Some of the best beer in Chicago is manufactured at this comfy, award-winning microbrewery in the Clybourn corridor (an impressive cast of professional beer critics agrees). In the course of a year, Goose Island brewmeister Greg Hall (whose dad, John, is the pub/brewery's owner) produces about 100 varieties of lagers, ales, stouts, pilsners, and porters that change with the seasons. Normally a pint costs $4 (ale of the day, $3), but a 6-ounce sampler glass is only $1, making a tasting session a fun evening's entertainment. For a behind-the-scenes look, you can tour the brewing facility every Sunday at 3pm ($3, which includes tastings afterward).

For many years, the food here didn't live up to the beer. But fans of the foamy are now dining at the Goose with almost the same gusto they devote to their guzzling. Cut-above bar food includes burgers (including a killer, dragon-breath-inducing Stilton burger with roasted garlic), sandwiches (pulled pork, catfish po' boy, chicken Caesar), and some serious salads. Goose Island is also known for its addictive homemade potato chips, fresh-brewed root beer, and orange cream soda. The zero-attitude, come-as-you-are ambience is very refreshing for a lazy afternoon pit stop or a casual lunch or dinner. A second location at 3535 N. Clark St. in Wrigleyville (tel. 773/832-9040) has an enclosed beer garden.