Illinois 2018: Part 3

More and more and more Illinois for ya! We just can’t help hanging out there with my cool parents, my cool sister and bro-in-law, and our cool niece. We spend a lot of time there, lounging about, during the summer. So, you get a lot of posts from me. *shrug*

Here’s another round of what we did – or didn’t – do with them this year.

Hanging out at Tap House with Heidi and Ben, and our pals, Bob and Lindsey.

Ben and Heidi, looking fabulous.

After our niece’s softball game one day, we hit up the below spot for some BBQ with the family. I won’t even name the place here, because they turned out to be way too right wing for my approval. The food was good, but the signs of ignorance everywhere were annoying enough that I had to actually say something before we left. Fuck those guys.

We all also went over to Only Child Brewing Co. in Gurnee, IL, for the first time. Love what they’re doing here with all their yummy-licious brews. Big thanks to Charolette and Buster for the good times.

Our buds, Kim and Jerry, also had us all over for some hangs. I only have pictures of beer though…shocker. Here’s a beer.

Shouts to Sketchbook Brewing Co. in Evanston, IL, for making that beer in dedication to the first night game ever at Wrigley Field in 1988.

Oh wait, Ang did get a few pictures that were not of beer. Riley!

Me, squished with love by Jerry and Kim.

Bentley, always trying on our shoes when we’re not around.

Our niece’s softball team at Palatine High School put down Barrington to head to the state finals. It was a joyous day!

I hate Miller Lite, but the unofficial mayor of town gave me one after the game. I had to oblige. Our friend, Nick, took a picture of me with it and threatened to blackmail me. Ha. Life is hard.

Ang and I spent some time in the Aurora area to hang out with our good friends, Joel and Julie, but we did have time on our own to hang out here and there.

We hit up Hardware Sustainable Gastropub and their BBGB Brewery in North Aurora, IL. It wasn’t my favorite beer of all time, but the food is incredible and they have the most comprehensive list of whiskey and bourbon that I’ve ever seen in one place. Also, their space is insane.

 

Oliver from Dry City Brew Works sent us this picture of him wearing his shirt from our Hopsmash project. Looking sexy!

This was the “American” flag flying at a youth softball tournament we went to. THIS IS NOT OKAY.

Mad huggable times with Joel and Julie.

Baby up in this bitch! Ha!

Really good food at Thipi Thai in Glen Ellyn, IL, with Mom and Dad after a softball tournament.

Ang, Joel, and I all got Maplewood Brewery tattoos. Because we’re nuts, and because their Charlatan APA has a great logo. Thanks, Chris!

After all that pain and love, we headed over to Crusade Burger Bar in Yorkville, IL, to indulge in their delectable craft beer and food selection, and to get some lovin’ in with our buddy, Marcos, who we rarely get to see anymore.

Love this dude!

We also met up with our friends, Phil and Kathy, who we sadly don’t see very much anymore either. Love these folks, too!

TL’s Four Seasons in Bartlett, IL, for food with my aunt and uncle! I forgot to get a picture with them. Whoops.

Breakfast with Mom and Dad…and free ice cream? Sure, why not?!

R.I.P. little buddy.

And, that’s it!

Don’t get too much into a tizzy about the gluttony…this was over the course of two months. It was still pretty gluttonous, though. Ha. :(

Check out our other Illinois posts right here. Also be sure to check out our Hopsmash project on Instagram and Facebook.

A very special thanks to everyone at all of these places for their delicious food, drink, and great hospitality. An extra-special thanks to Ben, Heidi, Grace, Mom, and Dad. Always great times!

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Have you ever been to any of these places? If so, what’d you think? If not, what say ye? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!