One of my personal favorites, Three Floyds Brewing has the most exotic menu I have encountered in quite some time. I'll post the most recent menu separately. Two visits in this review exhibits a varying character of the establishment.
First visit was on a Saturday at lunch time. 5 of us dance dads took time between performances to get some lunch. Be fore warned, get there early for weekends and dinner. Opening at noon, there was a healthy line formed by 20 minutes to the hour. Quite a gruff greeting by the doorman admonishing all to not enter without his permission. A surly bloke to say the least.
Drinks came quickly after being seated. I had a Hessian Smog, one of the many unique beers they offer. Don't go expecting anything from the big three, however PBR is available, possibly as a nod to it's intro at the 1893 Chicago Worlds Fair.
Food also came quickly considering how quickly the place filled up. Three gents had the burger in various guises, one the fish and chips and I had the 3 Floyds cassoulet. Braised pork, confit duck leg, venison sausage, parsley bread crumbs. Great hearty flavor, the white beans perfectly al dente and the variety of meats complemented each other. Particularly pleasing was the venison sausage, finely ground, well seasoned and lean to counter the pork and duck.
Unfortunately, one of our group committed what must be a most egregious faux pas at Floyds. He had the temerity to ask if the Blackhawks game was available for viewing in the dining room. An old pre-standard-def gladiator flick was playing at the time. We were firmly told by one of the staff (not our waiter), "NO, this is NOT a sports bar!" as he turned heel and strode away. He could have politely declined and almost lost our table prior to the meals arriving. Since there was still a line waiting to enter, I think the success of Three Floyds has made them some what snooty and upset that "The Masses" have discovered their eclectic little secret.
So be advised that on Saturdays Three Floyds is a Gladiator Bar!
In contrast, lunch during the week was sensational. Sitting at the bar with soccer (not a sports bar?) on one screen and Asian martial arts on another was quite convivial. Starting with a Behemoth barley wine, we also sampled several other of the seasonal beer offerings. This visit I had the braised lamb bucatini with piquillo pepper, parmesan reggiano and black pepper. The home made bucatini were delicious, the sauce bold yet delicate and the lamb seared to perfection. I think the lamb and sauce would be killer as a pizza too. Had a barrel aged Black Sun stout for dessert too. I have yet to try a real dessert there, but hopefully the asian pear cobbler is still available next visit.
To sum up Three Floyds, do drop by during the week for lunch to get an accurate assessment, but take your chances on evening and weekends due to VERY limited seating and militant doorman guy.
http://www.3floyds.com/
3.5/5 stars for the surly guy.
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