The Best Places To Drink Beer In Chicago 2014 | Tasting Table CHI

From a beer hall that has 114 brews on tap to a beer hall slash arcade, Chicago has no shortage of places to sip a craft beer. Here are our seven favorites.

① Howells & Hood in Streeterville

This larger-than-life beer hall offers 114 beers on draught—the most expansive selection in Chicago—that range from locally brewed IPAs like Half Acre's Daisy Cutter ($3/$6) to international beers like Krombacher Pilsner ($3/$7). Indecisive? Try a beer flight ($16 to $18) to sample several at once.

② Twisted Spoke in West Town

In addition to its substantial beer menu, Chicago's preeminent biker bar also routinely collaborates with breweries to create special, limited-run brews. Order its award-winning shrimp po'boy ($10.50) and a cold one and head to the sunny rooftop beer garden for casual day-drinking.

③ Bangers & Lace in Wicker Park

Satisfy all your sausage and frothy beer needs at this aptly named Wicker Park favorite. The 32-deep on-tap list changes frequently, showcasing a refreshing mix of rare, under-the-radar brews from both near and far. As for the food? Foie gras corn dog ($13) or bust.

④ Fountainhead in Ravenswood

Designed with the beer aficionado in mind, Fountainhead's distinctive beverage list places an emphasis on local and regional breweries like Begyle, Three Floyds and Tyranena. The food menu, overseen by chef Cleetus Friedman, is equally unique, and showcases beer-infused morsels such as Steigl beer-battered pickles ($10) and pub cheese ($9) laced with Stone Pale Ale.

⑤ Beermiscuous in Lakeview

A self-proclaimed "beer café," Beermiscuous offers beer drinkers a laid-back, coffee house-esque experience without the trappings of a bar atmosphere (read: no loud music, rowdy patrons or cavernous ambiance). Additional perks: free Wi-Fi, "beeristas" and a lax BYOF (bring your own food) policy.

⑥ Hopleaf in Uptown

Between its welcoming neighborhood vibe and Belgian-heavy draft selection ($6 to $10) that's more than 60 brews deep, there's not much else to want for at Hopleaf, except for, perhaps, the Wittekerke White Ale steamed mussels ($13).

⑦ Headquarters Beercade in Lakeview & River North

Thanks to its newly minted second location, you can now reach craft beer and vintage gaming nirvana by way of HQ Lakeview and HQ River North. Both outposts have an impressive canned beer list and dozens of old-school arcade games and pinball machines. Bring your thirst and nimble thumbs.