Seemor
Old Irving Brewing Co.A-Worth Trying
4419 W Montrose Ave, Chicago, IL 60641
· Brewpub, American restaurant, Bar
· 4.6/5 Google (1391 reviews)
Delivery · Takeout
Destination-worthy Chicago brewpub with standout burgers, wings, and creative specials, strong beer program, lively vibe, and kid-friendly options; expect crowds and occasional service hiccups.
Why it gets an A- for overall quality
Old Irving Brewing Co. delivers A-grade performance through exceptional food quality anchored by standout burgers and creative comfort fare, paired with strong service attentiveness and knowledgeable beer guidance. The rustic-modern brewery setting and loyal following reflect a well-executed neighborhood destination, though occasional consistency variations and crowding challenges prevent grade A territory. Competitive with the area's better brewpub establishments.
Restaurant Summary
The room feels warm and bustling with tanks gleaming in the back and TVs humming along. Service trends friendly and quick when not slammed, with one diner noting, "Our server picked a great beer flight and checked in just right." Expect lively crowds at dinner and the occasional wait. The kitchen leans elevated brewpub with global nudges, not gimmicks. Think wood-fired burgers and rotating wings, macs of the month, kimchi aioli, and octopus with crisp potatoes. The culinary approach leans polished comfort with creative accents: chef-driven flavors that still feel familiar with beer. Families are welcome here. There is a real kids menu with burgers, tenders, grilled cheese, mac, and sides, plus fries that teens rave about. Even picky eaters will find straightforward options, while adventurous kids can nibble from the grown-up plates.
At a Glance
- Standout burgers, wings, and rotating specials with generous portions
- Strong beer program with helpful guidance for selections
- Can be very crowded at peak; parking difficult
- A few execution misses (soggy fish, salty skewers) amid strong overall quality
What Sets It Apart
- rotating_wing_burger_mac_specials
- wood_fired_grill_in_brewpub
- robust_kids_menu_in_brewery_setting
What People Love
- Big, juicy burgers and crispy fries
- Creative wing flavors that change weekly
- Mac of the month portions that become leftovers
- Attentive staff who help pick the right beer
Points of Concern
- Peak-time crowding leads to waits; consider early or weekday visits
- Parking can be tough on busy evenings
- Mixed notes on fish and chips texture; better hits in burgers and wings
- Older isolated food safety complaint noted; no recent pattern
Service & Dining Experience
Service StyleTable Service
Average Cost$38-56 per person
ReservationsNot required
What to Order
- Lean toward burgers, wings, and mac specials for best value and consistency
- Vegetarians: Z.L.T.A., beet salad, fried zucchini, vegan egg rolls
- Families: Kids cheeseburger or tenders with fries or fruit
Perfect For
- Casual dinner with friends and flights
- Family meals where kids want familiar options
- Game days with shareable apps and house beer
- Weeknight dates that favor comfort food with a twist
Location Insights
Area: Residential Northwest Side pocket with local families and beer lovers; relaxed and community-oriented.
Safety: Generally safe, steady foot traffic on Montrose; typical city lighting and upkeep.
Nearby: Near Blue Line Montrose stop, small businesses, and residential streets; brewery production visible on-site.
Portage ParkPortage Park offers a suburban feel within the city, with a strong community vibe and a mix of traditional and modern dining options. The area features family-friendly restaurants, local eateries, and some newer establishments catering to a more diverse palate, reflecting the neighborhood's evolving demographics.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Monday12:00–23:00
Tuesday12:00–23:00
Wednesday12:00–23:00
Thursday12:00–23:00
Friday12:00–00:00
Saturday12:00–00:00
Sunday12:00–22:00
Available: Delivery, Takeout
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