Chicago West Town Restaurant & Brewery

Restaurant & Brewery Hours

Monday -
4pm
-
10pm (Kitchen at 9)
Tuesday -
4pm
-
10pm (Kitchen at 9)
Wednesday -
4pm
-
10pm (Kitchen at 9)
Thursday -
4pm
-
10pm (Kitchen at 9)
Friday -
3pm
-
11pm (Kitchen at 10)
Saturday -
12pm
-
11pm (Kitchen at 10)
Sunday -
12pm
-
9pm (Kitchen at 8:30)

WEST TOWN HAPPY HOUR!

Visit us at Forbidden Root for happy hour!

Monday – Thursday: 4 pm – 6 pm; Friday 3 pm – 5 pm

Half off ALL bar snacks \ $10 FR Flight \ $5 Draft Beer

$8 Glass Wine \ 1/2 off Bottles of Wine

$8 Select House Cocktails 

* Ask your local FR for any other HH specials. Specific items may vary based on location.

Dinner Menu

Bar Snacks

Popcorn
$6
Kimchi Spiced
FR Pub Grub
$7
Puffed Riced, Rice Crackers, Ramen Spice, Nori, Sunflower Seeds
House Potato Chips
$8
Dill Pickle Chips, Sour Cream French Onion Dip
Beer Cheese & Crackers
$11
Whipped Aged Cheddar, FR Beer, Spicy Maple, Ritz Crackers
House Beef Jerky
$10
Garlic-Honey Mustard
Beer Bread
House-made Bread, Sumac-Honey Butter
Soft Pretzel
$13
Smoked Cheddar Pub Cheese, Ghost Tropic Spicy-Honey Mustard

Small Plates

Kale Salad
$14
Flowering Kale, Fennel, Strawberry Basil Hefeweizen Inufused Strawberries, Candied Lemon, Basil Vinaigrette
Brussels Sprouts
$14
Granny Smith Apple, Spiced Pepita, Golden Raisins, Parmesan
Burrata
$15
Baby Beets, Sesame Crackers, Oranges, Ciabatta
Beer Cheese Soup
$9
Aged Cheddar, Popcorn, PIckled Jalapeno, Caraway Rye.
Add House Chorizo + $5
House Made Chorizo
$17
Smashed Marble Potatoes, Aji Verde, Queso Fresco, Fresno Chili Peppers
Endive Salad
$15
Belgian Endive, Walnut Vinaigrette, Comte, Compressed Pears

Daily Specials

MONDAY: BURGER, BEER, AND BOURBON
Wednesday: Oysters on the Half Shell
Happy Hour Every Weekday
Monday thru Thursday 3pm – 6pm
Friday 3pm-5pm

50% off Bar Snacks
$10 FR House Flights; $5 FR Drafts Beer
$8 Glasses of Wine; 50% Off Bottled Wine
$8 Cocktails
Old Fashioned, Negroni, French 75, Strawberry Basil Margarita

Cheese

MARISA
$8
Sheep | Wisconsin
Camembert
$8
Cow | France
Mobay
$8
Sheep, Goat | Wisconsin
Taleggio d.o.p.
$8
Cow | italy
Rosemary Manchego
$8
Sheep | Spain
Barely Buzzed
$8
Cow | Utah

Mains

Schnitzel Plate
$17
CHEF’S FEATURE
House Made Polish Sausage, Milk Brined Schnitzel, Mozzarella, Tomato Sauce, Giardiniera, Sub Roll
Milk Brined Pork Schnitzel Sandwich
$17
Pickled Beet Mayo, Caraway Slaw, Sesame Bun
FR Burger
$15/18
Single or Double Smashburger, Giardiniera Mayo, White American Cheese, Onions, B&B Pickles, Butter Bun
Jackfruit Sandwich
$17
Napa Cabbage, Shredded Jackfruit, House BBQ Sauce, BBQ Potato Chips, Sesame Bun
Spicy Fried Chicken Sandwich
$17
Hot Chicken Thigh, Spicy Mayo, Jalapeño Jam, Fermented Cabbage
“Reuben” Pot Pie
$21
House Corned Beef, Thousand Island, Swiss Cheese, Sauerkraut, Swiss Cheese Sauce, Side Salad
Roasted Carrots
$17
Whole Oven Roasted Carrots, Eggplant Purée, House Chili Crisp, Compressed Cucumbers, Carrot Tops
Beer Braised Short Rib
$28
Roasted Root Vegetables, Polenta, Swiss Chard, Sweety Drops
Pasta Cavola Nero
$22
Flour Power Lumache Pasta, Tuscan Black Kale, Sunflower Cream, Pistachios
Beer Steamed Mussels
$22
House Made Sausage, Confit Potato, Spicy Tomato Sauce, Shaved Fennel, Ciabatta
Pan Seared Black Bass
$24
Grilled Leeks, Celery Root, Toasted Hazelnut, Granny Smith Apple
Duck & Dumplings
$23
Duck Confit, Ricotta Gnocchi, Mirepoix, Duck Jus, Crispy Duck Skin

Draft Beer

🍻
#1 Ghost tropic
Double Hazy IPA | 8.2% | 12oz/8 – 5oz/4
Aromas lean to citrus and pineapple, plus a hint of bready malt. Palate is crisp with a bit of creaminess, with luscious white and tropical fruit notes. Finishes dry, crisp, and cleanly bitter.
🍻
#2 žatEc
Czech-Style Amber Lager | 5% | 16oz/7.50 – 4oz/4
Brewed with traditional Saaz hops for a crisp floral aroma and a soft spicy finish. Rich toasted bread and light caramel malt character balance a firm noble hop bitterness, creating a lager that is smooth, balanced, and endlessly drinkable. Clean fermentation & old-world character make this a tribute to classic Czech pub lagers.
🍻
#3 Pier Pressure
West Coast Pilsner | 5.2% | 12oz/6 – 5oz/4
The fourth in our series of West Coast Pilsners. This release features Motueka hops — lime-forward New Zealand hops with noble heritage, subtle herbal character, delicate floral notes, and bright crushed citrus.
#4 BA Up for discussion
Fruited Sour Aged In Rum Barrels | 6% | 12oz/8 – 4oz/4
Our Pineapple Rum Punch Sour collab then aged in Rum Barrels! The fruit hits first with the right amount of barrel right after. Collab w/ Mikerphone, Orchastrated Minds, Ology, & XUL
🍻
#5 SHARED HORIZON
NZ-Style IPA | 7.2% | 12oz/8 – 4oz/4
Copious amounts of Nelson Sauvin and Riwaka hops pack this beer with huge, distinctive aromatics achievable only with New Zealand’s finest hops. A subtle malt backbone and easy bitterness complement the aromas, creating your new favorite IPA. Collaboration w/ G-Five Brewing
🍻
#6 Branching Out
XPA | 5.7% | 16oz/8 – 5oz/4
Bright citrus, punchy tropical aromatics, and that signature pineapple pop from Bru-1. Soft bitterness, ultra drinkable, and built to keep you coming back for another. Hop-forward. Dank. Clean. No distractions. *Collaboration with St. Errant Brewing*
🍻
#7 Coast Grazer
West Coast IPA | 7.2% | 12oz/8 – 5oz/4
It’s not just another IPA. Brewed with Comet and Azacca hops along with pale ale, pilsner and Munich malts, this one’s a keeper, rife with big bold hop aromas of lemongrass, tropical fruits and a whisper of pine.
#8 No Manches Wey
Fruited Hazy IPA | 5.3% | 16oz/8 – 5oz/4
No Manches Wey. Yeah… we couldn’t believe it either. This IPA is loaded with dragonfruit and lime for a juicy, citrusy punch and an easy, soft finish. Brewed to support one of our own—every dollar from this beer goes straight to Carlos.
🍻
#9 Sprinkles Required
Sour IPA | 6.1% – 12oz/7 – 5oz/4
This Sour IPA is bursting with tropical aromas and flavors. We brewed it with hibiscus, rooibos tea, and an abundance of Krush and Strata hops. The guava, citrus, mango, and resin notes combine with the floral qualities of hibiscus and the nutty-earthiness of rooibos to create a full-bodied experience. The addition of lactose brings a creamy mouthfeel and balances the tartness.
🍻
#10 Strawberry Basil Hefeweizen
German-Style Hefeweizen | 5% – 12oz/7.50 – 5oz/4
To this wheat ale we add strawberries the cooling flavors of basil then add the fruity & spicy character of a classic hefeweizen yeast strain
#11 Mulligan Again
Hazy Pale Ale | 6.3% – 12oz/8 – 5oz/4
Clean and crisp this citrus forward tropical pale ale is a very balanced bitterness from a blend of El Dorado, Belma, and Mosaic hops.
🍻
#12 Assembly Required
Fruited Dry-Hopped Sour Ale* | 6.7% | 12oz/8 – 5oz/4
A lush wave of dark berry and bright citrus layered over a structured, refreshing tartness. Vibrant aromatics, juicy mid-palate, clean finish.Drinks like a thoughtfully curated craft cocktail — layered, intentional, and beautifully balanced — just in beer form. Complex without being complicated.
*Contains Lactose
🍻
#13 Snoochie Boochies
Double Hazy IPA | 8% – 12oz/8 – 5oz/4
Hazy and juicy with intense aromas of sweet orange, not unlike a Creamsicle. Creamy mouthfeel with a touch of sweetness that is in lockstep with the hop bitterness.
#14 Blushing Haze
Fruited IPA | 5.4% | 12oz/8 – 5oz/4
Bright tropical hop aromas of passionfruit & citrus weave through layers of sweet berry and tangy guava. Low bitterness & a silky finish make this vibrant, fruit-forward IPA refreshingly crushable with just the right balance of lush sweetness and zesty lift.
#15 Mikerphone Brewing/Dankhouse Brewing ‘Now playing’
Cascadian Dark Ale | 7.1% | 12oz/9 | 5oz/5
Guest Draft
#16 Other Half Brewing ‘Double Crusted Gems’
Imperial IPA | 8.0% | 12oz/9 – 5oz/5
Guest Draft

Flight

The FR House Flight
$14
Žatec | Strawberry Basil | Sprinkles Required | Coast Grazer | Ghost Tropic

Canned Beer

🍻
Assembly Required Strawberry
$7.50
Fruited Dry-Hopped Sour Ale with Strawberry and Passionfruit* | 6.7% | 12oz/8 – 5oz/4
*Contains Lactose
🍻
Eat Your Cake
$10
Imperial Stout | 10.1% | 10oz/10 – 5oz/5
🍻
Sixth Arrival
$7.50
Dry-Hopped Lager | 4.6% |
🍻
Kyoto
$7.50
Rice Lager | 4.9% |
🍻
Humble Crumble
$7.50
Fruited Sour Wheat | 6.2% |
🍻
Everything is MORE
$7.50
Hazy Session IPA | 4.1% |
🍻
Frozen In time
$7.50
Fresh-Hop IPA | 6.8% |
🍻
Looking Out
$7.50
Single Hop Wheat Ale | 5.1% |
🍻
Cloudline
$7.50
NZ Pilsner | 4.8% |
🍻
Parallel Lines
$7.50
S.M.A.S.H. Lager | 4.8% |
🍻
Alora Pier Pressure
$7.50
West Coast Pilsner | 5.1% |
🍻
Good on ya
$7.50
Extra Pale Ale | 4.8% |
Collaboration with Dankhouse
🍻
Cosmic Trust Fall
$8.50
Hazy imperial IPA | 9%|
🍻
Well Positioned
$7.50
Oak-Fermented Saison | 6.8%
2 time medal winner at Fobab
Collaboration with Derive Brewing
🍻
Casting Light
$7.50
Oak-Fermented Japanese Rice Lager |4.2%|
🍻
Night Moth
$8.50
Oak-Aged Hazy IPA | 7.2% |
NA beer
$8
Untitled Art, Waunakee WI
Italian Pilsner | Juicy IPA | Grapefruit Radler

Gluten Free Options

Hard Seltzers
$8
Untitled Art, Waunakee WI
Blackberry-Agave | Navel Orange-Yuzu | Pineapple-Mango | Prickly Pear-Guava
CIDERS
$8
Eris Ciders, Chicago, IL
Pedestrian | Blush | Pepper Jam

Cocktails

Failure To launch
$10
*$10 Bartender’s Feature*
Still G.I.N., Campari, Orchard Peach Liqueur, Peychaud’s Bitters, Lemon
Cairn & Key
$15
Monkey Shoulder Blended & Benriach Smoky 10 Single Malt Scotches, Luxardo Apricot, Green Key Herbal Liqueur, Peychaud’s, Absinthe Spritz
Dulcinea Morgana
$15
Divino Maguey Guava Mezcal, Lustau Vermut, Grande Liquer de Sapin’s Lime, Honey, Peychaud’s Bitters
Bali Influencer
$15
Hamilton Gold Rum, Kai Coconut Sochu, New Deal Ginger Liqueur, Demerara, Lime, Pineapple, Cava, Cardamom Bitters Orange Swath
Badasp
$15
FR Watershed 4yr B.I.B. Bourbon, Lime Juice, Fresh Mint, Ginger Beer, Angostura
Forbidden Root Old Fashioned
$15
Rittenhouse Rye, Maple Syrup, Bolivar & Angostura Bitters, Quari Ice Cube, Orange Swath *Upgrade to FR / Middlewest Pumpernickel Rye +2
Naked In The Rain
$14
Jalapeño Infused-Confianza Blanco Tequila, El Silencio Mezcal, New Deal Ginger, Campari, Lime, Maple Syrup
Uva
$15
Watershed Four Peel Barrel Aged Gin, Jules Theuriet Pamplemousse Liqueur, Fernet Branca, Lemon, Honey

FR Botanical Series

Strawberry Basil Margarita
$15
Confianza Blanco Tequila Lime Curacao Topped with FR Strawberry Basil
FR Negroni
$14
28 Mile Debonair Gin Campari House Vermouth Orange Swath

Wine

Sparkling
$14
Los Monteros Cava Penedes Spain
White
$14
Domaine de la Pépière, Muscadet, Loire Valley, France
Wither Hills Sauvignon Blanc, Marlborough, NZ
Fox Glove Chardonnay, Central Coast, California
Rose/Orange
$14
Château de Campuget Rosé, Rhone Valley, France
Chateau Maris ‘Rare Orange’ Muscat, Languedoc, France
Red
$14
Moulin de Gassac Pinot Noir, Languedoc-Roussillon, Fance
Nine Hats Cabernet Sauvignon, Columbia Valley, WA
Ludovicus Garnacha, Terra Alta, Catalunya, Spain

NA Cocktails

Mint Condition
$12
Raspberry-Mint Shrub, Daydream Herbal Tea, Lime, Ginger Beer, Fresh Mint
Bamm Bamm & Pebbles
$12
Blueberry-Lemongrass Syrup, Alō Aloe Vera Juice, Lime, Ginger Beer

House Shots $7

Cinn-oak
Old Forester Tentura Cinnamon Liqueur
Breakfast of champions
Old Forester Maple Syrup New Deal Coffe Liqueur
Smoke and Flame
El Silencio Mezcal Ancho Reyes Chili Liqueur Lime & Orange Bitters
Chicago Keys
Jeppson’s Malort Jules Theuriet Pamplemousse Liqueur

Soft Drinks

Daydream Cold Brewed Iced Tea
$4
Gosling’s Ginger beer
$5
Freddie’s Root Beer
$5
Coke Diet Coke Sprite Ginger Ale
$4
Daydream Hot Tea
$5

Forbidden Root Single BarrelsThese 

barrels

single barrels were hand-selected by the Forbidden Root team and our friends at local distilleries.

FR Barr Hill Tom Cat Gin Watershed Four Peel Bourbon Barrel-Aged Gin Koval Bottled in Bond Rye

Brunch Menu

Mains

French Toast
$16
Brioche, Pumpkin Cream, Pepita Granola, Hibiscus Poached Apples, Maple Syrup
Eggs in Purgatory
$18
Spicy Tomato Sauce Poached Eggs Focaccia Parmesan
Short Rib
$25
Fried Egg Crispy Brussels Sprouts Chimichurri Patato Straws
Savory Pancake
$16
Seasonal Vegetables Kimchi Cheese Curds Maple Poached Egg
Brunch Burger
$18
Double Smashburger Egg Yolk American Cheese House Cured Bacon Tomato Jam
The Root
$15
Two Eggs any style House Bacon Brunch Potatoes
French Toast
$16
Brioche, Strawberry Cream, Pepita Granola, Hibiscus Poached Apples, Maple Syrup
Chorizo Poutine
$14
French Fries, House Made Chorizo Gravy, Pickled Fresnos, Queso Chihuahua Add Fried Egg +3

Sides

House Cured Bacon
$7
Toast
$5
Brunch Potatoes
$6
*2 Eggs
$6
Any Style

Beverages

Beermosa de peche
$10
FR Peach Wit Orange Juice; A refreshing twist on a classic brunch libation
Biere Royale
$10
FR Ale Timbers Golden Ale Crème de Cassis
FR Bloody
$12
CH Distillery Vodka CH Distillery Vodka Zing Zang Bloody Mix Fresh Lime FR Porter Fresh Lime
forbidden root TV

Private Events

Whether celebrating a birthday, hosting a rehearsal dinner, or enjoying a happy hour with colleagues, we have the perfect space for you!

Please visit the Private Events page to learn more or to inquire about future events.

gift card
gift card

Forbidden Root Gift Cards

Ever attempted to gift-box a frothy pint of our botanical brew or a hearty serving of Midwestern fare? Take it from us, it’s messy!

Why not surprise your loved ones with a Forbidden Root Gift Certificate instead?

It’s the ideal gateway to a feast of uniquely crafted botanic beers and mouthwatering dishes – a delight for both beer enthusiasts and food lovers alike.

And the best part? You can get an instant gift certificate for any amount, delivered straight to your email or sent as a text message to your phone.

It’s instant, convenient, and thoroughly enjoyable – gifting, simplified!

Choose A Gift Certificate Location