As soon as I noticed the incredible art and patio at Dandy Crown, I had to contain my enthusiasm before going inside. I arrived the moment they opened so I could be picture happy without being intrusive. I had glimpses of what was to come from social media, so I hoped to have the place to myself for a bit (I’m selfish like that). I am not exaggerating when I say their patio is gorgeous with catchy details.

They know how to do libations

I imagine most people come for their fancy cocktails with edgy names like Keeper of Secrets, Corpse Reviver, and Summer Fling Don’t Mean a Thing. While tempting, I stuck with my favorite beverage because the Dandy Crown also knows how to curate a solid beer menu. The bar typically offers six drafts and 16 packaged products of various styles.

My beer picks

I started with a Lost Palate from Goose Island, as I recently had it for the first time and loved it. Cheers to the beautiful floral mural in front of me. Lost Palate is a hazy IPA that was brewed for a good cause. The IPA has a kick from cinnamon, which is one of the reasons I like it.

For my second and final beer, I chose Brownie Points from Maplewood Brewing. I like the creaminess of this brown ale, along with the chocolate and vanilla bean flavors. Another tasty brew that complements the decor.

Let’s talk about the art

I commend the Dandy Crown for displaying inspirational art panels around their patio. You can thank Cyd Smillie for this beautiful, meaningful artwork. Jeff Kierna (aka @_atlases_) helped with the RESIST panel. In my opinion, John Lewis, Ruth Bader Ginsburg, and David Bowie were all “good trouble.”

Other mentions

While I was only inside the Dandy Crown to use the restroom, it was easy to see the interior is just as fabulous. I think it’s impressive they have house rules posted on their website to ensure safety for everyone. A nice dinner menu is available that includes vegetarian/vegan options. My next visit shall involve food and cocktails. Thank you for such an enjoyable time, Dandy Crown!