18th Street Brewery: A Pre-Drinking Intelligence Report
The first time I came to Miller Beach, I was blown away by 18th Street, a local NWI brewery which started in Gary (right here), but that relocated its brewing operation to Hammond, with the rumor being that Gary allegedly refused to offer any incentives for the fast growing business (which if true, cost Gary dozens of jobs).
Business and local political musings aside, 18th Street pours some of the best IPAs and DIPAs in the country. Having lived in Chicago for years and frequented Half Acre (including holding a company party in its original facility North of Irving), Revolution and others, I can say without hesitation, 18th Street is in a league of its own. Heck, it gives the middle finger to Space Station Middle finger (inside NWI beer joke).
18th Street’s average rating is “4” out of “5” on Beer Advocate, which is pretty exceptional. Like off the charts exceptional, as the average on the beer ratings site for similar styles is much less.
If you’re planning on stopping by 18th Street, here’s a shortlist of recently “active” beers on Beer Advocate and how they are rated. I’m partial to the American and Imperial IPAs, but to each their own.
The DIPA (Imperial) styles are probably the most exceptional, comparatively (#2 Pencil is my favorite).
Outside the beer, the people who work at 18th St. make the place.
Steve's DJ-ing (bartender with a turntable) is better than any pub in Chicago. From death metal to R&B to Wu-Tang to musical soundtracks, it always brings a smile to my face. I stop in to hear what he's spinning sometimes for no other reason. And Diamond is the bomb. They're both like old friends when I walk in.
Cheers, Miller!