Hopleaf

5148 N. Clark St.
Andersonville
773.334.9851

This Belgian bar is probably my favorite bar in the city. It has the most extensive beer list I have ever seen...having a large selection of beer from all over the world. What is also cool is many of the different beers come in their own individual style of glass. The only thing better than the beer here are the mussels. They come in two flavor choices, one cooked with white wine and herbs and the other in a tomato based sauce. I have only had the white wine one and it is amazing! They come in two servings-"mussels for one" or "mussels for two." The "mussels for one" is perfect to share between two people and the "mussels for two" is a huge bucket perfect for four. It is the perfect appetizer to go with a pint of good beer. The mussels come with a cup of fries that you can dip in this yummy garlic aioli. Just talking about this is making me want to go back already!

I have been to Hopleaf for dinner as well and it was good, but personally I would just go for the mussels. Their food menu has more of an "European" flair, usually serving entrees such as rabbit, venison and more specialty items, and usually ranging from $20-$25 an entree.

The bar is not big, with a small dining room in the back, and almost every time I have been there it has been really crowded... so I would suggest going early or on an off-night.