Everyone loves a good brewery, and this one matches great beer with an even better location. In the middle of the hustle and bustle of the Southport Corridor, the aptly named Corridor Brewery and Provisions is a nice place to grab a pint no matter what the rest of your day has in store.
The inside marries coffee shop vibes with a sophisticated brewery flair and a little bit of an edge.
Classic silver brewing tanks stand against a side wall, not only decorating the place nicely but also proving you’ll get a fresh beer. Skeletons, old bikes, and ketchup and mustard bottles with faces on them decorate walls and shelves around the space, adding extra personality and charm. That’s not to mention the wallpaper, which combines a fancy pattern with … fire hydrants? Somehow, it works.
Brewery Director Brant Dubovick and Chef Jeff Parkin work together to pair beer and food together for a wholly wonderful experience. The beers on draft are constantly rotating, so you don’t run the risk of getting bored of the options. General Manager Cam Willford says when people walk in for the first time looking to grab a brew, they’re met with a lot of options in both beer and food departments.
The food is all locally sourced and designed to pair with the beer selections of the day. Indulge the soft pretzel or genius pairing of cauliflower and cheese curds as a starter, then follow it up with a sandwich or artisan pizza.
The beer itself is excellent. Try the Chicago Style Weiner, but if you’re indecisive, a 5-ounce pour of six beers will run you $20. You can also take your favorites to-go with 32-ounce or 64-ounce growlers available for purchase.
Not an IPA bro? No problem. The brewery offers a selection of craft cocktails, wine and zero-proof drinks as well.
After raising a glass at Corridor, take a 2-minute stroll down the street to Coda di Volpe, an A1 option for southern Italian food in the city. The space is open and modern, with a stunning U-shaped bar and an open oven for guests to observe chefs cooking the establishment’s signature Southern Italian Neapolitan pizzas.
Something about the ability to see the pizzas being cooked will draw you in, or maybe that’s just the heavenly smell. For a place like this, it might be best to go with a crew who doesn’t mind sharing a smorgasbord of appetizers, salads, pizzas and pasta. Read: There’s far too much to choose from.
For starters, the grilled octopus is nothing short of divine. By combining the octopus with soft smashed potatoes and bright lemon plus sweet pepper and oregano, the appetizer is the way to prime your palette for the decadence to come.
The place is known for its pizzas, and it’d almost be a crime not to get one. The pizza Napoletana is traditional southern Italian pizza and a great option. But the focaccia, which has earned an entire section on the restaurant’s menu, is really where it’s at. The bouncy, well-seasoned bread is piled high with cheese and whatever toppings you select. At least one option rotates seasonally, so be sure to take a good look to make sure you’re not missing out on the exact thing to satisfy your pizza hankering.
If you’re looking to continue a bit of the buzz you started at Corridor, the cocktails at Coda di Volpe are refreshing and unique. The “Is that the queen of Sicily?” will have you pledging allegiance to the royalty that is this cocktail, and for those who can’t get enough of espresso martinis, try the elevated version at Coda di Volpe, which incorporates vodka, Amari’s trio and Borghetti.
After dinner, take the trek a few more blocks south to check out Schubas Tavern, a staple of Chicago’s music scene. Approaching the building, you’ll see the vertical “SCHUBAS” sign in bright red to guide your way.
Stepping into the space, it seems like any other dive bar — that’s part of its draw. The bar is illuminated by bright green lights, reflecting off the bottles and taps.
Upstairs, comedy shows and open mics are your go-to for good laughs, while the back room downstairs serves as an intimate concert venue. The concert space is standing-room only, so be sure to prepare, wear good shoes and get ready to dance.
The venue, owned by the same people as Lincoln Hall, another concert venue a little more than a mile away on Lincoln Avenue, could provide you with all the fun you need in one night — comedy, concerts and just a good ol’ dive bar. It’s like a Chicago night personified.
Schubas opened in 1989 and has cemented itself as one of the most iconic small music venues in the city with a loyal following in the years since. It doesn’t pigeonhole itself by focusing on one type of music — acts featuring rock, hip-hop, pop and jazz have all performed here.
While you’re there, take a moment to appreciate the history of the building. Built in 1903 as part of a project by Schlitz Brewery, it’s one of the only “tied houses,” or bars opened by brewing companies during Prohibition, left operating as a bar.
To find a selection of shows offered, check Schubas website. It’s not a bad idea to book tickets to a band you’ve never heard of before, tickets are usually cheap, and, who knows? You could find the next big thing to brag to your friends about. After all, you knew them before they were cool.
Just ask The National, Janelle Monáe and My Morning Jacket, all of whom have performed at the venue.