When asking yourself about something to do near me in Chicago with a group of friends or family, consider
Forbidden Root Restaurant & Brewery
Why Forbidden Root Restaurant & Brewery is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
Forbidden Root Restaurant & Brewery stands out in Chicago’s vibrant West Town neighborhood as the city's first botanic brewery, offering a unique experience where nature-inspired craft beers meet rustic American cuisine. This innovative brewpub crafts beers with natural botanical ingredients, creating distinct flavors like their classic Root Beer and the Sublime Ginger Wheat Ale featuring key lime and ginger. The menu complements the inventive brews with carefully prepared dishes ranging from approachable bar snacks to hearty entrees such as the milk-brined pork schnitzel sandwich and the wild mushroom pot pie, catering to varied palates including vegetarian and vegan options. The setting strikes a balance between casual and refined, perfect for everything from date nights to solo visits. Amenities such as free WiFi, full bar, wheelchair accessibility, and available parking enhance the convenience for groups gathering to enjoy a multi-sensory dining and drinking outing. Seasonal taps and beer flights give patrons a chance to explore an evolving array of creative brews in a friendly, welcoming environment.
Here's what people think of Forbidden Root Restaurant & Brewery
As of recent, Forbidden Root Restaurant & Brewery holds a 4.6-star rating based on 1910 reviews.
Reviews from nearly two thousand patrons consistently highlight Forbidden Root’s exceptional quality and innovative approach. Positive feedback deeply appreciates the uniqueness of the botanic brewing concept, praising the flavorful and well-balanced beer selections across a diverse tap list. Visitors often remark that the beer quality rivals or surpasses expectations typical of brewpubs, making it a standout. Food receives commendation for being thoughtfully paired with the beers, with many diners enjoying standout items like the pork schnitzel sandwich and the rich mushroom pot pie. The atmosphere is also noted for its inviting and relaxed vibe, ideal for both casual and special occasions. On the other hand, negative reviews occasionally point to service inconsistency and limited seating or parking during busy hours, which can impact the overall experience. Some guests express that certain menu items might not appeal to all tastes. Nonetheless, the majority of commentary concludes that the positives, especially the distinctive botanical beers and quality food, significantly outweigh the negatives, establishing Forbidden Root as a beloved and unique destination in Chicago’s culinary and craft beer scene.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Kathleen O'Neil
Amazing food and complementary beer! We had their house made chorizo, Duck & Dumpling, Schnitzel and the Strawberry Basil sorbet. Everything was spectacular and our server was so kind and well versed in the menu. He made fantastic beer recommendations, would recommend Forbidden Roots?
Chelsie Tamms
The duck and dumplings were so good! Really enjoyed the kale salad as well. They have some unique beer options and overall the atmosphere is relaxed with great food!
Adriann Wilson
6/10. The service was good. The drinks were just okay to me. Wouldn't be my go to brewery. Nice people, but the brews didn't hit. The flavors seemed to be lost in the herbaceous combinations. Awesome idea for a bar, but the execution was lacking.
Minjeong Ryu (Mina)
Place itself was so cool! I really like atmosphere and vibe. Unfortunately, host was unfriendly, I wasn’t being welcomed. Food didn’t reach my expectation. Mushroom soup was EXTREMELY SALTY. I was too shy to ask to remake it… Breaded pork cutlet sandwich (schnitzel sandwich) was good but needed more condiment. It was crispy but also very dry. My husband ordered a spicy chicken sandwich, he said it was flavorful but french fries weren’t seasoned at all, no salt or pepper.
Adam Ryburn
Forbidden Root Restaurant and Brewery was stop #8 on my 2025 Chicago Brewery Exploration. Really nice-looking spot with a large bar and an inviting atmosphere. The beer selection was decent, and the DIPA I had was very well done—bold, balanced, and flavorful. It’s clear they take pride in both the beer and the space. Worth a visit if you’re brewery-hopping through Chicago and want a spot that blends craft beer with a polished, restaurant vibe.
How to reach Forbidden Root Restaurant & Brewery
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Why Forbidden Root Restaurant & Brewery may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at Forbidden Root Restaurant & Brewery with your friends? If you’re looking for a unique, lively, and memorable spot to gather, Forbidden Root stands out as an ideal choice. Located in Chicago’s vibrant West Town neighborhood, this restaurant and brewery offers an exceptional experience that blends innovative craft brewing with rustic American cuisine. The highlight here is their identity as Chicago’s first botanic brewery, meaning they craft beers inspired by nature using wild ingredients drawn from plants and botanicals. This makes the drinking experience not only flavorful but intriguingly different from typical breweries. With a solid 4.6-star rating from nearly 2,000 reviews, Forbidden Root clearly resonates with locals and visitors alike. The ambience itself is warm and inviting, perfect for groups wanting to kick back, indulge in something new, and enjoy quality time together. Plus, the venue’s friendly, accommodating staff and thoughtfully designed spaces make it a relaxed spot where friends or family can truly connect over great drinks and meals. Whether you’re a craft beer fan or simply searching for a welcoming place that offers a distinct taste adventure, Forbidden Root promises to make your meetup special.
What activities does Forbidden Root offer that make it perfect for group meetups? One of the top draws is their array of craft beers brewed right on-site, utilizing botanicals that give each brew a unique flavor profile – ideal for tasting sessions with friends who appreciate variety. Beyond the drinks, their menu features American rustic cuisine that pairs beautifully with their beer selection, creating a full sensory dining experience. Groups can enjoy hearty dishes while sampling a flight of botanic beers, allowing for shared discovery and conversation starters. The venue also has an attached side taproom, which offers a smaller, more intimate setting with a curated selection of beers, select spirits, and wines, plus light snacks. Importantly for gatherings, this taproom has board games, fostering lively social interaction and fun. When live music is in season, particularly on Thursdays, guests can soak up local performances in their outdoor space called The Yard, enhancing the communal vibe with acoustic and Americana tunes. The space is versatile and accommodating for different group sizes, whether hosting a casual catch-up, birthday celebration, or even a rehearsal dinner. Special happy hour deals from Monday through Friday provide value, encouraging longer social visits that appeal to larger groups. Together, these features make Forbidden Root a versatile and enjoyable destination to create memorable moments with your friends or family.
Why is Forbidden Root’s atmosphere ideal for group gatherings? The restaurant prides itself on creating an environment that encourages relaxed socializing without compromising on sophistication or flavor. The blend of rustic and contemporary decor creates a warm, approachable setting that feels both comfortable and special. The communal tables and ample seating options make it easy for groups to settle in and engage without feeling cramped. Accessibility features, including wheelchair access and convenient street parking, ensure everyone in your party can participate equally. Their attentive table service means no one in your group has to worry about interruptions or slow service, allowing the focus to remain on enjoying each other’s company. The availability of free Wi-Fi complements the modern guest’s needs, whether for sharing photos of your meetup or quickly coordinating plans. For those who prefer an outdoor vibe, The Yard provides an inviting patio space that adds to the appeal on pleasant days with the bonus of live local music performances. This variety of seating and ambiance options means everyone’s tastes and comfort levels are thoughtfully considered, ensuring your group has the perfect backdrop for any occasion.
What makes Forbidden Root’s food and drinks a standout experience for groups? The innovative brewing approach focusing on botanical ingredients sets their craft beers apart from the usual fare, introducing guests to complex and layered tastes inspired by nature. This unique selling point encourages group members to engage in friendly beer tasting comparisons and lively discussions about flavors. Their culinary menu complements the beers with rustic American dishes crafted to be both tasty and satisfying, encouraging sharing and communal dining experiences. The restaurant offers vegetarian and vegan-friendly options, ensuring inclusivity at the table for diverse dietary preferences. For larger parties, their focus on fresh, thoughtfully prepared meals means the quality remains consistent regardless of size, making any group event seamless and enjoyable. Happy hour specials like half off bar snacks, affordable flights of beer, and discounted house cocktails offer an economical way to indulge without compromise, which can be very appealing to groups looking for value. These details build toward an experience where guests can savor a broad spectrum of flavors together, making memories centered around excellent food and drink.
How does Forbidden Root accommodate private events and larger celebrations? Beyond casual meetups, Forbidden Root offers spaces and services tailored for special gatherings such as birthdays, rehearsal dinners, or corporate happy hours. Their dedicated private events team can assist with planning and customization to fit the theme or mood of your group, whether intimate or more substantial. This flexibility in event hosting means you can rely on them to create personalized experiences that reflect your group’s style, all while enjoying the exceptional food and beverage offerings the venue is known for. The option to reserve tables and request specific arrangements makes planning straightforward and stress-free. Gift certificates are also available, allowing hosts to give the gift of a Forbidden Root experience, perfect for those who want to share the joy of botanic brews and rustic cuisine with friends or family who might not yet have discovered the venue. Overall, these services highlight Forbidden Root’s commitment to being a go-to spot not just for casual meetups but for meaningful celebrations and group milestones.
What additional features enhance the group experience at Forbidden Root? Their outdoor space, The Yard, elevates the social atmosphere tremendously. With regular free live music performances spanning genres from funk to Americana, this area becomes a lively hub perfect for groups looking to combine dining with entertainment. On nice days, guests can bring their own lawn chairs or relax on provided seating, enjoying a casual concert vibe. Moreover, the side taproom provides a quieter alternative for groups who want a cozy setting to chat over drinks and play board games. This mix of lively and calm environments within the same venue ensures that groups can tailor their experience to their mood, making every visit fresh and engaging. Accessibility to bar snacks and a fully stocked bar including unique local distillery selections adds to the breadth of drink choices available. These extra touches demonstrate Forbidden Root’s intention to craft multi-dimensional social venues where friends or family can enjoy every aspect of gathering from food and drink to games and music without having to look elsewhere.
In summary, Forbidden Root Restaurant & Brewery offers an exceptional destination for group meetups by combining a unique botanic brewery concept, well-crafted rustic cuisine, versatile social spaces, and thoughtful services that cater to a variety of group needs. The welcoming atmosphere paired with engaging activities and excellent food and drinks make it a perfect rallying point for friends or family looking to make their gatherings memorable and enjoyable.