What should have been celebration and return to glory for a 100yr old theatre, became the focus of everything we dislike about brewers from other regions opening in Chicago.
On paper it all sounds so perfect. 14 on draft including 12 IPAs over in Bridgeport at Other Half Ramova. A good size operation- 15bbl brewhouse + a sea of 20bbl fermenters (counted 10). Grille. Music Venue. Taproom. Located 1/2 mile from Sox Park.
The main issue was that to stay competitive with local distributors for the going rate per barrel of their beer, the launch saw pints of IPA listed for $16 each. The easy fix would be to sell 1/2 pours like The Beer Temple does to ease the tension..but sticker shock spoiled things out the gate.
To be fair the Ramova team quickly changed course after being called out on cost per glass. But some would argue that a brewery, on an off peak day always planned to be charging game day/ live music performance venue prices because that’s what you assholes deserve! ..and that’s the real issue.
For those keeping score at home, Bridgeport and neighboring Pilsen are home to four breweries (Marz + Other Half, Alulu + Monochrome).
Throw in our favourite South Side brewer- Whiner Beer Co. (2.4 miles south of Ramova) and you have yourself quite a romp of interesting options all year round in what’s historically been a most dormant section of town for brewing operations.
—Nkosi
Other Notes:
-Todd Haug- The Axe Man (FFF, Surly) is on as Head Brewer at Other Half Ramova.
-If you’re a fan of Chicago history and live music do yourself a favor and visit this location. It’s literally one of the most special restoration projects we’ve ever experienced.
-This is Other Half’s 7th location. NYC (Centre Street, Domino Park), Finger Lakes (Upstate NY), Buffalo, Philly, Washington D.C. are the others.
