Two weeks after a rainy but fruitful ride of 30+ miles, we undertake what may be the shortest Brewpub ride of 2025, a shade under 22 miles, to Old Irving Brewing Company, 4419 West Montrose.
The weather forecast as I draft this missive is for rain starting around 2:00 pm - which is not ideal. If the forecast worsens, I will postpone the ride by 9:30 Friday morning.
Beer notes: The brewing list is extensive at Old Irving Brewing; their
Kölsch was a silver medalist at the Great American Beer Festival in 2021. The brewpub menu for beer is here, under the beer tab: Menus – Old Irving Brewing Co.
| | Menus – Old Irving Brewing Co. |
|
|
I've visited before, and find the German varieties "middle of the road" brews - somewhat less authentic than, say, Double Clutch or Dovetail's approach to classic German styles. But I intend to take advantage of the 5 oz pours to create a personal sampler, since I have not yet tasted their ales. Two hints from other beer drinking friends; choose beers that are on tap, not from cans, and don't be surprised if the online menu isn't quite accurate.
Dining notes: the full menu can be accessed by choosing the "Eats" tab from the link above. I have very good things to say for the kitchen: the burger of the week tends to be quite tasty, and the beet salad is truly a revelation. The fish and chips are also quite good. My advice: bring an appetite!
As city rides go, this one is reasonably smooth; no stretches of lunar surface appear on this ride.
Ron
P.S. For planning purposes, the next scheduled Brewpub ride (July 11) will be to Steep Ravine Brewing in Highland Park (nee Ravinia Brewing) and will have the dual benefit of also being an early preview of the 2025 NSC 25 route. So if you want to get your two cents in on the ride for the more casual riders in the 40th North Shore Century, join us then for good beer, good food, and scenic riding.