While we up in Chicago for my Dad’s ash scattering, we got to visit a couple breweries and escape for dinner once evening with my siblings. It was great catching up and being in the same spot together after many months.

Black Horizon Brewing
Eric went sour (of course) with the Outer Worlds fruited sour (w/ meyer lemon, keylime, calamansi, very nice) and he also tried the pink lemonade beer slushie – great for summer! I got a small pour each of the Dune Shaper (Golden ale with blueberries) and Big Grams (a s’mores stout) – both delicious!

Vistro Prime
My chosen place for my birthday dinner as it was nearby and allowed Lauren’s oldest to babysit for us! Eric had the pork chop and pan fried crispy spaetzle (which I kept stealing). I split a dozen oysters with my sister (from PEI and Washington state) and stayed rare with the tenderloin tartare and crispy fries. Our Bourbon cocktails were a bit sweet but the wine list was reasonable.

Imperial Oak Brewing
One of our favorite spots near my sister’s house, the outdoor seating was relaxing and chill. We were hoping for a food truck but never saw one, so we got wings and soft pretzels from the place next door. Pricey but good. In terms of beer, Eric got the Tripel (fairly strong, well made), then the barrel aged Berliner Weiss (very nice, lots of sour). Leandra got the German style altbier to start and a small pour of the 10% BA Udder madness for her second.