Chicago, IL

Last week I enjoyed a Chicago double that did not include the Cubs or the White Sox.  But rather, two fun Chicago bars, Carol’s Pub & Bub City. In town covering Windy City Smokeout, one of my favorite Country Music festivals to attend, I had some time to officially review Old Fashioneds at two bars that I’ve previously enjoyed.  

First up-Carol’s Pub. 

 Located in the Uptown Neighborhood, this Clark Street fixture opened in 1972. You can call it a Neighborhood Pub, Honky Tonk Tavern, a Dive or a Late-Night Country Bar. It is unapologetically all of the above. And you will love it! Their friendly staff serves up Kentucky Bourbon, Rye, Tennessee Whiskey, Scotch, Canadian, Irish and Japanese whiskies. But staring at me was a drink that I’ve purposely avoided and decided, tonight, it was time to face the music-The Wisconsin Old Fashioned. This is made with Korbel Brandy as a base+ Sugar+ Angostura Bitters+ Orange+ Cherry+ Soda.  Served over ice with two large green olives.  I knew from the first sip it was not my thing.  But we try new stuff here and one never truly knows until you give it a go. Now, I will say, if you can get through it, you will be rewarded with a delicious last few of sips with the sugar and bitters hiding on the bottom of the glass.

So, I switched gears and went to their House Old Fashioned.  A mixture they batch and barrel every week and serve on draft! It’s a Happy Hour favorite.  This was more in my wheelhouse.  This includes Old Grand Dad 100 proof as their base+ Demerara+ Angostura Bitters+ orange. I could have downed a few of these.  Very delicious.  Oddly, it paired well with a BLT.  If you go, get this.  This is your go to. Carol’s has a fantastic Spotify playlist they run thru the bar that I really enjoyed.  I heard many old 90’s Country songs I hadn’t heard in a while.  

Next up-Bub City. 

You can find this in the River North area on N. Clark St. A great bar with one of Chicagoland’s best whiskey selections.  Their Whiskey Wall, pictured below, is nothing short of amazing.  But they are also a great BBQ joint, with a menu that focuses on Southern Authentic offerings. With House-Smoked Meats such as their 18-Hour Brisket, Chicago Style Baby Back Ribs, Burnt Ends, etc. There is no shortage of quality offerings. Smokey notes in many whiskies are a perfect match for charred or smoked chicken, sausage, steak & ribs. You’ll never leave here hungry. Hell, you’ll never leave here thirsty.  I love this place, especially around Happy Hour.  The place is usually jumping higher than Michael Jordan.

For my Old-Fashioned choice, I went with their “Best Damn Old Fashioned.” Barrel Craft Barrel Proof Bourbon+ Maple Syrup+ Vanilla Bark Bitters. Hand crafted, served over ice, with a Luxardo Cherry and done.  A classic cocktail in a classic city. I did help myself to a liquid desert. While waiting for my cocktail, I spotted an OFC (Old Fashioned Copper) bottle trying to grab my attention.  I had seen it in there before and was successful in ignoring its flirtations, but tonight it caught me at a weak moment, and I decided I had to have it. It’s hard to say no to a 25 year old bottle that one rarely comes across. Bottled in 1995 this delicious pour offered up tasting notes of cherry cordial, caramel and a light oak. Probably the best sip I’ve ever encountered.  This is a rare bottle.  This is vintage. It was a pleasure taking an ounce from of its beautifully cut, crystal decanter. 

A quick note about Windy City Smokeout, Carol’s Pub and Bub City… 

My friend Ed Warm shares ownership in these three entities, as well as Joe’s Bar on Weed Street in Lincoln Park & Joe’s Live in Rosemont. Ed has been an incredible Country Music supporter for the fifteen years I have known him, often absorbing the financial risks of bringing new Nashville acts in to play his venues. This year Ed won Academy of Country Music Awards for Nightclub of the Year-Joe’s Live- and Talent Buyer of the Year.  Both well deserved.

Thank you to Ed and his wife, Lauren, for all the hospitality thrown my way over the years.  I appreciate you.  Nashville appreciates you.  Country Music thanks you. I am proud to call you friends.  And no, they did not comp me to write this favorable review. I happily paid for the experience and it was worth every penny.