Chicago’s Art and Beer Scene

Jerry’s is back in Andersonville (and it’s blue)

Jerry’s is BACK!

Not to fear, because Jerry’s is back as Fiya, a Middle Eastern restaurant with the same phenomenal patio and craft beer offerings. While the interior looks different and the food menu has dramatically changed, everything else remains the same, including the owners.

Calling all craft beer lovers

I chose a perfect summer day to kick back on the patio and allow my taste buds to take flight while perusing the beer menu. I narrowed the list down to four must-haves, so lucky for me they still offer 6-oz pours.

Cuppa Heavy Nilla by Maplewood Brewing – an Imperial Stout that is bursting with flavor thanks to notes of milk chocolate, coffee, and vanilla.
Wood Ya Honey BA Wheat Wine by Jackie O’s Brewery – a boozy, full-bodied brew with notes of caramel, toast, fig, and oak. This is my first beer from Jackie O’s and I can’t wait to try more from them.
Grape Brandy BA Orenda Vol 2 by Pollyanna Brewing – this tasty Belgian Quad offers notes of plum, caramel, and oak.

Mischief by The Bruery – a Belgian Strong Golden Ale that was too hoppy for me. I love this brewery, so I wanted to give it a shot. It was refreshing with notes of apple, lemon, hay, and coriander.

My first potatogasm

I intentionally visited late afternoon to order an early dinner; however, after drinking all that beer my bloated stomach was screaming nope. I needed something to soak up some of the alcohol, so I ordered Za’Atar Fries, which were right up there with the beer (out of this world). Fiya can’t be serious about calling these fries. I would refer to them as potato pillows, and I declare they caused my first potatogasm.

If you haven’t checked out the transformation yet, I highly recommend it. I felt safe with the contactless ordering, masks in place, and plenty of social distancing. I solemnly swear to save room for authentic Israeli cuisine on my next visit. You did good, Mark and Mindy.