One of the great benefits of beer is the community it fosters. Here at The Perfectly Happy Man, we are not only lovers of great beer, but we are lovers of conversation and culture. Earlier this evening, fellow (local) reviewers Michael, Matt, Tom, and I met up for some brews at the wonderful Bavarian Lodge in Lisle, Illinois. This restaurant/brauhaus was recently voted one of the top 10 best German joints in the country. Not surprisingly, the four of us nabbed one of their bar-height lounge tables and enjoyed some great beers.

Between us we sampled the following beers: Rogue Yellow Snow IPA, Steigl Pils, Rochefort 8, Southern Tier Jah-va, Dogfish Head 90-Minute IPA, Monk’s Café Flemish Sour Ale, Duvel Green, and Surly Furious. Needless to say, the Bavarian Lodge has tons of awesome beers on tap, and well over 100 bottles from all over the world. Click here to visit their beer list.

Ambiance is great at this place. A few weeks ago, Michael and I showed up on a Wednesday night to find the place absolutely jammed … due to a visit from Anchor Brewing Company, who had a rep there to mingle with the townsfolk and tap three new kegs of Anchor beer. After work tonight, the place was more chill – not empty, mind you – just more relaxed and quiet.

Of course we chatted it up about beer, home brewing, our website, goals for the future, etc., but PHM Beer Night is – and will continue to be – a time to just take a break from the rigors of responsible life and spend some time doing something we all enjoy. No doubt many of you beer lovers understand this timeless standard.

In the coming months we’re planning on hopping around to some different venues for our Beer Nights in the greater Chicagoland area. Locally we’re well spread out, and when you count every member of our writing staff, we’re a coast-to-coast operation. Until the next time, please check out The Bavarian Lodge. Their beers are awesome, their food is superb, their venue is clean and inviting, and their staff is well-mannered and friendly. If you enjoy beer and call Chicago home, the Lodge is a place you’ve got to visit.

Check out some photos of The Bavarian Lodge, courtesy of their website:

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