Rarely have I left a review of a bar, and rarely have I left a review writing, “it’s excellent.” You will not regret going here. Try the lobster roll, it surpasses all other lobster rolls — yes, even those on the east coast.. Oh, and the avuncular bartender is refreshingly frank and knowledgeable.

One of the best beer bars in Chicago, hands down. They always have a great rotating selection of brews. And addition to that, the food is fantastic. The great ambiance is pretty much the cherry on top.

What a great local. Too bad I don’t live nearby. Dave (bartender) was knowledgeable and helpful. There’s a great tap list with house beers and many options from guest breweries. The bottle list is extensive and has some rarities. I’ll be back.

The older dude made me feel unwanted. Food was good. Beer was warm.

My favorite beer bar in Chicago. An absolute must visit while Im in town.

Great beer selection and good food, plus Heavy Metal. In a quiet neighborhood of Lincoln Park.

Such a solid spot for great locally brewed beer. Place has a solid vibe and also some of the best chicken nuggets around.

Pretty neat little bar. Bartender is a pretty cool guy too

Great beer, great food, great music. This is one of my Chicago top 10.

Absolutely fantastic lil place. Great beer selection, food was tasty as hell, and knowledgeable/friendly staff... A must stop!!

The host was very accommodating, and the food! Delicious!

One of my fav places in Chicago! Beer selection is unrivaled in this heavy metal bar that reminds me 3Floyds Brewery. Awesome staff & great location. Love it here! Not great lighting, sorry for crappy pic!

The food was fantastic however I thought the bartender, despite how engaging in local he might have been with the rest of the folks, was trying to get us to get a drink so much and I had a ongoing stomach ulcer. He should lay off the aggressive selling with respect to alcohol and let me do my thing. Great people nonetheless.

David is awesome. Great beer list. Menu looked delicious

Superb spot. The bartender was covering for a no-call, no-show (Saturday, Nov. 16 at 12:30pm - overheard him saying this to a regular), but you wouldn’t know it. He was awesome and gave the perfect recommendations. We weren’t hungry, but had to try to creole crab cake. The crab was fresh. Music was awesome and vibes were perfect.

Great beer selection. Music is also always loud and metal. Swordfish tacos.

Excellent spot with A+ beers and awesome customer care!

Tasty brews under the Local Option label plus delicious sandwiches equals a nice place to stop for a quick bite and drink. I had the shrimp po boy, which was probably 65% plump shrimp, 30% bread, and only 5% other ingredients. I approve of the ratios. It was rather quiet and subdued when I was there (Monday at 7:30), which is fine. The bartender is attentive, but will also leave you in peace if thats your gig.

Best bar in Chicago, incredible craft... great music, cool people.

Nice place. Excellent beer and mead selection. The food was awesome. I had the lobster roll and my daughter had the crabcakes sandwich. Both very good. Our waiter was very noticable in beer and food. We will come back again next time we are in Chicago.

Excellent selection of hard to find beer with some great rock music played.

Nice little dive place in a in a part of town with restaurants close by. The bar does have simple pub fare but i needed something more substantial so i walked two blocks. I would have given 5 stars but only one imperial stout was available. The staff was polite and helpful with directions.

Very cool bar hidden away. Amazing tap list. Very cool bottles too. It looks like it may be a bit rough from the outside but its great. The staff are cool. Stayed here for way more beer than originally intended

Local Option is the jam!Cool neighborhood spot, great selection of beers and food. The staff is always fun and friendly, good stories and great tunes.If you’re into heavy metal and delicious beers/food, this is the spot for you.Awesome atmosphere on a warm summer night, and interesting menu with some creole goodies and traditional yet unique bar food staples.

Came in with a group for Friday lunch. The food and beer menus were full of great choices. The bartender was exceptionally friendly, and gave us a rundown of just about everything they had to offer. The beers were great! I had a couple of their house brews and was very impressed. Everyone loved the food. I had the lobster roll, and it was magical. I had high hopes for this place, and they exceeded them. We will make this place a must every time we visit Chicago!

My party was rudely greeted when we walked in. The ladies we were forcibly signaled to sit at a table rather than one of many open seats at the bar. The bartender didnt know any of his available options. They were short on any inventory. Ive never had ruder or more poor service in my life. We were at the end of the bar, in an area that seemed fine. He however did not like us being there at put his hands on us and told us to get away from the area. Then had the gusto to ask for the 5th time what we would like. We left without making a purchase. Awful awful awful experience, for something I was excited to try. I was very dissatisfied.

Great beer selection of course! They always have a great deal of their beer on tap obviously, but the selection of other beers is endless. I love coming here! Recently I tried their food and it is also really good. Best original tater tots in Chicago. Crispy potato goodness!

Imaginative beers. Not your standard IPA-light-stout lineup. Best Kentucky Common Ive ever had (albeit out of 3). Unexpected satanic theme which was fun, and the food was outstanding (cajun themed). Extremely friendly and helpful staff. Cant wait to go back.

This is one of my favorite bars in the world hands down. The beer list is so good that I would call it curated. There is always something rare and hard to find on tap. The food is far better than youd think too. It hangs with anything in Chicago. The kitchen downstairs open until later in the afternoon though so you usually cant get food for lunch. The staff there is awesome. They live talking beer and are cool with the regulars and the people like me who blow into town 3 or 4 times a year. It is small and gets crowded fast. The music is always metal and Id call the playlist curated as well. The beers they brand Local Option are collaborations with top-tier breweries and are among the best on the menu.

If I could leave zero stars I would. We were the only people there and were stopping in to get a bite to eat on my way for my first chemo treatment. When we walked in the bartender was on a call. We waited patiently for 5 minutes but because we were in a real hurry, I asked to see menus and he rudely put his hand up signaling me to wait. And the wait continued and not once did we receive any sort of actual service. So disappointing especially considering the circumstances. We got guacamole to go and I will say that it was very good but the service we received could not have been any worse.

My go to place when Im in the area. Bartenders are great with helping me pick out a good beer. And the decor is sweet!!

Absolutely loved the beer selection... If you want good options of local brews on tap this is a great support to try. The catfish tacos are really good.

Come for the great local brewery. The food is an interesting mix of cajun and tacos on flour tortillas. Try the skate wing dish. Yum! The staff is helpful and there are lots of good puns on the menu. Enjoy.

Amazing beer selection both tap and bottle list. The bartenders were super friendly and extremely knowledgable! Alexi (?) knows EVERYTHING about the beer scene in Chicago (and many other places). Great food too, way above expectations when it comes to pub grub. Had the lobster roll and guacamole with tortillas- best ever!

Ive been wanting to visit Local Option for years, and I finally got to Chicago last month. Fantastic beer selection, friendly staff and if youre into metal, awesome music

Great draft selection plus bottle list. Awesome staff, chill atmosphere. You cant go wrong with the chicken nuggets.

I love this place!Do you like porters and stouts? Do you love delicious wings, po-boys, and tacos? The come on down to Local Option!They have really been upping their food game! The crab cake and layered tacos are my two new favorites =)The guys who run this place are always great and willing to recommend the latest seasonal offerings.

Great rock bar atmosphere with a Cajun inspired menu. Amazing staff, delicious food, and satisfying drinks!

Mediocre overpriced food and indifferent-bordering-on-actively-unfriendly staff. Not worth the time or money imo

Really enjoyed everything about this place. Great beer selection, delicious food, great staff and large TVs. Would definitely go back there. Was very lucky to find parking on the street when I did go.

Great beer bar with better, fancier food options than your typical pub. Guys working there are super chill and nice. They were very helpful when choosing beers from the impressive taplist. Cant wait to go back and try more of their food and beer.

Great place to try some of the best beer made in Chicago. The staff love what they do and will talk beer with anyone. The food is mostly seafood and excellent. Not what you expect for a brewery.

Excellent selection of beer and decent food too. Great music and lively atmosphere.

Great place. Awesome low key vibe. Highly recommend

Beers are great!!! The atmosphere not so much. Loud, good music playing (if youre into rock and heavier stuff) but the sound system just sounds bad, hehe. If youre not much of a talker/listener and just want some good beer, youll like it. Drinks are a bit more expensive than average, but the quality makes up for it.

Super cool, heavy metal themed brewery in the northside of Chicago. A great selection of in-house and guest taps and bottles makes for a must-visit for any beer geek. Only thing lacking is the ability to try flights or half-pouts. They only sell full pours, and its hard to taste multiple brews if youre downing 8-16 oz at a time.

Awesome beer selection! Really impressive mix of (great) own selection and other world class beers. Unfortunately I have not had a chance to try their food as the kitchen is closed on Mondays and dont open until 4 pm on the rest of the weekdays

My favorite beer bar in Chicago. Killer beer list, and they ALWAYS have something unique and hard to find. The food is fantastic, and the bar staff are cool AF.

Please place beer prices on the board or a draft list. The random bill with unknown prices is less than enjoyable.Writing this with great appreciation for the bar, but “check the board dude” is lazy service unless prices are posted on the chalk board.

Great southern comfort food in a craft beer-centric, rock music bar.Enjoyed lunch on a snowy day, the bar was empty but very comfortable. The bar tender was helpful and funny.Chicken wings were great, crispy with interesting cajun sauce.Jambalaya was super flavorful and a little spicy .Lobster roll was okay, a little over priced but good quality.Chorizo burrito was the closest thing to a breakfast item.The fries are the best!

If youre a beer lover, you will enjoy Local Option. Heavy metal music and atmosphere, but welcoming to all. Its not pretentious at all. All beer lovers will find a home here.

Love this place so much. Always phenomenal beers on tap, and good food, too! Waitstaff is extremely knowledgeable and helpful in navigating the extensive beer list.

Guys know their beer and are very friendly. Awesome beer list. Food isnt going to blow your mind but it is better than I expected which was great. Only complaint is i wish there was cell phone reception or wifi. Ill definitely be back to this place again.

Great beer selection. Knowledgeable staff. Love going here

As long as youre willing to pay Chicago prices, this place is definitely one of the best beer bars in the city. Incredible selection, including rare choices like BCBS, as well as their own brews. Friendly staff as well in a classic divey atmosphere.

Great little local bar and brewery. Dave is the guy to talk to when your here.

David was super rude, pushy, condescending, unprofessional, and even commented on my tip immediately after I left it, saying that it wasnt enough. I wont be coming back to this bar.

Fish tacos, enough said. But Ill keep going. Local option is a hidden gem, excellent beer list and some of the most surprising food in the city. Of course its not fancy, youre in a bar. But if you want a perfect Saturday lunch with a beer, look no further.

One of the more interesting beer lists in the city. It may be intimidating at first since there are no descriptions, but the bartenders know the list and will always help guide you to something that youll love. Just be aware that youll probably spend $10/beer, but theyre all a bit more rare and worth it!

Good beers with a wide variety. Staff was friendly and helpful. Good was good at areasonable price.

From the amazing bartenders, to the owner, to the incredible selection and experience, this is literally the best place I have ever visited. As an interloper, I have never experienced such great service and care in an establishment. I visited twice, years apart, and the staff treated me and my new wife as long lost family. I will always visit Dave at local option anytime Im in Chicago.

Great local brewery. Super friendly staff and great beer options

Fantastic draft list. Really friendly staff and quick service. A bit hard to find since its in a residential neighbourhood, but SO worth it. A friend had the burger and claimed it was the best he had in Chicago.

A HUGE selection of beers on tap and surprisingly good food. Local Option is always a fun spot to meet up with friends for beers on the weekends or during Saturday errands for a break. Convenient location and ample street parking. Reasonable prices and friendly staff. Local Option is a frequent stop and always a good one.

Ive tried 4 or 5 of the draughts here taking a break from writing. Staff is very knowledgeable and fun. I somehow avoided shrimp all my life...UNTIL THE JAMBALAYA. Perfection! More, please

If you like great beer and like to drink it with people who know beer, this is the place to go! If you know beer, you will be happy here. If you dont know beer, you cannot find better guides!

Great spot with a huge tap list that is always changing. Guaranteed to impress even the biggest beer snob. The staff is also very helpful if you need assistance choosing your beer.

Awesome bartender, amazing art work & very clean. Love it

It was busy and a bit loud, but the beer was good and fun times were had!

Great microbrews. Love the flour tortilla chips with the chips and guac.

Food is good and the drinks dont total kill it price wise.

Top 3 spot in the city if you are a beer drinker. Food is great (wish they still had the blackened chicken po boy though)

Nice a low-key. A little pricey

Great beer list and amazing food selection. Staff is always friendly and helpful. Great spot to meet up for afternoon drinks.

This unapologetic beer temple is an oasis of hard to find draft options. The team there loves what they do, and spend just enough time explaining the difference between styles. Dont expect a ton of hand-holding, but its hard for them not to gush about their perfectly curated list.

They consistently. Brew excellent beers and provide the classic Chicago dive space to drink em in. Food is awesome too.

This place is really awesome. The food is super good, the staff is great, and the beer list is extensive!

Great, uncommon beer selection and the food is pretty good too. The bar tender, when we were there, really knew his stuff

Perfect place to chug a brew or two in the afternoon

This place is awesome. My favorite bar I visited in Chicago. Would love to try the food sometime, menu looked thicc

Good beer selection and food. Just a little pricy.

This place likely has the best beer two selection in the city. The most delicious beer is here and the jambalaya is almost as good as mine. Do by for sure, then finish off at Delilahs.

Great beer, food music & staff

Knowledgeable bartenders, awesome music and environment! Dont go if you think youre better than everyone else, because they wont hesitant to let you know that youre not. Thats why they rule!! Hate Lincoln park but local option has become my favorite.

Almost forgot about this place, but if I have to hang out in Lincoln Park, this is where I want to go. They have a huge beer selection, there are sometimes very cute doggies inside, and I love the atmosphere/music/art. I keep meaning to eat here, but that gives me a reason to come back.

I havent tried the food here, but the ambiance, staff, and selection of beers on tap are all great. Im looking forward to returning and eventually trying some of the food menu.

Great people, fun bar, delicious beer options.

The beer list is easily the best in the city, but the service here sucks. The bartender was snobby, and rude. The food was decent, but nothing to rave about. Bring your out of town fiends here to enjoy good beer, but make this place the first stop of your night.

Max and Dave. Nothing more to say. Best freaking bar Ive been to in years.

Thanks for an awesome Monday afternoon of day drinking Dave! Also, thanks for playing Type O for me. That made my day (even if it ruined others 😂).

Great beer selection, bartenders know their stuff.

Very friendly and knowledgeable staff that.loves to talk beer!

Really strong beer selection; tasty food

Incredibly place, great atmosphere and of course great beer.

I went in just to grab a quick beer with my wife and we were both pleasantly surprised by the food quality. Crab quesadillas at a metal beer bar? Count us in! Craft beers are the way to go and luckily, this place does not fail to deliver. Well done, gents!

Great bar. Great food.

Local Option is just that... a great local option for a pint, bar trivia, game watching and over 30 beers on tap! Great grilled cheeses, fish tacos and a blackened chicken sandwich with a kick. One of my favorite placeas for a pint in Chicago.

Unexpected, but a nice addition to Lincoln Park. Extensive and varied beer list. Definitely come for the beer as the food is only mediocre. They hold some cool events, but theyre really crowded so be prepared for a wait.

The best tap room in the city of Chicago. Amazing food!

Great neighborhood bar feel but with class. Everything is priced right. The fish tacos are pretty good but the beverage selection is the best.