Chicago makes a great destination for a beer-centric long weekend. You’ll find BiXi Beer in the Logan Square neighborhood, across the street from the familiar waffle cone scent of Jeni’s Ice Cream. At first glance, the vibe is more chic restaurant than brewpub, with jewel-toned walls and dark furnishings. Ask for a seat in the atrium upstairs, however, and you’ll find a bright atmosphere filled with lush plants stacked on built-in white shelving, live plant walls, and an open-roofed, greenhouse-inspired space reminiscent of Franklin Park Conservatory. 

The in-house draft menu at BiXi is short, with just three drafts available at the moment. However, they offer quality and variety in the offerings, with a kolsch, a double IPA, and my favorite, the Jeju Island mandarin witbier. This beer was brewed collaboratively with Chicago favorite Pipeworks Brewing. On a warm late summer evening, the witbier promises a refreshing note. And it is easy-drinking, clocking in at just 4.6% ABV. When you’re served this bright orange draft with a frothy white top, you sense you are in for a citrusy treat, and it won’t disappoint. Initially a bit tart, the flavor quickly gives the satisfying OJ taste promised by the beer’s hue. After that, it magically rounds out with all of the spicy coriander and clove-packed hefeweizen flavors you would expect from a witbier. 

If Belgian is not your style, BiXi offers a kolsch-style ale brewed with jasmine tea, a dry-hopped double IPA, and several guest drafts and cans. They also serve an extensive beverage menu with cocktails- on draft, frozen, as well as classic shaken options- refreshing mocktails, wine, and even sake. No matter your taste, BiXi has something to quench your thirst.

All of the beverage options complement BiXi’s mouthwatering pan-Asian food offerings. Lots of small bites like spicy szechuan peanuts deliver a perfect punch while you savor your witbier or beverage of choice. When you’re ready for more, delicious morsels like the pork char siu bao buns, savory chicken gong bao, and Korean-inspired rose tteokbokki will do the trick. The flavors are bold, complex, and delicious, incorporating Vietnamese, Korean, and Chinese dishes flawlessly. While you may have come for the beer, you should bring your appetite for the food, as they truly are a perfect match.

BiXi Beer on North Milwaukee Avenue is open Wednesday- Monday. They feature Happy Hour food and drink specials Wednesday- Saturday from 3-5pm.