Lakeview East chamber of commerce and Goose Island held the mid winter madness pub crawl. If you are not familiar with the term pub crawl, here it is in a nut shell. Travel through a distinct area with various stops, all while enjoying great drink specials. See your neighborhood; experience multiple bars you probably would just stroll by on an average day. This crawl was a little different from your normal crawl. There was a free trolley to navigate you from place to place. So the amount of crawling came after all the bars were hit. This pub crawl had awesome specials on 312 and I love 312. It’s just one of those beer that you get in the mood for every once in a while. And since it’s made right here in “Sweet Home Chicago” at Goose Island Brewery, I feel good drinking it and supporting my local businesses!  If you haven’t had one yet, go try it.  You’ll thank me later. As far as the pubs that served them. Here are cousin Vinnie’s favorites.

#1) New York Deli- This joint knows sangwiches. Yes I said sangwiches, deal with it. (sangwich is a slang term for sandwiches on the south side of Chicago)Everything I ate there it was amazing. The owner David Lobo and manager John Cameron let Chicago.com crew taste a few of their creations;
Macy’s day parade- Turkey, bacon, and Havarti cheese with a nice slathering of sweet cranberry sauce.

R J- Turkey, pastrami and pepper jack cheese (truly a classic)

Giuliani – (this is Rudy’s favorite) Ham, salami and their amazing Capicola.

They use Thumann’s meats (all natural folks) top grade. Every day they bake there fresh French bread and cookies. The assortment of chips they carry is amazing. They have a beer and wine license, so you can go grab a sangwich and a beer. Or if you don’t want to leave your house “no sweat” they deliver. Not just the food, the beer and wine too. The only thing about this joint I would change is maybe the name. How’s this sound Dave “The Chicago Deli” just joking buddy? Great food, great staff, this place rocks!

#2)Harrigan’s Pub-2816 N Halsted – The very knowledgeable staff took us from beer to beer. The bartender  poured us from a 12 ounce bottle of Goose Island, Juliet into a pint glass. He taught me what to look for in a beer. Here is my first beer review on Juliet; Beer is dark Rose colored, slightly murky. Head appeared pink and fast like a soda, very thin. Quickly disappeared, what remains is a thin lacing that clings to the sides. The smell is a slight honey, slight fruit (pear and grape) scent maybe, and earthly hints. Taste is incredible, a perfect mix of honey and grape taste, not overbearing in the least though. Medium bodied beer, rather carbonated. Very drinkable beer for 6.7%abv. Besides a great selection of beers, they have Wii tournaments. This is a very friendly place and a Vinnie approved staff. When could I move in guys?

#3) Jake’s pub- They’ve got a great selection of bottled beer and a smaller but still good selection on tap. It’s a smaller place, but that’s part of its charm. Dim lighting, interesting wall art, and friendly staff. The pool table is well maintained and the juke box is full of great tunes. Whether you are starting the night off or closing the night down, this is a great place to do both.

Lakeview East Chamber of commerce and Goose Island Cousin. Vinnie and Chicago.com would like to thank you for a most excellent pub crawl. Now quit reading, get your butts up and go to Lakeview East and try these joints out. Here is a list of all the places!