For craft beer lovers and food enthusiasts, Hopleaf Bar in Chicago’s Andersonville neighborhood is more than just a bar; it’s an experience. Since opening in 1992, Hopleaf has been a cornerstone in Chicago’s craft beer scene, offering a remarkable selection of local and international brews paired with a menu featuring delicious Belgian-inspired cuisine.
Whether you’re a local or a visitor, Hopleaf is a must-visit destination for anyone seeking an authentic beer and dining experience.
Hopleaf Menu
STARTERS
| Item | Description | Price | Dietary Notes |
| Soup of the Day | Ask server for details | $8 | – |
| Poutine | Famous pommes frites w/ Wisconsin cheese curds, bacon gravy, Duvel 6.66 cheese sauce, chives | $15 | – |
| Stracciatella | Pickled-charred fennel, citrus, balsamic gastrique, pine nuts, olive oil, sea salt, toasted sourdough | $17 | ♣✿ |
| House-Smoked Salmon Dip | Cream cheese, dill, horseradish, lemon; served w/ rye crostini, veggies, house pickles | $13 | – |
| Spiced Squash & Sweet Potato Hummus | Pickled fennel, candied pepitas, gremolata, pumpkin seed oil, microgreens; w/ focaccia | $13 | ✺ |
| Crispy Pork Belly | Roasted carrot purée, smoked cranberry char siu, cider apples, micro cilantro, scallion curls, sesame seeds | $17 | – |
| Pork Rillette | Confit pork belly & loin w/ seasonal fruit gelée; herb salad, bread, mustard seeds | $16 | – |
| Cheese Board | Chef’s selection of local cheeses w/ bread & accoutrements | $26 | ♣✿ |
| Bread & Butter Board | Compound butter, pickles, preserves, fruit & herbs | $15 | ♣✿ |
(Key: ✺ Vegan | ✿ Vegetarian | ♦ Gluten-Free | ♣ Contains Nuts)
SALADS
| Item | Description | Price | Dietary Notes |
| Apple Salad | Cider apples, pear, celery, arugula, goat cheese, smoked walnuts, fennel, fennel vinaigrette | $14 | ✿♦♣ |
| Wedge Salad | Butter lettuce, pickled-smoked shallots, cherry tomatoes, vegan ranch, chive oil, croutons, fried garlic | $15 | ✺ |
| Pear & Radish Salad | Arugula, mascarpone, lambic gastrique, fennel, pepitas, apple vinaigrette | $13 | ✿ |
| Entrée Salad | Mesclun mix, cherry tomatoes, pickled onions, carrots, sunflower seeds, red wine vinaigrette | $12 | ✺♦ |
| Add Bacon | – | +$2 | – |
SANDWICHES
(All served with pommes frites)
| Item | Description | Price | Add-Ons |
| The Slagel Burger | Double beef patty, American cheese, grilled onions, lettuce, tomato, pickles, special sauce (brioche) | $20 | Bacon +$2 |
| Toasted Nueske Ham | Pumpernickel, Gruyère, apple-tarragon coleslaw, herb aioli | $20 | – |
| Pork Schnitzel | Kaiser roll, panko-breaded Iowa pork, mustard aioli, pickled red cabbage | $18 | – |
| CB&J | Sourdough, cashew butter, fig jam, raclette (pan-fried) | $18 | ♣✿ |
| Brisket Reuben | Marbled rye, 1000 island, Emmenthaler, sauerkraut (pan-fried) | $20 | – |
ENTRÉES
| Item | Description | Price | Dietary Notes |
| Curried Squash & Sweet Potato | Coconut curry, pepper relish, pickled shallots, micro cilantro, sesame seeds | $20 | ✺♦ |
| Whitefish | Brown butter potatoes, creamed fennel, fennel oil | $26 | ♦ |
| Sausage Plate | 2 rotating local sausages, German potato salad, beet horseradish, mustard | $20 | ♦ |
SIDES
| Item | Price | Dietary Notes |
| Side Salad | $8 | ✺♦ |
| House Potato Salad | $6 | ♦ |
| Apple-Tarragon Coleslaw | $6 | ♦ |
| Mac & Beer Cheese | $8 | – |
| Frites | $8 | – |
DESSERTS
| Item | Description | Price | Dietary Notes |
| Cranberry Crisp | Brandy apples, cranberries, shortbread crumbs, vanilla gelato, caramel | $12 | – |
| Chocolate Espresso Pot de Crème | Vanilla whipped cream, cranberry port reduction | $12 | ♦ |
| Goat Cheese Cheesecake | Cashew crust, fruit compote | $14 | ♦♣ |
| Sorbet & Gelato | Ask server for selection | $10 | ♦ (sorbet ✺) |
NOTES
- Transfat-free frying oil (100% canola)
- Substitutions may occur due to ingredient availability
- 1 check per table; no outside food/drinks
- Inform server of allergies
- Consuming raw/undercooked food may increase illness risk
(Key: ✺ Vegan | ✿ Vegetarian | ♦ Gluten-Free | ♣ Contains Nuts)
DRAFT CIDERS & MEADS
| Name | Description | ABV | Serving | Price |
| Stormalong Farmstand Unfiltered | Unfiltered hard cider, crisp & balanced (Sherborn, MA) | 4.5% | Goblet | $6 |
| Uncle John’s Sidra de Tepache | Cider w/ pineapple, cinnamon, clove (St. Johns, MI) | 6.5% | Goblet | $8.50 |
| Farnum Hill Dooryard (Still) | Honey, peach, citrus notes; light carbonation (Lebanon, NH) | 7.5% | Goblet | $12 |
| Dansk Mjød Viking Blod | Traditional mead w/ hibiscus (Billund, Denmark) | 19% | Bell Glass | $15 |
BELGIAN DRAFTS
Lambic & Sour
| Name | Description | ABV | Serving | Price |
| 3 Fonteinen Hommage (19/20) | Blend of kriek/frambozenlambik (529g fruit/L) | 6.3% | 375mL | $40 |
| 3 Fonteinen Oude Kriek Intens Rood | Macerated sour cherries (442g/L) | 6.8% | 375mL | $25 |
| 3 Fonteinen Frambozenlambik | Raspberry lambic (382g/L) | 6.8% | 375mL | $40 |
| Lindeman’s Framboise | Young lambic w/ raspberry juice | 2.5% | 25cL | $11 |
| Boon Geuze Sélection | Tart, funky keg-conditioned lambic | 6.3% | 25cL | $12 |
Trappist & Abbey
| Name | Description | ABV | Serving | Price |
| Westmalle Dubbel | Rich, herby, fruity Trappist ale | 7% | 33cL | $12 |
| Maredsous Brune | Abbey brown ale w/ Christmas origins | 8% | 25cL | $10 |
| Chimay White (Cinq Cents) | Fruity Trappist Tripel | 8% | 25cL | $12 |
Other Belgian Classics
| Name | Description | ABV | Serving | Price |
| Duvel 6.66 | Anniversary blond ale w/ 6 hop varieties | 6.8% | 25cL | $9 |
| Val-Dieu Blanche de Liège Rosée | Raspberry Witbier | 4.4% | 25cL | $11.50 |
| Petrus Passion Fruit | Aged pale sour + passionfruit | 7.3% | 25cL | $13 |
| Straffe Hendrik Brugs Quadrupel | Dark fruits, anise, roasted chestnuts | 11% | 25cL | $12 |
CRAFT DRAFTS
IPAs & Pale Ales
| Name | Description | ABV | Serving | Price |
| Maine Lunch | Tropical/citrus West Coast-style IPA (Freeport, ME) | 7% | Pint | $12 |
| Hop Butcher Blazed Orange | Milkshake DIPA w/ lactose & vanilla | 7.5% | Teku | $10 |
| Green Bench Sunshine City | DDH IPA w/ Mosaic, Citra, Azacca (St. Petersburg, FL) | 6.8% | Pint | $9 |
Stouts & Dark Ales
| Name | Description | ABV | Serving | Price |
| Resident Culture Single Barrel Select | Imperial stout aged in bourbon barrels (Charlotte, NC) | 11% | Bell Glass | $12 |
| Revolution Deth by Bramble 2024 | Bourbon barrel stout w/ berries | 13% | Bell Glass | $11 |
| Brooklyn Black Ops (Four Roses 2024) | Cocoa-nib imperial stout (Brooklyn, NY) | 12.4% | Bell Glass | $9 |
Lagers & Pilsners
| Name | Description | ABV | Serving | Price |
| Weihenstephan Hefeweissbier | World’s oldest brewery (Bayern, Germany) | 5.4% | 0.5L | $11 |
| Firestone Walker Pivo Pils | Dry-hopped craft pilsner (Paso Robles, CA) | 5.3% | Pint | $8 |
| Blind Corner Taper | Crisp American lager (Naperville, IL) | 4.2% | Pint | $6 |
Sours & Farmhouse
| Name | Description | ABV | Serving | Price |
| Pipeworks Plum Catcher | Sakura wood sour w/ plums | 4.3% | Teku | $8 |
| Jester King Autumnal Dichotomous 2024 | Pumpkin/sage farmhouse ale (Austin, TX) | 5.1% | Goblet | $9 |
Ambiance and Setting
Hopleaf Bar offers a cozy yet lively atmosphere that’s perfect for enjoying a craft beer with friends or a quiet meal. The interior is designed to evoke the feeling of a European café, complete with communal tables and an inviting warmth. During the warmer months, patrons can enjoy the outdoor backyard patio, making it a fantastic spot for dining, conversation, and craft beer tasting.
Whether you choose to sit inside or outside, the ambiance at Hopleaf creates a relaxing yet vibrant environment that makes you feel right at home.
History and Legacy
Founded in 1992 by Michael and Vicki, Hopleaf Bar started as a local liquor store and quickly transformed into a beloved craft beer bar. Over the years, the bar has become an iconic spot in Chicago’s Andersonville neighborhood, drawing beer lovers from across the city. Hopleaf has remained true to its commitment to quality, offering an exceptional selection of brews while fostering a sense of community.
Today, Hopleaf continues to play a pivotal role in Chicago’s craft beer culture, celebrating both local breweries and international beers. Its legacy is defined by its dedication to providing an outstanding beer experience in a welcoming and friendly environment.
Quick Guide About Hopleaf
| Google Rating | 4.7 (⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐) (3,611 reviews) |
| Price Range | $20–30 per person |
| Type | Belgian-focused Gastropub (21+ only) |
| Address | 5148 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60640, United States |
| Hours | 12–11 pm |
| Features | Dine-in ⋅ Takeaway ⋅ No Delivery |
| Website | For a menu with prices. Visit the official website here. |
| Phone | +1 773-334-9851 |
| Location Code | X8GJ+8H Chicago, Illinois, USA |
| Notes | LGBTQ+ friendly |
Location on Map:
Customer Reviews and Accolades
Overall Rating: 4.7/5 (⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐) Based on 3,611 reviews
i) Merry Laskey: 5/5 (⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐) (03-27-2025)
Hopleaf has been one of our go-to spots since the ’90s, when it was a cozy one-room bar with a jukebox playing 45s and a chalkboard listing an incredible selection of beers, all viewed through a haze of cigarette smoke. Though it has changed over the years, the transformation has been for the better, and it remains a standout in the city. The food is just as impressive as the beer menu. The mussels and pommes frites are a crowd favorite, and for good reason. On this visit, I tried the wedge salad with house-cured bacon, which was fantastic and paired surprisingly well with the Alesmith ESB. We love the patio, and since the weather was unusually warm, it was open and nearly full. The staff is always welcoming and attentive, and service is quick but never rushed, allowing you to relax and enjoy your meal. One of the best parts? The 21+ policy—finally a place where you can enjoy a meal without any little ones around!
Food: 5/5 | Service: 5/5 | Atmosphere: 5/5Vegetarian Recommendation: Somewhat recommended
Kid-Friendliness: Not kid-friendly—21+ only
ii) Michael Houlihan: 5/5 (⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐) (04-19-2025)
Hopleaf offers an outstanding selection of both tap and bottled beers, many of which are difficult to find elsewhere in the U.S. The bar features two large areas and several seating options, creating a spacious, welcoming environment. I had a delicious Reuben, which paired perfectly with their beer selection. The neighborhood is charming, and there’s reasonably priced parking nearby, with plenty of walking options to explore. If you’re craving Belgian vibes, this place is definitely worth checking out.
Food: 5/5 | Service: 5/5 | Atmosphere: 5/5Recommended Dish: Belgian Beer
Parking: Somewhat difficult to find parking
Parking Options: Paid street parking
For more reviews and ratings, visit Google Reviews.
Tips for Visiting Hopleaf Bar
- Reservations: While reservations are available through Tock, most seating is open for walk-ins, so it’s recommended to arrive early to secure a spot during peak hours.
- Age Policy: Hopleaf is an adults-only venue, ensuring a relaxed and mature atmosphere.
- Peak Hours: To avoid the crowd, consider visiting during weekday afternoons or off-peak hours, especially on weekends.
- Outdoor Seating: Enjoy the backyard patio during the warmer months for a laid-back dining experience with a drink in hand.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Hopleaf offer vegetarian options?
Yes, Hopleaf offers a variety of vegetarian dishes on its menu, including hearty salads and veggie-based mains.
Is there outdoor seating at Hopleaf?
Yes, Hopleaf has a backyard patio that’s open during warmer months, offering a relaxed spot to enjoy your meal and drinks.
Can I buy Hopleaf’s house beers to-go?
Yes, you can purchase Hopleaf’s house beers in cans to take home, so you can enjoy their signature brews at your leisure.
Why Should You Visit Hopleaf Bar?
What sets Hopleaf Bar apart from other Chicago bars is its unwavering dedication to both craft beer and exceptional food. Unlike many bars that focus solely on one or the other, Hopleaf has perfected the art of combining Belgian-inspired cuisine with a carefully curated beer list. Whether you’re there for a casual pint or a full meal, Hopleaf delivers a unique experience that’s hard to beat.
Conclusion
Hopleaf Bar in Chicago offers a perfect blend of top-notch craft beer and Belgian-inspired cuisine in a welcoming and cozy environment. With a rich history, a reputation for quality, and an unmatched beer selection, it has become a must-visit destination for both locals and visitors. Whether you’re a craft beer aficionado or a casual diner, Hopleaf provides an experience you won’t want to miss.
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I’m Sada, the founder of TripGuiderz.com. Since 2019, I’ve been crafting travel guides and blog posts to help readers plan smarter adventures. Let’s explore the world together!
