Hiatus

Hello peeps. Sorry it has been a long time since I've written anything. My weekends have been full with camping, Lollapalooza, a Milwaukee weekend among other things. I have many places to write about, just haven't found the time. Anyway, life is changing for me with damn near all my friends moving away from Chicago. Some were sent to San Fran, some left because they didn't get sent to San Fran, and some left because they hit a glass ceiling with half the jobs now being located in San Fran. Do you see the root of the problem yet?

Because of this, I have been reflecting on my own career, and more importantly how all this change will alter my personal life with my friends scattered all over the country.

With all that said, I am taking a break from this little blog to focus on what I want to do with my life. I have some goals in mind, and a little direction, so now I am just waiting for a breeze to catch my sails.

I have a blast trying new places and writing about the experiences, so when all the dust settles I will start writing again, but it may be in a different location. Take care until then.

Thanks for your support.

P.S. - One other thing, if you have blog address saved please note that the name has changed from jawsattackschicago.blogspot.com to casksandkegs.blogspot.com

Paddy Long's: Shamrocks and Shenanigans

From the outside, Paddy Long's looks out of place in a residential area. From the inside, Paddy Long's looks like a blue collar bar. I'm not saying there is anything wrong with it, but if you are expecting a ritzy place to drink martinis, go kick rocks.

Now that those people have left, Paddy Long's is an unbelievable joint. Lots of tv screens, but strictly reserved for soccer and rugby. If you miss a game, they record it and will replay it for you, just ask. They have an amazing draft list of 18 ever-changing beers that never disappoint, followed by an extensive bottle list that is guaranteed to help you wet your whistle. Also, Pat (the owner) makes a killer bloody mary. No offense to the other barkeeps, but if Pat's not there, move onto another drink. I only vouch for Pat's bloody mary's.

Once you've picked your poison, there are a few things I highly recommend trying. First up, the "Bacon Board", not on the menu so ask for it. A large board with 4 piles of bacon (peppered, smoked, danish and maple), irish soda bread, tiny gherkins, stone ground mustard and yellow mustard. Second is the "Cheese and Sausage" board, again not on the menu so ask for it. A selection of four soft cheeses, slices of smoked polish sausage, irish soda bread and stone ground mustard.


Lastly is "Beer and Bacon". This is actually done on specific days that you have to sign up for, generally on Wednesday, Saturday and Sundays with varying times. You can reserve your spot online. (paddylongs.com) It consists of 5 generous cuts of bacon paired with 5 craft brews. The brews vary based on what's on tap at the time, and we got lucky to have Stone Smoked Porter paired with the brown sugar bacon. So delicious.

There are still a lot of things I need to try on their menu such as the charcuterie board, Alpha King beer battered pickle spears, Welsh rarebit fries, and most of all the burgers which sound fantastic. Eventually I'll get around to trying them and include them in another post (or three). They also serve Irish Breakfast all day for any of you late risers or brinner eaters.

Even the beer is happy here, and no I didn't touch it, it was handed to me this way.


Tips: This place is crazy on(around) St. Paddy's Day, so if you want to experience the crazy, come early and plan to make a day of it.

Directions: Lincoln Park Neighborhood.
Sits at the corner of Diversey Pkwy and Kenmore Ave.
Take the Brown/Purple EL Line to the Diversey stop and walk 2 blocks west.

Kuma's Corner: The Return

So I was riding back to the Blue Line on the Belmont bus at 12am and realized that some food would me good after yet another all day pub crawl. Since I knew I'd be rolling right past Kuma's again I decided that a return trip would help solidify my earlier post on the place.

Once again, Kuma's came through with flying colors. I was seated right away, service was attentive and the food was amazing yet again.


This time I went for the "Baroness", which is another one of Kuma's new additions to the menu. Again it was a 10oz patty topped with chimichurri, fire roasted corn salsa with bacon and toasted red peppers, green beans and grated asiago cheese. Ordered rare, came rare. INCREDIBLE.

My only complaint again was the fries. A place that is so good at everything else, it just detracts. But I stand by my original rating, 9/10.

For tips and directions, look at the first Kuma's post.

My favorite shirt from the place.....but always sold out. Megadeth style with the Chicago flag.


My favorite piece of artwork.....Emo Must Die.

Chicago Fire - Section 8

Chicago Fire is an MLS soccer team that I think is underappreciated because of all the other sports in Chicago, plus soccer doesn't get enough recognition in general across the U.S. This team seems to always be pretty talented, entertaining to watch, and fairly inexpensive as far as professional sports and concenssions go. Toyota Park is fairly new and seems like a pretty clean facility.


We were lucky to get some free tickets that were actually good seats, but we had another goal in mind: Section 8. Section 8 (referring to when military personnel lose their minds) is the south endzone sections of crazy fans. It was fairly easy to sneak into the section, just be ready to cheer, chant and sing at the top of your lungs for a full three hours. The leader starts off chants and songs in pre-game, throughout the game, during time-outs and intermissions, and even after the game. They literally never stop. The chants and songs are pretty easy to pick up and it's a lot of fun, just be prepared for no voice the next day.


Tips: Buy the cheapest ticket you can get your hands on, because since it's underappreciated, you can sneak down to just about any section (unless it's a big game friendly like the recent one vs. AC Milan). There is plenty of parking, but unless you have a VIP parking pass I would recommend taking public transportation.

Directions: Located in Bridgeview (outside the city)
7000 South Harlem Avenue
Orange Line to Midway Airport Stop, Toyota Park Express Shuttle runs every 20 minutes starting 2 hours before the game and drops you off in front of the stadium.

Kuma's Corner: The Legend

Kuma's Corner is a small joint, probably holds 70 people comfortably, but usually has 150 crammed in anyway. The big draw is the famous burgers, but the drawback is that people generally wait 2-3 hours for seating, but we got lucky and spotted two seats on the front corner of the bar, which it turned out was probably the best spot to witness the entire place. As we walked in there was Anthrax (Barrel of a Gun) blasting throughout the place followed by some White Zombie (Black Sunshine) and the music never disappointed the entire time we were there. The owner is a big metalhead, so everything you hear is heavy metal / hard rock.

Beer selection is pretty awesome (they refuse to serve Anheuser/Miller/Coors products) and always have some Three Floyds (also metalheads) on tap. All burgers are 10oz patties on pretzel rolls. You can also opt for chicken or veggie patties, but let's be honest, ifyou come to a legendary burger joint and order anything else, you reallydeserve to be tossed out on your ass. Since they are known for burgers not chicken or veggie patties, if it sucks, its your fault. They also have a few signature sandwiches, but I'd still stick with the burgers.


Burger number one was the "Megadeth". This burger is topped with chorizo and red potato hash, pico de gallo, cayenne avocado cream, tortilla strips and cilantro. Ordered rare, actually came rare. Fresh beef, full of flavor. Some heat but not overpowering. OUTSTANDING.


Burger number two was the "Insect Warfare". This burger was topped with panko-crusted goat cheese, bacon roasted corn and green chili medallion, topped with more roasted corn and green chili salsa, cilantro and paprika creme fraiche. Ordered rare, came rare again. Nice choice to cool the heat from the first burger. Goat cheese just melted on the tongue like warm butter. AMAZING.

Service was fast and attentive. Beer was fresh and ice cold. The burgers were hands down the best I have ever had in my life. The only drawback to this place was the fries...bagged. With such outstanding burgers, we were expecting fresh handcut fries. While they were bagged, at least they were crispy, salty, and most of all, they were waffle fries which will always gain points.

I give this place a 9/10, only because of the bagged fries. But I promise you that you will have the best burger of your life here.

Tips: Go here well after the typical eating times to minimize wait times. During the winter months they offer to-go service where you can order ahead and pick up. During summer months the patio opens which allows more seating.

Directions: Roscoe Village Neighborhood.
Sits at the corner of Belmont Ave. and Francisco Ave.
Since majority of you stay in the loop area, two options:
Blue Line EL to the Belmont Stop and the Belmont Bus # 77 East to Francisco.
- or -
Brown/Purple/Red Line EL to the Belmont Stop, Belmont Bus # 77 West to Francisco.

Welcome Friends and Family

I decided to write this blog for all the people in my life who visit Chicago, but never take advantage of all it has to offer either because they are too nervous to venture out, or just unaware of what the city holds.

Majority of ramblings will deal with great beer bars and breweries, but scattered throughout will be awesome brunch places (breakfast should be served for all three meals) or local hot spots any foodie will love. Once in awhile I will throw in events and things to see in the city, although most that I visit happen once a year. Most spots will be in the city, but a few will be scattered within a short drive.

If you ever have places to suggest that you don't see here, hit me up. I keep a list of places to experience, but I am always looking for more.

Lastly, I will try to give the neighborhood each is located as well as cross streets and/or buses and EL stops for each place.

Hope you enjoy!