosphere is pleasant and low key. The smell is wonderfully delicious. It's large enough that you can almost always snag a seat in the open bar area despite it's popularity. The beer menu is still one of the most extensive in the city and food is fantastic. It's always evolving, but not so fast my favorites suddenly disappear. The more complex entrees (steak, braised pork belly, etc) are perfectly executed. The mussels and bread are perfect. I've never had better pomme frites and the CB&J (cheapest item on the menu) sounds bizarre but tastes delicious. I highly recommend it all

The selection of beer and cider available on tap at any given time is massive. IT also changes on a regular basis so there seems to always be something new to try. The duck ruben and the CB&J sandwiches are exceptional and pair well with many of the drinks. You have to go through the bar to get to the restaurant seating, so don't be afraid to push through. We enjoy every visit.

Although we have eaten at Hopleaf many times over the years, this was our visit to our son and his family for over three years, prior to the pandemic. We were so relieved that Hopleaf survived the pandemic, since it had always been one of our favorite places to eat at, when we are in the area. Since they didn’t have the duck Reuben, one of my favorite past sandwiches there, I ordered the brisket Reuben, which was delicious. I also ordered a Kwak beer, complete with wooden holder, and Hopleaf was the first place where I had sampled that beer many years ago.

Loved the patio! Food and service were great!! Location was just a short walk from our hotel. We will be back again soon!!

Had not been there in a few years and realized that it is much larger and roomier that before. Beer selection is as always, terrific so we enjoyed some dark Belgian brews. Mussels followed by the pate selection were wonderful. Kyle, our hostess behind the bar, was a delight and made our visit so nice.

I will begin by indicating that, if Trip Advisor would allow, the rating would be 4 1/2 instead of 5. The downfall.......tables are quite small if there are 4 people, which is what we were. And, the place is very noisy....a little acoustic treatment would be in order to tone it down so that we would not have to shout and make the problem worse. Of course, we must recognize that all 4 of us were well over 65 !!!! And, another drawback was the lighting....it was so dark that it was very difficult to read the menu, which was printed in SMALL print as well. (and, yes, even though we are oldies, our eyesight has not left us!!!!). The beer selection and the food kept the rating high in spite of these deficiencies...... The mussels were wonderful, although the smallest we have ever seen....hopefully that was just an aberration. The broth was very tasty and the bread that was served with the mussels certainly complemented the dish and was great for dipping. And, the menu calls these "Mussels for two".......there were 4 of us and it was a generous serving. If they were for two, it would be a meal for 2. The beer menu is very good......no way to say it better....it may be one of the best I have experienced in total. The food menu has many interesting choices....we enjoyed, among other items, a Duck Reuben and Rabbit Salad. Our waitress, Jennifer, was very good, attentive and helpful. She had a knack of being there when we needed her, but she was not always 'bugging' us. She had the perfect balance. This is a place that I will definitely will return to as well as recommend to friends who travel to Chicago.

If you are travelling solo, drop into Hopleaf, sit at the bar and strike up a conversation. The beer suited me just fine, as did the company. Andersonville is a great part of town, and I ate here four out of 11 nights in my latest trip to Chicago. You may have to wait a little for a table, unless you get there early, the food is worth the wait.

With the temperature down in the teens, the entry ambience and warmth of Hopleaf was very welcome on a cold, dark Monday night. I was immediately impressed with the number of people in Hopleaf given the weather and knew this had to be a special place. We were seated promptly and had fantastic service throughout our meal. Great suggestions of what beer to enjoy with our food and food that is well priced, high quality and very tasty. Beef checks braised in porter with figs was deliciously tender and paired superbly with the same beer to drink as was used to braise the meat. The laid back nature of this bar makes you feel like it's been your local for years, while the attentive staff don't leave you hanging for anything. If you are visiting Chicago and staying idowntown, it is well worth your while taking a quick cab ride North to visit Hopleaf.

Finally made it to the Hopleaf Bar this week. We had a wonderful time. The beer selection was incredible, the day we were there they tapped some Rodenbach Alexandre sour beer from Belgium that was tremendous. We also ordered food which was very good. I was very impressed with the friendly, welcoming staff which put us at ease from the moment we walked in. Highly recommended if you are anywhere near the Andersonville neighborhood, also worth traveling long distances to get to.

I like the layout of this bar a lot. It's big, yet cozy and you can actually be an adult and grab a drink and food without it being too boring but at the same time not too crazy. The beer selection was very good - we went on a Thursday night around 9:30 pm and the doorman was very weird and kinda rude. He ID'ed us - we are all in our mid thirties and yelled at us for standing in the doorway. He yelled at us again (only 1 drink in) but I forget why. I haven't really been yelled at in a bar at 9-10pm post 30 years old. Still good beer, just weird!

I couldn't put an identity on this place. Feels a little Nashville. A little southern. But if this place were in the South they'd be laughed at. But I can say that it had good food. I almost wanted them to be a little less complicated with thier dishes, but I get it. Everyone wants to be that creative guy these days with classic dishes done with a twist. Brownie smores dessert with pomegranate sauce instead of a classic raspberry, no problem, it works. Bananas foster creme brulee with orange. Ok. Porkchop with a tease of sweet potato puree and (not a fan of) chard...meh. I was satisfied and disappointed at the same time. the beer list however... GREAT BEER LIST! I will get my comfort food elsewhere, but I'll be back for beer for sure!

Food here is fantastic, as is the amazing list of beers on draft! Had the bitterballen appetizer followed by mussels and aioli frites which were all phenomenal. However, waited 10+ mins to order a beer, then it took another 10 minutes to get my beer - had to remind the waiter. Great place/atmosphere but need more attention to service and speed of service. If they see your beer glass is approaching empty it would be a great idea to ask if you need another one. Despite this, I will return and recommend this place as the food/beer will not disappoint.

I should begin by explaining why the rating is not a 5.....a fair rating for this visit would be a 4.5 but Trip Advisor does not allow partial point ratings. Deductions were for soggy fries, not crisp like they usually are. And......ordered mussels for two and received an order of mussels for 1. Although they corrected the problem, it was not without time, etc. Small portion of bread served with the mussels....need more. And....about the mussels.......they say they are from Prince Edward Island....they are very good.....Recommend the Belgian style preparation. The bread that comes with it is wonderful when dipped in the juices. And.....their draft beer list is extensive and full of wonderful selections. They also have a good wine list and a list of beers in bottles/cans. Place is a little noisy (poor acoustics) so don't plan on holding a business meeting if you are there for dinner.............anyway, food should be the focus !!!!!

This place had a good amount of choices when it comes to beers and they are also famous to having some good eats. Unfortunately we already ate when we got there. A very good place to have a few drinks and hang out with friends.

Come for great brew and conversation anytime to this Andersonville treasure that oozes atmosphere, but especially on the first Tuesday on every month to hear live readings at Tuesday Funk. Dark and hip, with exposed brick, high ceilings and vintage signs covering the walls, Hopleaf exudes timeless cool.

Hopleaf Bar is located on Clark St., just south of Foster Ave. About the only bad thing is the parking, since there is only street parking. That can be tough, plus the metermaids do work Clark St. But once beyond that, when you enter Hopleaf Bar you will most likely be carded. I must admit that everyone around me was, but I wasn't - I think I better look in the mirror and see how old I really look. The main bar area is on the ground floor at the front and there are dining areas in the back and upstairs with smaller rooms and a balcony overlooking the ground floor dining area. We sat on the balcony and thought that it was pretty nice. Though the 2nd floor isn't really handicapped accessible, they do have bathrooms up there, so if you have some trouble with stairs, you don't have to go all the way down to the basement. Matt was our server and he turned out to be very personable and very efficient. He also guided us through the menu and helped with selections. The menu is eclectic and not too big. The draft beer, draft wine and cider menus seem to be bigger than the food menu. We ordered a soup that was a daily special - a duck chowder. In looks and consistency, we compared it to a split pea soup, but that is where the similarity ended. It tasted very good and the pieces of duck did stand out. We actually ordered a combination of appetizers for our entrees. Our first was vegetable gratin which is cauliflower, celery root, parsnips, parmesan, beet-apple relish, shaved brussels sprouts and rye crumb. The next one was pan seared scallops which had parsnip purée w/vanilla, cauliflower couscous, pickled peppers and pumpkin seed-cilantro pesto. Another one was the house-made sausage plate, which is a trio of sausages served with seasonal accompaniments, i.e. a delicious mustard. I tried the fried quail which was soaked in buttermilk, with black pepper-sage biscuit, roasted maitake, cranberry mustard, petite frisée salad w/pickled apples with a maple-bourbon vinaigrette. We had a kale salad. Finally, we tried the Belgian style fried - Pommes Frites, which came with a creamy garlic dipping sauce. Everything tasted really good, especially considering that we were experimenting, as some of the things we had never tried before. We did leave enough room for dessert, but that happens when you share several appetizers, instead of entrees. We had the bananas foster creme brûlée which was maple custard, brûléed bananas, candied walnuts, orange rind with stout fudge. We also had the spiced beet cake with juniper cream cheese frosting,carrot coulis and orange supreme. We did try a couple of ciders. One was the Zombie Killer a B.Nektar Meadery and the other was a Mitten Virtue draft. All in all, a very good experience.

Does it have an extensive beer/wine list? Yes, but so does most bars nowadays. Food is pretty good, but overpriced, especially compared to Europe. Just wasn't that special meal that I was looking forward to. Good service.

Place is cozy and nice. They have a great selection of beers and the food is really good too. Nice place to visit with friends or as a couple.

Loved this place! Lots of different options for seating. Three different bar areas, outdoor patio, and regular seating. Great selection of beers. And the neighborhood was really cool to visit.

An outstanding restaurant filled with more beer choices than one thought possible, delicious food (the mussels were especially tasty and prepared beautifully), and excellent service! Joe the Bouncer (that's déclassé, how about Joe the Welcoming Committee CEO?) greets you with a smile (be sure to bring your ID!) and then directs you to a hostess who warmly welcomes you too and walks you to your table (ask for the fireplace!). Amy was our excellent server and was expertly prepared to talk about the menu, sides, and special requests. Here's a pic of the cheese plate. Excellent flavor, moderately priced, and beautifully presented. I ate the beef brisket s'wich and it was outstanding, fantastic, amazing, and hit the spot! The pile o' Belgian French Fries didn't hurt either! The presentation and flavor was top shelf! Whatever you do, order the fries! My wife requested the mussels and they were some of the best we've ever eaten, thank you Chef! They were HUGE! :--) The prices were reasonable, the ambiance outstanding, and the food tasty and sure to please. If I had a suggestion, the mac and cheese could have used a little bit more cheese. It was still worthwhile, and recommended, just a tiny bit on the skimpy side. Thank you all! In a sea of dining choices Hopleaf stands out!

There’s been a local news story floating around Chicago for a while that the reality show “Bar Rescue” has tried three times to do an episode on this establishment and been rebuffed each time. Why? Because Hopleaf doesn’t need any help! I’ve been several times and never had a bad meal yet. One of my favorites is a staple on their menu, Belgian style mussels with white wine and fennel. Grab an order and pair up with your favorite beer or go on the suggestion of your server; they are all knowledgeable which is impressive considering the range of beers they offer. You’ll need your I.D. to get in the door and I suggest you go early because every time I’ve been there, the place fills up (the restaurant is huge with multiple stories and an outdoor patio)

Our group arrived on a Monday evening and Hopleaf was respectably busy, and got busier as the evening went on. We sat at the elevated table near the bar and had a good view of all the folks around us enjoying their drinks and food as much as we did. The beer list is quite impressive with at least 40 on tap!! They also have some great wines on tap, and our table enjoyed a bit of both. The food options go well beyond bar food and we were really happy with our choices, which included the tilapia sandwich, vegetarian polenta cake, prawns and arugula salad. Where we were seated, you had to order your food at the bar but delivery to the table was swift. Recommend!

Our friends introduced us to this place two years ago when we were visiting. Back in Chicago so we had to go back to Hopleaf’s because it’s that good! We had beets, Duck Rueben, and the CB&J (cashew butter and fig jam). Everything was just as delicious as we remembered. The patio seating is phenomenal. Could have stayed there all afternoon hanging out having beverages but this is a popular place and there was a wait. We didn’t want to be THOSE people. We’ll definitely go back when visiting Chicago though.

Some times I really hate saying "I don't care." when asked about where to go to dine. I should have known better. I'm not a beer drinker and when my friend was oohing over their beer selection, I should have countered with another venue. First the plus side: It was close to home. Saturday early evening and there was no problem getting a table. Service was swift and delivery of beverages and food was amazingly fast. Though they do not offer split checks, they easily handled splitting the bill between credit and cash. Now the reasons why I doubt I'll go back: I mentioned my non-enthusiasm for beer. They have an extensive offering of tap beer and also bottled beers. I tried a cider. It was just ok. I tried a beer and wasn't won over. But I didn't expect to be. My partner had three different beers and was content. I had a difficult time finding something on the menu that I would eat. Not a duck or venison fan. Getting tired of every restaurant nowadays wanting to be edgy. We ordered the tilapia sandwich and brisket sandwich. HUGE mound of very salty, not very hot, string fries. The brisket was much too rare. The fish was very good but the huge bun was over toasted. The lemon pickles and sauce added nothing to the dish. Not sure what the side of mayo was for. Dessert was the hot apple pie ala mode. It was akin to the apple pie you'd get at McDonalds with a sprinkle of raisins. Not bad really, just not something to look forward to. They state that this is an "adult venue" and no children allowed. That's great as I'm not a fan of family dining. However, getting carded at the door when you're 60 is a bit much.

On Monday 7th of September I arrived from Germany with a group of seven. I called their number and listened to their recorded message which confirmed the opening hours until 9 pm. At the end of the recording the phone rang and I wanted to speak to someone but all I got was an answering machine. So we took off and arrived there at 8:35 pm. There were a few people inside but we were told that they were closed already. When I explained where we were from and what we had tried to get in touch, the employee spoke to the manager but he denied entry. Of course, any bar can have its own opening hours and may decide to close at 8 or at 7, etc. but advertising to be open until 9 and then already close earlier is nothing but a bad attitude and false advertising. Besides, they could have answered the phone as it was not a busy evening. This attitude and the denial of entry weighs heavily against the rating which would have been 5 stars. Hence only two stars and I cannot even come back as we always get to Chicago late and their published information cannot be trusted. It is very sad to see a potentially good business inflicting self-harm, especially in difficult times like these.

Awesome night time setting in a convenient location. Main room has a wood burning stove surrounded by brick walls and plenty of Windows. Good food and great beer selection (including zombie dust, when writing this review), prices are good as well. Recommended when in the area.

Very nice place, I recommend getting the mussels they were amazing! Nice atmosphere and staff where great! Will definitely be back!

Nice area. Great beer selection. Pommes frites were wonderful. Service was good. I was there at lunch so not too crowded.

I have visited Hopleaf many times over the last few years and always wonder why I don't stop in more often. Initially it was always for a good beer or two but eventually for dining as well. Whatever your desire, Hopleaf is the place. They have grown and added space to the south of the original area. The ambiance at the bar, in the original dining area, on the patio (seasonal) or in the new bar space all make you want to get comfortable and stay a while. Hopleaf was traditionally known for their fabulous beer which rotates regularly but have since added other libations and a solid wine list including wine on tap. I have always enjoyed their food no matter what I order, the last visit I had their duck Reuben, very very good. They tweak most everything they offer to make it their's. And the great thing is, it all tastes better than the traditional forms. This includes their appetizers and sides. The mussels are fantastic, most people order them to get started. And if you are a brussels sprouts fan try them as well. They are located on the southern side of Andersonville on Clark. Parking (pay-to-park) is generally available right on Clark as long as you stay south of Foster. Otherwise you can sometimes find free parking an Ashland a block west.

Really good varied selection of beers to choose from, and a good take on belgian cuisine, makes this place ever so popular and has a great vibe. We had a table out by the balcony (best place to get a table)

Was recommended to visit by another bar owner. We came for a quick pint and bite before our flight. Was so sad that we had not found this bar sooner! Such an amazing selection of draft and bottles. Belgian frites were better than anything we had in Belgium. Great place. Go.

I have been to Hopleaf several times whenever I visit my son and his family who live about a 5 minute walk from this excellent bar. On this occasion my wife and I went there for lunch and the beer as always was first class. I enjoyed a Liefman's Goudenband and a Verhaeghe Duchesse du Bourgogne, both from Belgium and my wife enjoyed her B Nektar Meadery Zombie Killer from Ferndale, Michigan. My 2 beers are among the best Belgium beers that I have had in recent years. I had their brisket sandwich and my wife had the duck Reuben, both of which were delicious. My only complaint is that the very abundant servings of French fries that came with our sandwiches were over salted which is the reason that I am not giving Hopleaf the excellent rating that it otherwise would have received from me. Our server Delia was excellent and in spite of over salted French fries, our Hopleaf experience was once again very positive and I highly recommend it to anyone who hasn't been there.

Hopleaf is a casual brew pub with way above average food. This place has been here for many years and has expanded from one room to 4 to meet the ever increasing demand. They have too many beers on tap to count, good ciders and a full bar. I’ve eaten most things on the menu and have never been disappointed. The ham sandwich however is truly crave-able. The bar staff is friendly and knowledgeable. A must visit in the Andersonville neighborhood.

I live close by and its my fav spot to eat and have a beer. My fav are Belgian fires and german beers I tried their sausage and soups, delicious as well.

Our dining experience was spent outdoors on the patio. We had excellent service and an enjoyable dining experience! Each of us had different entrees and we shared two memorable desserts. The goat cheesecake was delicious as well as the thyme infused pound cake. My salmon dish was excellent. All in all a good time was had!

I have been here once before, but had to order the same entree because I loved it so much. I highly recommend the CB&J-Cashew Butter, Fig Jam & toasted cheese sandwich. Yum!! Excellent beer selection too!

My second visit, and a must for whenever I'm in Chicago. There's nothing remotely resembling what Hopleaf presents as their dining experience, so therefore a periodic visit keeps the experience fresh.

This was my second visit in four or five years. l like the place, but something always seems off. Service is quirky. While we were well taken care of over-all, our food was delivered by someone other than our waitress and our waitress didn't reappear until our bill was brought, and then a third person processed our charge card. The mussels are good, well-prepared and well-presented, but I've enjoyed the flavors better elsewehere. The sausage dish was okay, not great. Good beer selection, but I was unhappy with my 'kriek'

This is a landmark (so to speak) in Chicago if you are in for a beer and for Belgian beer in particular. We had Poperings Hommel Ale which was combined with a suggestion from the house. The mussels as well as the different charcuteries made a great combination, and proofed that this is more than just a bar.

Stopped in for a couple on a Friday afternoon while visiting from FL with my wife since they had one of her favorite Belgian beers available (from De Halve Maan), while I had some delicious local beer. Multiple different bar rooms and a quaint little beer garden tickled our fancy. Menu had some tasty offerings for next time, since we already had dinner plans elsewhere.

Why do these idiots constantly employ Neanderthal bouncers who insist on bugging 40 year old people about producing ID in order to be let in? I've loved the beers here since I was a student almost 20 years back, but I can't believe I'm still getting the same stupid attitude if I forget to bring my passport along (I don't have a state ID). When you're in, it's grand; variety of great beers, open late, even has a few wines. Andersonville good in general, but they could do with a staff facelift bigger than anything Joan Collins ever had.

So we ordered the famous CBJ sandwich. This is a grilled fig jam + cashew butter+ raclette cheese grilled sandwich. So very very greasy, and the sides were barely flavorful blue cheese Mac & cheese & home made chips. Holy carnivore overload! We al needed the bathroom 2 hours later. Greasy sandwich, greasy chips, fatty Mac and cheese. Hey consider a sharp green salad as a side! The raclette cheese was non existent, trust me as a foodie I truly missed it. My partner had the confit rabbit salad. HUGE disappointment, wait, salad was tasty but so meager on rabbit, basically an appetizer for a main price. My cherry mitten was small but tasty. Won't recommend or visit again.

I've been going to the Hopleaf for 10 years now, and I completely appreciate the low key vibe and extensive beer selection--they even have wine on tap! However, in the past year or so, their food, more specifically their 'frites' and other food items are so over salted it almost makes the trip over more of a question now than it is otherwise. I realize the taste of salt can vary for people, but there were four of us eating and each person remarked that the fries, onion rings, etc, were inedible. I hope more people let them know so they can pull back a bit...

This is the 2nd time we have visited this establishment when visiting family in Chicago. The ambience is great, especially outside. The menu choice is enough, as well as the beer list. I had a chicken dish with awesome vegetable combinations. Loved it! Had an awesome waitress who was genuine and not forceful like a lot of other American service industry workers. Would always come back to Hopleaf if given the choice.

Came here with my pops for some hops. Nice clean area as soon as you enter. There is additional dining in back. We were a little confused at first because we didn't know you have to go up to the bar to order if you are sitting in the front area. The workers are very friendly and helpful. I ordered Against the Grain/18th street "Killewitte". Kinda weird after taste but quite refreshing and you can taste the smokiness. My pops ordered Three Floyds' Zombie Dust. Really good. For food we ordered house chips and the sweet corn elote. The house chips weren't warm as I thought they may be, a little salty, but nevertheless, delicious with the sour cream (I think) dipping sauce. The sweet corn is delish. I believe they change up the menu every couple months. They let you sample the different beers. Nice wood bar. I'm pretty sure we'll be back.

I had been hearing about hopleaf for a long time, and finally got there last night. It was a frigid Chicago January night. The place is super cute and super cozy. I was very excited. We ordered the mussels for an appetizer, and they were indeed very good. The broth was amazing. The salads were o.k. I had the farro and lentils, and the predominant flavor was salt. I agree with previous reviewer. If you're just going for a few beers and maybe some mussels, I would give it five stars. However, the food is so so.

We had lunch Saturday based on a friend’s recommendation, and we were really glad we did. Lovely patio, interesting & comfortable indoor seating, knowledgeable staff (especially Paul), and a great selection of beer (especially Belgian beer). The mussels were delicious, and the fries hot & crispy. Both were served very much in a European manner. The cost was quite reasonable for what it was.

They know their stuff! Sides and mains are well-suited to beer aficionados. Service is spare but friendly. If you're going to try good beers, you will be happy.

I am writing this only to remember the name of this place when I am back to Chicago. Extensive beer selection and and great food... even the vege main dishes were good. Artery clogging, but delicious. The waitress was a bit rude but since we were a few friends, that didnt affect the experience for us.

Got to our hotel after 10:00. Wandered down Clark and asked several women where we should eat. They suggested Hopleaf. Good food. I had the duck reuben. Really good. And the doorman asked for my ID. I'm 56 years old! He knows how to flatter a woman.

As other reviews have stated, this pub has a great location and is a fantastic place for beer, as the selection is extensive. Service is professional and friendly. The food menu is simple but interesting and has all the items you would want to find in a gastropub - mussels, steak frites, sausages. The food would have been excellent, if not for the fact that everything was overly salty. The mussels for two and steak both came with enough fries for two each, but we ate only a small portion of the fries because they were just too salty. I would have written this off as an aberration, but noticed at least one similar comment from a different reviewer. It is not a problem if your priority is beer, but should be aware if you do mind too much salt in your food, as some do.

Hopleaf was recently on Diner's, Drive Ins and Dives and we were attracted by the brisket sandwich, so chose to try them out while in Chicago. While the flavor was good, it was a little disappointing with no crunch to it. I had the Reuben which likewise was very good, but also fell short of memorable. The selection of beer is huge and many would be well woth trying as well. Would go for the beer and eat some food rather than a food destination though.

The outdoor seating was great, though small. Beer selection was fantastic. The menu was very creative and so good.

Great selection of microbrews and unusual food. Unusual in a good way, most things are familiar yet prepared and served in a way you may not have had. The frites (French fries) are served with mayo just like I have them in Europe. Great selection and service on top of the excellent food!

Funky vibe, great selection of beers, wines and ciders on tap and in bottles. The front room is the old bar I guess as it feels like an old bar with many times painted over tin ceiling (now green) and big, solid wood bar with booths on one side and beams in the middle of the room - it all gives the place a very old school feel. Three more rooms which we peeked at since we ate in front by the windows, looked even nicer - with completely different feels as others have mentioned.The back room has large windows that look out to a patio/ deck area that looks like it will be inviting in the summer. A long thin room to the south, accessed behind the bar, from the back room, looked much more like a new wave Chicago restaurant with the open kitchen along one wall and tables both in the front and along the open kitchen. A mezzanine upstairs was large and open as well. The food was outstanding and reason alone to return. The duck Reuben was terrific and even better than the very good corned beef on rye. Once again we had amazing thin, crisp and liberally salted French fries that were addictive. Zombie Killer Cherry Ceyser (no typo) on tap was a cool, slightly sweet and crisp alternative to beer served in a nice goblet. Weekday lunch service is not full - you order from the bartender and someone brings the food but does not take re-orders or drink orders nor do they check on you - you are on your own. We will be back to taste other delights!

Sit upstairs overseeing ground floor. Order muscles for two, Belgian style. Drink at least three Belgian beers.

When my friends from Ghent, Belgium arrived to visit us in Chicago, they couldn't believe we had such a good Belgian Restaurant/Pub in our immediate neighborhood! Besides a wide variety of appetizers, sandwiches, sides and entrees, they have a few Belgian specialties...my favorite is their Mussels (Atlantic mussels from Prince Edward Island...) and Fries (Frites and Aioli...). Enjoy!

We went here with a group of friend, and it has a fantastic beer selection. Even though it is big, the separate rooms make it feel cozy. Will be going back for sure!

This place is off the beaten path but can be reached via the red line or Clark 22 bus. Having just moved to the city from the suburbs late last year, we hadn't heard of this place, but we've since found out that many Chicagoans have. They expanded not too long ago, so they have an inside area, an open air inside area and an outside area. They have a huge list of draft craft beers and waitstaff was knowledgable about recommending beers based on what we liked. The food was upscale for a pub type restaurant. We really liked the Walleye and the Octopus. The wings were different - not typical barbeque. Some people really liked them, others not so much.

The menu changes somewhat, so I'm not going to review a specific dish, but rather say that they often have dishes with meats not often found in other restaurants--goat, venison, boar saucisson, that sort of thing. Not a restaurant for those with light appetites, or (given you walk through the bar to reach the restaurant) for impressionable children. Husband and I will definitely be back!

I don't like mussels and I don't drink beer. So what am I doing here? Mussels is the specialty of the house at Hopleaf Bar, fresh from Prince Edward Island, steamed Belgian-style in witterkerke white ale with sliced shallots, celery, thyme and bayleaf. I prefer shrimp or scallops, not mussels. But something else on the menu caught my eye and that's why we're here. Located at 5148 North Clark Street at West Foster, Hopleaf Bar is a lively gastropub (whatever that means) that offers creative Belgian-focused bar food and loads of brews for 21-and-older only. Since 1992, they have been advertising the best mussels in town. But my wife and I were more interested in the Belgian fried chicken, which is the specialty on the first Monday of every month. I have been addicted to southern fried chicken since boyhood in the 1950s. But Belgian fried chicken? We had to give it a try. We're glad we did. Chicken comes in a lot of ways...KFC, Popeye's, Brown's, Church's, southern fried, baked, roasted, grilled. But Belgian fried was new to us. Until now. Hopleaf Bar's version is a Kwak-battered thigh with miso celery root puree, Kimichi fried rice waffle, General Tsao's sauce, roasted broccoli, shaved carrot and scallions. Trust me, when it's all put together, it's delicious. And there are other items on Hopleaf Bar's menu to tide me over, including onion rings, pan seared Diver scallops, pan seared Coho salmon, wood-grilled pork chop, stewed beef short ribs, maple brined duck breast, Slagel Farms Boar meatloaf sandwich, grass-fed Brisket sandwich and cranberry bread pudding. Someday, when I'm feeling very adventurous, I'll have to try mussels just to see if I'm missing something.

This place is fantastic. Great food, great drinks, great atmosphere in a really great neighborhood every time I am in Chicago, I always try to make one trip here for dinner.

I try to come here every time I am in Chicago. I love good craft beer and this place has an excellent selection of US and Belgium Beers. The atmosphere is perfect for a place like this. Nice outdoor patio in the back, dimly lit dark woods etc. The food is also tasty, streak frites and other good bar options. If you love good beer, you will love this place.

This bar is just on the fringe of Girltown, and has a relaxed Portland feel. The place is deceptively large, at first it just looks like a small bar, but then it seems to go back a long way and then connects to adjacent buildings. The crowd was mostly youngish, flannel wearing males, many with beards, as would be expected with the strong beer slant. Having said that the beer menu was very extensive both draft and bottled. Staff were very nice and helpful and food was very good. They had a wood grill, but we opted for the mussels, a signature dish. They came with frites and mayonnaise as is the belgian way. I would definitely order them again as they were very fresh and abundant. The cauliflower salad started with was excellent - a definite thing to try. Informal but with a great welcoming atmosphere - not the finest or most exotic dining but good solid food well prepared, with a great beer selection. Would definitely go back and take friends.

As tourists we were slightly off the beaten track in Andersonville, but our hosts took us to an excellent restaurant. Great atmosphere, great food and excellent selection of beers (draught and bottled). We chose large mussels between us - weren't disappointed. Friendly, helpful staff.

Met friends and family at Hopleaf and enjoyed sitting in the Biergarten under the huge umbrella. What a great selection of beers! Had a new item for this menu - a corn cake with peas and asparagus; absolutely gorgeous and a great blend of distinctive flavor. We try to get here whenever we are in Chicago and you should too.

Hopleaf was a must go to on my list, and so glad I did! The food was great, beer selection was nice and the overall atmosphere of the location was very welcoming. If your in town I definitely recommend you stop by! Would love to go back and try the dinner menu.

So first time to this particular place and it was amazing, the beer selection was pretty great regular stuff and then there was a small booklet that have probably over 100 different kinds of beers plus wine. The food selection was incredible both appetizers were top notch the charcuterie board was to die for. We did have the duck Ruben which was good but the steak on the plate was one of the best we’ve had in a really long time not coming from a steakhouse it was delicious. Definitely make sure if you try the butter herb and the shallot butter. for your steak it was incredible along with the french fries you can ask for the garlic aioli which was awesome awesome awesome

Nice atmosphere, friendly helpful staff, great fries, the smell is hard to resist. We tried half a dozen beers between us and they were all great

Surprised that they didn't brew any of their own, but the broad array of tapped beer more than made up for that Food was excellent. Scallops, fried chicken and pork chops.

My wife and I aren't bar people, not since my wife stopped drinking vodka martinis shortly after we were married 44 years ago. But we enjoy visiting bars for the friendly conversation and unique food and telecasts of English Premier League soccer. One of our favorite stops is Hopleaf Bar. Located at 5148 North Clark Street at Route 41 or Foster Avenue, east of Ashland, in the Andersonville neighborhood, it is open from 4 to 9 Monday through Thursday, from noon to 10 on Friday and Saturday and from noon to 9 on Sunday and offers a creative Belgian-focused cuisine with 68 taps and bottled brands, fine wines, spirits, cocktails and cider. Established in 1992, Hopleaf Bar continues to survive during the pandemic with limited patio seating and two new Breeo fire pits, takeout and delivery. We started with a large and small bowl of pork and beans, a Slagel Farm boar shoulder, smoked pork hocks and Nueske ham stewed with mirepoix, tomatoes, kidney and Northern beans in a rich stock. We also sampled a Charcuterie of capicola, calabrese salami, prosciutto and Prairie Breeze cheese with rustic polenta bread, olive oil and antipasto olives. My wife indulged in a grass-fed brisket sandwich on light rye bread with whole grain mustard and dill pickle with pommes frites. I couldn't resist (for the first time) a home-made and smoked kielbasa sausage with fried potatoes covered in garlic/herb aioli, smoky pickled red cabbage and whole grain mustard. A delicious combination. And Liverpool won, too.

This place is a firm favourite of old, serving up a superb range of craft beers, so it featured very high on the itinerary for our latest tour of the best drinking establishments that Chicago has to offer. We sampled three of the latest offerings (which were uniformly excellent), served up by the very knowledgable barman - who then joined us for a glass of Triplewood Auchentoshan single malt to round of a perfect visit.

Always a "must do" stop when visiting our son in Andersonville. Best wine on tap I have ever had! Great beer selection. Good food, also.

Stumbled upon Hopleaf on our way to the Robert Plant concert. We did no research or planning and looked for a place to dash into to get out of the rain - what good fortune we have. Hopleaf is awesome. The place has lots of well-used on well-maintained dark wood. The staff is efficient and friendly. There is a giant beer selection - bordering on overwhelming. Great options for beer drinkers. The food is excellent - so excellent that we'll go back. Don't miss Hopleaf.

I got the brisket sandwich, which was marginal at best. It wanted to be a reuben, but was not a reuben. I do not recommend this sandwich. The goats milk cheesecake was good.

Eventhough I no longer live in Chicago, I still visit Hopleaf whenever I'm in town! This is hands down, one of my favorite casual locales. They have more beer on tap than anyone could handle and their rotating menu of small and interesting plates is on par with what you expect from a world class city. I don't want to give away ALL my secrets, but it's one of the only places I know of that has Zombie Dust (3 floyds brewery) on tap All the time! Sssshhhhh, don't tell anyone I told you that. PRO TIP: this location is 21 and over 24/7/365

This is a warm and inviting bar with an excellent restaurant. Some places like this fail at one or another but Hopleaf is great on both counts. I don't know how many drafts they have but the beer selection is awesome. For serious beer drinkers, there's a cooler of off-menu bottled choices, mostly Belgian beers, which are a specialty of the space. We had brought friends in and it didn't disappoint. The Montreal brisket sandwich is yummy - the frites are many! Dessert was amazing. Several days later I am dreaming of the delicate flavor of the sweet corn custard. Wow. Many different ways to experience this space - outdoor seating, private/semi private rooms, two-tops, large tables, booths, bar seating. Wood from the recent addition was incorporated into bar seating and tables. There are two other great things about Hopleaf. No kids. No TVs. I know that lots of people just can't imagine a meal without TVs or kids but I LOVE that there are no kids or TVs here.

Tried this on a Saturday night with our nephew. Great beer list (the menu print could be a little bigger or a bit more light) - all of us trying two different each. The food was great too - had mussles to start - first time the broth was beer based - very tasty! For mains - scallops, pork belly and brisket. Good sized portions too! We sat in the back area - busy enough but quiet enough to talk comfortably. The reason I didn't give it a excellent rating - the bathrooms were a total mess. Someone needs to actually check them through out the day.

I've been going to Hopleaf for 10-years or so... This is the best belgian pub in town with the best fries in Chicago & the largest belgian & international beer choices in town! I love all the beers you can try there (I get the La Chouffe or Fin du monde or Kriek or their draft beer there). The steak frites is amazing and so are their mussels & fries which are a great bargain. In the summer, there's an outdoor patio you can use & in the winter you can be cozily sat by a wood burning fireplace. Their mac and cheese is really flavorful & rich too while not being overtly too dense. Overall this is one of the best bistro food you can get in Chicago. Definitely get the fries!

Went there around 14:30 to avoid waiting. The beer is awesome! The Mussels where delicious too, though a little on the small size. The sandwich was great too. The the main reason for me going there was the beer selection and I was delighted with the different brands and flavors I could tasted! Indeed highly recommended!

The food was great, the atmosphere is typical of a neighborhood tavern however the beer selection was disappointing. When I travel to other cities, I try to seek out neighborhood establishments, hence this restaurant. I was disappointed that the large beer list did not include more beer selections from some very good local breweries, that are within walking distance of this restaurant...this is the only reason why I would not give this place a 5 star rating. With a name like Hopleaf, I would expect a great local beer list

Hopleaf has a great beer selection and excellent food so it is a must place for me to go to whenever I am in the Andersonville area. On this occasion, I had the duck Reuben which was delicious and a Petrus sour black currant beer which really complimented my meal. Three of us shared a side order of mac and stilton cheese and after the massive portion of fries that came with the Reuben, I was really full.

What an amazing experience. The incredible beer selection, the atmosphere, the food, the service. We found it on a list of Chicago restaurants that had been featured on Diners, Drive-ins and Dives. It was well worth the trip to get to the restaurant. This was our first trip to Chicago, on our honeymoon. Our server was kind enough to take some pictures for us and provide excellent service. Can't wait to come back!

We were staying in Andersonville for three nights and this establishment was recommended. As we entered, a guy on a stool sitting just inside the door grunted something at me. "Sorry?" Then another incomprehensible response. "I'm sorry, I still don't understand." Then I realise he's asking for ID. As a British tourist I don't carry any, and as I fumble for a credit card as a possible substitute I frivolously say, "I'm 60 next birthday if that helps". (Even in a dark bar it would be difficult to confuse me with an under-age drinker.) Big mistake! "This isn't a laughing matter! It's a federal requirement! We could lose our licence! You must have similar laws in your country!" Whooa!! Just a minute, and before I decide to turn and leave my partner shows his European driving licence which he looks at and which appears to satisfy him as adequate for both of us. Then he looks me in the eye with an aggressive "ENJOY!" A bit damn late for that mate! We really should have turned and left at that point, but I'm glad we didn't becasue all the other staff were friendly and helpful, with their excellent and renowned selection of beers. The food and service also very good. This guy was just doing his job. As we left it was obvious he was checking everyone, but he seems to have fallen through the usually effective and congenial American customer care course net and he was unnecessarily rude and aggressive to two obvious strangers. I would have given an overall rating of at least four had it not been for this rather unpleasant experience on entry.

Great selection of beers! The food was more a bar food fare generally. Place was busy and noisy, but we got served promptly. Great change of pace.

I've always loved the Hopleaf and recently took my Australian husband while visiting Chicago. The food did not disappoint. The staff were friendly and helpful. I loved the mussels and the frites were so addicting with the aioli.

Food was better than bar-food, beer was excellent with a nod to local breweries. nice little patio outside.

Hop leaf is a great place for lunch, dinner or just drinks and apps. The food is original and quite good. The beer selection is fabulous but Hopleaf also has a very interesting and affordable wine selection. We have been to Hopleaf during many Chicago stays and love the Andersonville neighborhood!

Absolutely Fantastic. From the moment we sat until we walked out the door we were taken care of really well. Ridiculously wonderful beer list. Don't know what to drink? Just ask. I was given the lowdown on what would be perfect with my meal. Meal? Did I say meal? The food is phenomenal. We actually at there twice one day.

Well worth the trip to Chicago's Andersonville neighborhood just to come here. An expansive beer selection and nice choices for wine. The food is exceptional. And there mussels are a must. If you like mussels order them here, you will not be disappointed. Get them with onion rings for a truly tasty treat. Enough by themselves as a meal or plenty as a shared starter. Weather permitting the outdoor seating area is a great place to enjoy your meal.

I wanted to do two things last time I was in Chicago -see a Cubs game and go to Hopleaf- but didn't have time for both; I absolutely made the right choice...sorry, Cubbies. The tap and bottle list quickly confirmed my decision, but the food is what brought a huge smile to my face. Nice selection of interesting items all done with a quality that mocks the moniker of bar food. Do they have the best fries ever? Book a flight, train, bus or taxi and confirm for yourself what I already know.

We had a great experience, killing time while waiting on a show.. Taken very well care of by bartender Kyle ( whom I kept calling Keri……I apologize.) Great neighborhood bar in Andersonville! We had drinks and the chicken sandwich.

This place has an enviable beer choice lineup. More taps than you can shake a stick at and some very unusual and hard to find hoppy and malty beverages will state you in the face. And, oh yeah, if cider is your thang then you won’t be disappointed either. Now, we have been coming here for quite some time ... almost never miss it when we visit friends in Andersonville. And there is a reason for that — the beer. But this last time, last night, we ate dinner there. It was solidly above average. The ambiance and service were fun, nice and competent. The mussels unbelievably good and the fries nicely seasoned. But the fries and rings are thin cut and we’re not a big fan of those but the dipping aioli is very good. The duck Reuben was overly crispy almost too crispy. But, all in all, a very nice dining locale and when coupled with the beer lineup, it is borderline five star.

One of the best beer bars in Chicago - also love their Belgian/French cuisine. I love bavette and it's one of the better places in Chicago to serve it, especially paired with their beer selection. They do mussels really well, always rotating the preparation. Have been here 20+ times over the years, will continue to go...

We only had the mussels, but they were excellent. I believe we had the ones with the white wine sauce versus the lobster sauce (per our bartender's recommendation). Andersonville is a very nice area to explore, and this is a great place to have a few beers and relax.

Every time I visit Hopleaf I briefly consider leaving my beloved neighborhood for easier access to this local gem. Hopleaf is a local bar which serves higher end pub food. It offers multi-level space from the front bar area (no table service), to the dining room, upper room bar, outdoor patio (if weather permits) and the new bar space next door. Typically when I visit I enjoy a drink or two and some food at the bar. Sometimes the staff get overwhelmed with how busy it gets and service slows down but overall I find the bar staff friendly and efficient. When I've sat outside though the service has been quite slow, I'm not sure if there is designated waitstaff for the patio or if they also work tables inside. The reason I love Hopleaf is their impressive list of beers on tap and bottled which is carefully curated by the restaurant. Many of the beers are locally made or are Belgian including a few difficult to find Trappist style beers. They do not offer flights but are happy to provide you with a taste of a beer if you're not sure you want to commit to a pint (or half pint depending on the style and alcohol content). They maintain an updated beer menu with what's offered on tap and bottled. Given their extensive list I encourage visitors to take the time to review the beer menu before asking for an "IPA" because when they're busy its impossible for the bartenders to walk you through all of their offerings. I've always had good experiences with the food here, I typically order the CBJ because it's vegetarian friendly but have had a few of their salads. People I've eaten with have had varying views on their food though. A few notes, the bar upstairs has no food and a limited list of beer on tap. The patio is a single table/single check so keep that in mind. They also always check ID's regardless of age so you should have some form of identification on you to prove your date of birth.

Came here on recommendation of friends Great atmosphere and beer list. Limited food selection but good soup. Would come back.

Had a nice time on the patio. Ordered delis Pork Belly Salad, Brisket Reuben Sandwich and Brat Burger which was serve with shoestring french fries. Variety of good beers. Would’ve given five stars but the customer service was lacking. I had to ask staff multiple times to remove our empty plates and glasses.

Great bar, so you hardly want to leave it and sit at the table. Even if you are not a beer-lover, an outstanding beer list with the help of a casually pleasant staff must get you to try some. Food is typical snack menu that matches entire atmosphere.Recommend to all when in Chicago.

After 16 years I will always remember this bar. 3 beautiful kids. Thank you. I don't go to bars but best birthday party ever!

Food was great - Beer excellent! Service outstanding! This Restaurant is about 3 miles north of Michigan Ave shopping!

We went for lunch on a Tuesday afternoon. Very unique bar in a old building. Nice set up. We went to get the brisket sandwich which on triple D showed a huge amount of meat. In reality the amount of meat on the sandwich was a little sparse. The flavor was absolutely excellent. But you do need more meat on that sandwich. We also had the barbecued duck sandwich which was okay . Nothing to write home about. They come with fries or onion strings which they give you mounds of and they are very good. Waiter was excellent and the service was very good. It also has many, many craft beers on draft.

21 pages to choose from, a beer (and cider and mead), lover's quandry. We decided to go local, and enjoyed our selections. We enjoyed reading the descriptions of the many offerings, which really made us realize we don't know as much about beer as we thought we did. Great space, great music, had a great time.

Great neighbourhood, great food, and a fantastic beer menu. The mussels were exquisite and the sandwiches were huge. Everyone in our party raved about the atmosphere and service too.

Tried the brisket done Montreal style. Don't know what that means but it was killer. Beer is fantastic with several choices on the menu

visited with friends on a business trip. the staff were very friendly and welcoming. The menu is a good mix of sandwiches and grill. The portions were very generous. The duck sandwich was excellent. There is a huge menu of beers and the staff were very knowledgable about them.

How often do you find gourmet food on a bar menu? My son had the bison short ribs and I had the duck Reuben. Everything was great.Get the fish cake appetizer, the cakes were delicious and the pickled veggies that came with it were even better.

Did not come here expecting to eat but then our server talked us into the charcuterie, some salads, and the sausage of the day - all were excellent additions to a very good tap list. Son of the Juice was a favorite. Staff extremely nice and setting is very warm and inviting.

Great bar - great food. It is a big place, three bar locations. Service was excellent. We ate outside which was a good choice because it is loud due to the size and number of guests. Very interesting food choices. Had goat stew on couscous....a lot of things you wouldn't think of for a bar/tap room. Large portions, excellent and extensive craft beer menu. I think that for being in the city, the prices were very good as well. Great place. Must be 21 to even get in the door.

Fun little bar with a huge selection of Belgium beers. In Andersonville- a hopping place. They serve food also and it is delicious. I had their mussels and they were wonderful.My husband had the grass fed brisket sandwich and it was to die for. A great spot - one of the best in Andersonville!

This is a great Brew Pub, the service and the vibe were first rate. The mussels and frites were as good as Paris!

What a place! If you are a craft beer fan, then this is the place for you. With a huge range of taps to choose from, before you even get to the extensive bottle list, the Hopleaf offers great service & knowledge of craft beer. The establishment has a number of different spaces, in a rambling sort of way, that will suit all people & groups. Highly recommended for a visit & not to long a walk from the El.

Good beer, good food, good atmosphere -- has it all! I love coming here for drinks or for the food, make sure you try the mussels! Without a doubt worth checking out if you're in the area.

Thought I would be eating simple bar food but the menu is full of very unique dishes. Everything was delicious. The Tilapia sandwich was hot and fresh. Perfect. Lots of great beer on tap too. It's a big place so explore and enjoy.

I met up with some friends here and really enjoyed it. They have an interesting Belgian-inspired menu. I had the CB&J sandwich and it was delicious, as was the mac and cheese. They have a good variety of ciders on tap as well, which I appreciated as I'm not much of a beer drinker. Overall, this seems like a great neighborhood bar that I would probably go to often if I lived in Chicago.

Fiancé and I shared the mussels for two. They were perfectly seasoned. I had the blueberry mead and a great hard cider. Their list of drinks is impressive and their dessert menu was also fantastic.

First, the beer (and cider) soooo many to choose from! They have a beer for everyone. I had a ginger, peach cider, delicious! For our entrees, I had the brisket sandwich, and my friend had the cb&j. The brisket was very well seasoned,and super tender. Also the sandwhich was very thick! The cb&j (cashew butter, fig jam, and cheese) was delicious! Not something I would have ever thought about ordering, but next time I go, I'll definitely have to get it! Also the fries a great, it comes with a garlic aioli that has a very strong citrus after taste, which I loved. Great spot in Andersonville!

Large, nicely curated tap list, great ambience. Always something interesting to try. Comfortable place to hang.

After a long day attending the massive ALA conference, my husband and I were in the mood for a casual place w/ no attitude or dress codes and Hopleaf really fit the bill. I love the bricked pub atmosphere (there's lots of different sections both upstairs and down as well as a patio). The food is elevated from the usual pub fare with lots of options. I had the pork schnitzel and really liked it, while husbo ate the Sausage plate (which he thoroughly enjoyed). They also offer quarter carafes of wine, which I appreciate (I only wish more places had this feature--its a great way to have a couple of glasses of wine at a cheaper price). Prices are fair and service is professional and unobtrusive. Solid place, through and through, recommended!

Yet to have a negative experience at Hopleaf, and I doubt I ever will. This place used to be very small and hard to get into until they opened up the space last year. Luckily, this has not taken away from the quality of dining you experience. I have been for a meal after helping my friend move, guys night, date night, new years and even just for drinks. Whenever a friend suggest Hopleaf, there is little hesitation amongst the group to head straight there. You always know you will have a great meal along with tasty drinks when visiting Hopleaf.

With so many options for craft brews + good food in this area of Chicago, Hopleaf is a consistent favorite. So many interesting draft beers to choose from, it's hard to decide. Each beer is described by style, ABV and general taste points. The knowledgable bar staff will provide further guidance, if needed. It's not just about the beer, creative cocktails and wines are also available. The food is more upscale than the usual "bar food". During a recent visit we had the sausages & white beans in a bourbon pancetta sauce as an appetizer, it was simply exceptional. We are never disappointed.

If your taste in beer expands further than a Miller Lite then this is place to go in Chicago. Way before the craft beer craze and the onslaught of IPA's, Hopleaf was a little "Belgium beer" place in Andersonville. Now that it expanded into the space next door it has only gotten better. I occasionally will have lunch or dibber there and the food is really good but usually I am just there for the beer. They serve more than Belgium's and with the help of the knowledgeable bartenders you can find a beer to really enjoy. It is an unusual place for Chicago since there are no TV's so their is no hint of a sports bar vibe. They also have a firm rule - no children. I saw a couple with a new born try to get and they are very serious about the no one under 21 rule. There are some great spots in Chicago but Hopleaf is without a doubt the best for beer!

When I first moved to Chicago almost seven years ago, I had the good fortune of selecting an apartment within a five minute walk of Hopleaf. Since then, many of my fondest memories come from visits to Hopleaf with my friends, family, and regularly just myself. This place is a rare gem, the food is great (the frites are addictive and the soups are always intersting!), the beer selection is amazing, and the staff are so wonderful and kind. I've been countless times and really look forward to going back when things start to reopen.

What else can you ask for besides a completely unpretentious bib gourmand rated restaurant that is busy every day of the week. They have tons of beers and specialize in Belgians. I've never had anything but an exceptional time here and have been coming for years!

Really enjoyed our visit to the Hopleaf! Great draft beer selection. Too bad they didn't have Goose Island Bourbon County on tap! Otherwise...great beers! Didn't eat food so can't comment much...other than the food looked good.

Hopleaf is a great neighborhood bar. They have an extensive beer list. It was my first time but two others had been there before. I ordered the nueske ham sandwich which came grilled with cheese and slaw in the sandwich. It was crispy, creamy, sweet and savory and melted in my mouth. Also ordered was the brisket sandwich which also got good reviews from the table and the polenta cakes which were also good but the ham outshined them all. Restaurant has a really lively fun atmosphere and a fireplace for cold winter nights. Definitely coming back!

A limited but never-disappointing food menu and the best curated beer list this side of Belgium! If they have the deconstructed scotch egg, go for it!

Beer bars don't get much better than this! Excellent selection, knowlegable & freindly staff. Bonus, the food is great too! Mussels, Belgian style are excellent.

Trendy, popular, busy, knowledgeable and attentive staff, good food, great beer selection. We'll return, but not for the crowds.

Fantastic beer, sour, gose selection and wonderful food. Atmosphere and the many areas of the bar are great too. Loved that there were no kids. A very creative menu and all offerings were tasty, beautifully presented and just down right yummy. I wish I lived around the corner - I'd be here every other day. Thanks!

Four of us went to this restaurant. We had an ID check for all coming in. We found a table for four in one of the multitude of rooms. Our waitress, Alexandra was excellent. Shed took our beer orders and quickly delivered them. The number of draft beers that they are able to. serve real time is astonishing. They must have an excellent distribution system. I ordered mussels, other ordered steaks. Huge servings, lots of fresh fried potatoes. Ok, but the best I have had. Overall a truly enjoyable dinner.

We tried both types of mussels with the frites and had some of the draft beers. Mussels were very good, but the frites were a bit over-done. However, the choice of draft beers were excellent. Good casual place, but agree with a previous review about the 'doorman asking for ID'. Can understand asking people who look in their 20s, but we are 60!

On the list of "Must visit whenever in Chicago". I had the best Reuben sandwich I've ever had yesterday. I have yet discovered anything I don't like about Hopleaf.

Wow, great selection of beer - served in the correct glass for the style of beer. Frites (fries to us US natives) and aiola with garlic - reminded me of my time in Holland. All the food was fresh and made a little differently than many consider as Classic in the US. The muscles were excellent - we had the Belgium style and the roast beef, again so fresh and very well done. Great atmosphere urban feel with a wood burning stove. They have both a bar and a dining room, super comfortable and casual. Try something a little different on the menu. The charcuterie look fabulous!

We went here specifically to have mussels and fries. It was pretty packed on a Saturday night, but we didn’t have to wait long for a table. The inside was extremely noisy, necessitating shouting if you wanted to have a conversation. Service was prompt enough, although it was a little rushed and impersonal. The mussels are prepared two ways, but we realized the waiter never asked us which way we wanted ours prepared. We shared the roasted corn salad, which was delicious, but a little on the small side given the $8 price. The mussels and fries arrived and were very good, but the fries came with one little container of aioli (we had to ask for more) and two stingy pieces of bread (we asked for more). The beer we tried (suggested by the waiter) was really good as well. I would definitely go back for the mussels and try the ones we REALLY wanted had we been asked.

This place was originally featured on Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives, but I'm pretty sure it's blown up since then. The restaurant seen on the show is much smaller than what you find now on Clark Street. There is a ton of seating, and you can always make your way to the bar and try to seat yourself there as well. The beer selection is overwhelming, but that's never a bad thing. Everything on the menu is made to pair with beer, so take your pick. I chose a Belgian tripel and had it with the cashew and fig "CB&J". The sandwich was really different, very interesting. I like the blend of mellow flavors and it paired nicely with a more fruity-floral beer. The ambiance is really nice; very lively and gastropub-ish. The one thing I didn't care for much was the Stilton mac&cheese. The Stilton is truly overpowering and needed something lighter to balance it out. The menu is a bit pricey (which honestly pushed me toward the CB&J) and including beer, the bill racks up quickly. It's not the cheapest place, but it's worth a try at least once.

This is an over 21 only dining/bar experience. I had a spicy duck Rueben with great onion rings and my spouse enjoyed the brisket sandwich with heaps of fries. Lots of beer and cider to choose from.