Fab Review: Forbidden Root

Forbidden Root is an one-of-a-kind experience, as it is the first botanic brewery in Chicago. They aim to brew their beers from limited hop usage. Instead they use flowers, roots, herbs, and other natural ingredients. Along with the beers, they have a great food menu, which should not be overlooked. The dishes are primarily focused on local and organic ingredients and made to complement the beers. 

{Ambiance}
When you first walk in, you enter a bright and airy area due to the open floor-to-ceiling windows. There are a few high top tables in this room for smaller groups. If you want to take pictures, I recommend you sit here, as the main dining room is dimly lit.

Once you walk past the front area, you step into the main dining room of the restaurant. At the center of this space is a huge square shaped bar with many tables surrounding it. This area is enormous so it is perfect for larger groups.

Directly past the center bar, you can see the in-house brewery through some glass windows. Directly in front of the windows, is another dining area that is great for private events and groups.

{Food}
The food here is meant to pair perfectly with their beer selection, so make sure to let your server know which flavor profiles you like. They are very knowledgeable and have great recommendations.

FAB TIP: They offer 4 oz pours of their four flagship beers (Forbidden Root, Sublime Ginger, Wildflower Pale Ale, and Shady Character) so you can sample them before ordering a full glass.

Gochugarou Chili Popcorn
The Gochugarou (Korean red pepper flakes) Chili Popcorn is the perfect mix of sweet and spicy. If you want a light and unique appetizer before your meal, this is the way to go. The flavors are highly addictive.

Fried Giardiniere
The Fried Giardiniere is simply made up of fried cauliflower and carrots. The vegetables had a little too much breading and grease for my taste, but the ranch dressing was a nice complement to the dish.

Grilled Asparagus
The Grilled Asparagus is my favorite dish I had so far. It is shaved purple asparagus with kimchi hollandaise and a poached fried egg. When you break open the egg, the yolk mixes with the kimchi hollandaise to make a delicious and creamy sauce to dip the asparagus in.

Burger
I am not a huge fan of burgers that have a ton of toppings on them, which makes this particular burger, one of my top five favorites in the city. The 8 oz burger with giardiniere mayo, aged cheddar, and pickles on a brioche bun is simple, yet delicious. Don’t forget about the perfectly salted and crispy fries!

Ora King Salmon
If you want something on the lighter side, I recommend the Ora King Salmon. It is served over black rice with a preserved citrus relish in a sweet potato broth. The cashews on top brought out the nuttiness in the rice while giving it a nice crunch.

FAB TIP: The “large plates” on the menu are still on the small side, so order a few plates to share.

Forbidden Root Float
The Forbidden Root Float is not your average root beer float. It has vanilla ice cream, brownie, honey, cacao sea salt rim, and topped with a brandied cherry. The best part is you can pick which beverage you want with it. Choose from the Forbidden Root, Whole Lotta Love, and Cherrytree Amaro Ale beers or non-alcoholic cola or cream soda.

FAB TIP: Dinner is served only from 4 p.m. to 11 p.m., but the bar is open from 11 a.m. to 12 a.m. Brunch is served on Sundays from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

{Experience}
Overall, I had a great experience and I can’t wait to go back. The craft beers are wonderfully paired with the bold and creative flavors of the dishes. The attention to detail and quality shines through in the beers, food, and service. The experience was unique and refreshing. Go for the beers and stay for the food!

{Location}
Forbidden Root
West Town || 1746 W Chicago Ave, Chicago, IL || P: (312) 929-2202

{Price Range}
$$ ($11-$36)

{Fab Ratings: 4 Fabs}

Have you been to Forbidden Root? What are your thoughts? Share below.

Eat, Eat, Repeat,
Lisette

Note: This meal was not complimentary. The views and opinions are those of the writer.