Chicago’s Art and Beer Scene

Buck’s is a five-star in my book

I will never forget the day I decided to look over the beer menu at Buck’s Four Star Grill. During that initial visit, I knew I would be a fan for life. I’m not one to hang out in the touristy areas of downtown; however, I will never outgrow Buckingham Fountain. Here are some reasons why I love Buck’s and always stop at this seasonal food stand when I’m in the area.

Buck’s has a solid beer menu with a focus on local breweries

Reasonable prices (where else can you get craft beer on draft in the city for $6?)
Spectacular views of Buckingham Fountain and the city’s architecture
Friendly, helpful staff

Ample patio space that is clean and well kept
Fantastic people watching
Minutes from the beautiful lakefront

Food and drinks for everyone

As mentioned, Buck’s consistently has quality beer options with something for everyone. Buck’s usually offers half a dozen beers on draft, along with 14 bottles and cans. If you don’t fancy beer, you can order a hard seltzer, cider, wine, or non-alcoholic beverage. There’s also a decent food menu that includes hot dogs, burgers, Bavarian-style pretzels, fries, and more. I can only speak for the fries, which are perfectly crisp and yummy.

I had a full schedule during my recent visit and intended to stop for one beer to welcome them back. That quickly turned into a two-hour visit because I wanted another beer, and the weather was delicious. I have to give a shout-out to Marina for the great service.

My delicious beers and view

I started with a beer from one of my favorite breweries. Off Color Brewing creates unique beers with names to match. It was my first time drinking a Beer for Burgers, and it did not disappoint. This brew is a Helles Bock style blended with bourbon barrel-aged lager. Not everyone can make a combination like this work, but Off Color did. I tasted notes of vanilla, oak, and a bit of spiciness.

My second beer was a Mrs. O’leary’s Chocolate Milk Stout by Spiteful Brewing. This is dessert in a glass! I really enjoyed this stout with notes of milk chocolate, malt, and cream. This is only my second beer from Spiteful, and I’m anxious to visit the brewery to experiment with more of their beers.

Buck’s Four Star Grill is a delightful place to take in the cityscape. I highly recommend it to tourists and locals alike. I always get a different perspective when I’m chilling at Buck’s. Cheers!