What foods go best with beer? Ask anyone that question and you’re bound to get a handful of different responses. But at or near the top of the ‘best foods for beer’ list is usually pizza. And one national establishment that brings together the worlds of pizza and great beer is Old Chicago Pizza and Taproom, a national restaurant chain with locations in approximately 25 U.S. states.
Disclosure: I received some of the items discussed in this review directly from Old Chicago Pizza and Taproom. All thoughts/opinions are 100% my own.
Pizza and More
Old Chicago Pizza and Taproom is popular more for its pizza than anything else and most people are attracted to this restaurant for that reason alone. After all, with the word “pizza” in the name, you expect pizza to occupy a large section of the menu, and that it does. The pizza pies feature such notable options as Meat Me, Chicago 7, Double Deckeroni, Thai Pie, Italian Grinder, Mediterranean Farmer, and more.
I have tried samples of different pizzas and liked them all, but I’m partial to the Italian Grinder. This pizza combines assorted meats such as salami, beef, pepperoni, and sweet Italian sausage with red onions, red peppers, roasted garlic, red pizza sauce, and sliced pepperoncini. I love the combination of the meats and the seasoning is just right. I also like that you can order this or most any other pizza in thin, Ale crust or Chicago style thick crust, as well as order in assorted sizes, from individual to large.
If pizza isn’t your style, there are plenty of other menu options from which to choose. A good assortment of appetizers, burgers, calzone, sandwiches, salads, desserts, and other items comprise a large portion of the menu. And yes, they have a kids menu also so the little ones can order a smaller meal suitable to kid- size appetites.
And Then There is Beer
Once you enter Old Chicago Pizza and Taproom, one thing becomes abundantly clear: These folks at Old Chicago take the “taproom” part of their name very seriously. This was welcome news when I visited Old Chicago for the first time. I knew they served beer, of course, but I was taken aback by the number of beer selections. The Old Chicago location nearest to my house isn’t a huge restaurant by any means, but the beer selection is quite large- much more than you would expect from a restaurant of this size, with about 30 draft options and dozens more in bottled/canned form.
One way that I often judge beer selections at any restaurant isn’t just by the number, but also by the rarity of each and by how frequently they rotate the selections. I’m happy to report that Old Chicago Pizza and Taproom has multiple hard- to- find beer selections and the first time I visited, I counted almost ten beers I had never tried before. Even better, they constantly rotate the options. Every time you visit, there is likely something fresh and new to try.
Visit Old Chicago
Old Chicago Pizza and Taproom is a nice restaurant chain with a growing presence. Its substantial craft beer selection, pizza, and other beer- friendly food items are perfect for those times when you want tasty food and an accompanying and compatible craft beer to wash it down.
Old Chicago features a sports- centric atmosphere. It’s common to find several televisions tuned into live sports action and it fits in perfectly with the overall experience. With great beer and food, sports are a welcome and some would say necessary addition. It’s also common to discover special deals and promotions tied to sports and other happenings. A good way to keep up with the latest Old Chicago news is to sign up for the OC Connection, for the latest updates on beer, food, and special deals at your preferred Old Chicago location.
Beer is a natural companion to food. Pair the right beer with the right food and the experience can be truly magical. Old Chicago Pizza and Taproom is a great place to go for delicious craft beer and assorted beer- friendly foods, including some of the best pizzas this side of the Windy City. Find an Old Chicago location near you, and discover why craft beer and great food are such perfect companions.
Leave a Reply