The Map Room
WHAT: The Map Room (Bar/Beer Garden)
WHERE: 1949 N. Hoyne Ave.
OUR RATING: Do it!
(maproom.com)
Buried treasure isn’t exactly what one is looking for in a city (although it’s always nice to find). The Map Room in Bucktown not only allowed us to uncover a full treasure chest’s of world beers, but also immerse ourselves in the experience of exploration, right down to the cartography on the walls and the National Geographics on the shelves.
With over 200 brands of beer and 36 brewing styles, The Map Room can seem a bit daunting. But, never fear, your trusty menu is here, and choosing anything from it is sure to land you on some far off tropical land, or at least on the galleon traveling there.
(maproom.com)
Once you’ve settled down to your cozy nautical table, you’ve got a lot of choices on your hands, so we’ve picked some brews for you to start out with. Grab your library card folks, ‘cause you’re about to journey through the Land of Adventure (if you don’t know what we’re talking about see here):
(lindemans.be)
Lindemans Framboise (Horror) Dr. Jekyll would surely approve of this exceedingly sweet, raspberry lambic of a potion. If you’ve never had a fruit beer before, the experience could be overpowering. Yet, its sweetness lends to its uniqueness and, at $7, it is decently priced for such an exotic beer.
(@joefoodie)
Arcadia Starboard Stout (Adventure) Pirates are known for their strong brews and lust for treasure. This little gem comes in a 20 oz glass for only $6, so you can save your own treasure and experience the seven seas. An oatmeal stout with dark, smooth notes, a hint of chocolate and a dry finish, Starboard Stout is a meal unto itself and fully fortifies you for a night of swashbuckling.
(newhollandbrew.com)
New Holland Dragon’s Milk (Fantasy) All we can say is Whoopi! Dragon’s Milk might as well have come from the real thing, and its deep red colouring and oaky flavour are reminiscent of the perfumed aromas around King Arthur’s Round Table. Definitely worth your while even at the rather steep $7 for 10 oz. Since dragons are extinct, this is a bargain.
(maproom.com)
Despite a plethora of bottled beers on the wall, we highly suggest you go draft with their 26 taps, or try their cask-conditioned ale on handpump which rotates at least once a week. A note of import: the proper glass is always used for each style.
But if beer really isn’t your thing (even one of their gluten-free beers), their full-service bar also includes ciders, mead and the rest of the alcohol crew. The bar is cash only, so be sure to bring some bills.
(maproom.com)
Rally your crew, grab your grog, and thumb through the Nat Geos to plan your next expedition upon the high seas. We know one thing for sure: you’ll leave in high spirits.
P.S. Every month or so you can walk the plank with brewmaster Greg Brown of Mickey Finn’s Brewery at The Map Room’s Beer School. For about $25 you can join fellow classmates and study a few beers, from what you’re tasting and smelling down to the ingredients and processes that are informing those very same flavors and aromas.