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BiXi Beer
Master Critic Reviews (4 Lists)
BiXi Beer
8.8
Vibes:
Brewery & Beer Garden Republic
Trendy Table Hotspots
Instagram Worthy Wonders
Group Dining Gatherings
BiXi Beer is a modern Logan Square brewpub where house beers pair with Korean-, Chinese-, and Vietnamese-inspired plates in a dramatic, multi-level space. Guests come as much for the atrium, rooftop patio, and dim sum brunch as for gochugaru-spiced snacks and bulgogi-accented dishes.
Must-Try Dishes:
Beef bao with bulgogi, Kimchi small plate, Beef fat fries with spicy mayo
Scores:
Value: 8.2
Service: 7
Consistency: 8.7
Food Quality: 9
Atmosphere: 9.3
Cultural Relevance: 8.6
What makes it special: A Michelin-recognized brewpub where Asian-inspired plates actually stand up to the beers.
Who should go: Beer fans wanting Korean-influenced snacks in a design-forward space.
When to visit: Evenings for dinner and drinks or weekend dim sum brunch.
What to order: House beer flight, beef bao, kimchi and beef fat fries.
Insider tip: Reserve upstairs for dates; walk-ins can usually find bar seats for snacks.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on surrounding Logan Square side streets and Milwaukee Ave; metered spots fill quickly after 6pm — plan extra time or rideshare on busy weekends.
Dress code: Smart casual; jeans and sneakers are fine, but the design-forward space leans slightly dressy at night.
Noise level: Moderate-to-loud during peak dinner service; conversation is comfortable at smaller tables upstairs, livelier near the bar and atrium.
Weekend wait: 30–60 min without a reservation; bar seats and lounge areas sometimes open faster for drinks and snacks.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait; light to moderate traffic depending on weather and events.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Good coverage — several small plates, noodles, and brunch dishes can be ordered vegetarian or are meat-free by default.
Vegan options: Limited but workable — a few dishes can be modified; confirm sauces and dressings with your server.
Gluten-free options: Some naturally gluten-free items and modifications available, but not a dedicated GF kitchen — ask for guidance on safer picks.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — the dramatic space, upstairs seating, and shareable plates create an engaging setting, especially if you want a lively but not overly formal vibe.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often yes, especially earlier in the evening or on weekdays; expect a wait during peak weekend dinner hours, with bar and lounge seating as reliable backups.
Is it kid-friendly? Reasonably kid-friendly at earlier hours; high ceilings and booth-style seating help, but the atmosphere shifts louder and more adult-focused later in the evening.
Best For
Better for: Design-forward group dinners, brewery flights with flavorful Asian-inspired snacks, and destination-worthy brunch or rooftop hangs.
Skip if: You want a quiet, intimate meal, traditional Korean standards only, or a strictly gluten-free or vegan menu with extensive dedicated options.
BiXi Beer
8.3
BiXi Beer is a Logan Square brewpub from chef-owner Bo Fowler pairing house-brewed beer with a dim sum–style brunch menu of pot stickers, shumai, baos, and lemony shrimp toast. High-volume weekend service, a chic multi-level space, and a rooftop patio make it the neighborhood’s most social option for shared dim sum plates plus drinks.
Must-Try Dishes:
Barbecue Pork Baked Bun, Lemony Shrimp Toast, Shrimp Shumai
Scores:
Value: 7.1
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 8.8
Atmosphere: 9.3
Cultural Relevance: 8.4
What makes it special: Asian-inspired brewpub where weekend dim sum brunch meets rooftop drinks.
Who should go: Groups planning a social dim sum-and-drinks outing.
When to visit: Weekend brunch reservations for peak dim sum selection.
What to order: Barbecue Pork Baked Bun, Lemony Shrimp Toast, pot stickers.
Insider tip: Book early for brunch and request upstairs seating for best vibe.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Metered street parking on Milwaukee/Logan; can be competitive during peak brunch — expect to circle or use rideshare on weekends.
Dress code: Smart casual; jeans and sneakers are fine, but many guests lean a bit trendy for brunch and rooftop seating.
Noise level: Lively and energetic during weekend brunch; conversation is possible at smaller tables but can be loud in peak hours.
Weekend wait: Typically 20–40 minutes for walk-ins; reservations recommended for larger groups.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait, except on holidays or special events.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — several dim sum plates and sides can be ordered vegetarian; servers can help guide substitutions.
Vegan options: Limited — a small number of items may be vegan or adaptable, but options are not extensive.
Gluten-free options: Some naturally gluten-free plates exist, but cross-contact is possible — confirm with staff before ordering.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — especially for a fun, social first date where sharing plates and drinks feels natural. The space is lively rather than intimate, so it suits conversational, high-energy dates more than quiet ones.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often, yes — but expect a wait during weekend dim sum brunch. Walk-ins are easier at off-peak hours or weekday evenings; groups should book ahead.
Is it kid-friendly? Generally yes for brunch-age kids and families earlier in the day; the vibe skews more adult and social later in the evening and on the rooftop.
Best For
Better for: Social, shareable dim sum brunch with drinks, large groups, and a stylish multi-level space with rooftop seating.
Skip if: You want traditional, hyper-specialist dim sum with carts, very quiet conversation, or a menu focused on classic Cantonese tea service.
BiXi Beer
8.7
Vibes:
Trendy Table Hotspots
Group Dining Gatherings
Brewery & Beer Garden Republic
Rooftop Views Revelry
BiXi Beer is a modern Logan Square brewpub where house beers meet Chinese-, Korean-, and Vietnamese-inspired dishes in a dramatic two-story space. Its second-floor atrium, terrace, lounge, and Green Room private dining space make it one of the most flexible private-event options in the neighborhood.
Must-Try Dishes:
Barbecue Pork Baked Bun, Lemony Shrimp Toast, Pork & Chive Pot Stickers
Scores:
Value: 7
Service: 8.4
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 9
Atmosphere: 9.1
Cultural Relevance: 8.4
What makes it special: Design-forward brewpub with multiple private spaces and dim sum-friendly menus.
Who should go: Groups wanting stylish private rooms plus serious beer and food.
When to visit: Weekend evenings or brunch when the atrium feels most alive.
What to order: Barbecue pork baked bun, shrimp toast, pot stickers.
Insider tip: Ask about using the Green Room for smaller, seated private dinners.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on Milwaukee and nearby residential blocks; can be difficult after 6pm on weekends — no regular valet service
Dress code: Smart casual; jeans are fine, but most groups lean slightly dressy for events and private rooms
Noise level: Lively, especially in the atrium — conversation is possible but can feel loud during peak hours
Weekend wait: Reservations strongly recommended; expect 45–75 minutes without one during peak hours
Weekday lunch: Generally no wait or short wait outside of special events
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Good coverage — several small plates, noodles, and vegetable dishes can be ordered meat-free
Vegan options: Limited but workable — typically 2–3 items or modifiable dishes; confirm sauces with staff
Gluten-free options: Some naturally gluten-light options, but cross-contact is likely in a shared kitchen
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — the dramatic two-story space and rooftop terrace feel impressive, but it’s better for energetic dates than quiet, intimate conversation.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often yes for smaller parties at the bar or lounge, but prime weekend times fill fast — walk-ins should arrive early or expect a wait.
Is it kid-friendly? Reasonably kid-friendly earlier in the evening and at brunch; the vibe skews more adult and social later at night.
Best For
Better for: Flexible group dining, private room events, and social outings where craft beer and shared plates matter as much as the food.
Skip if: You want a quiet, hushed dinner, highly specialized traditional dim sum, or strict dietary control with minimal cross-contact risk.
BiXi Beer
8.4
Vibes:
Business Lunch Power Players
Brewery & Beer Garden Republic
Group Dining Gatherings
Rooftop Views Revelry
BiXi Beer is an Asian-inspired brewpub where dim sum brunch, noodle dishes, and house beers meet a multi-level space with a rooftop that plays well for longer lunches and casual client entertaining. The menu scales easily from shared dim sum to fuller plates, making it flexible for everything from quick status updates to celebratory team lunches.
Must-Try Dishes:
Barbecue Pork Baked Bun, Lemony Shrimp Toast, Pork Drunken Noodles
Scores:
Value: 6.8
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 8.5
Food Quality: 8.6
Atmosphere: 8.9
Cultural Relevance: 8.2
What makes it special: Design-forward brewpub pairing house beers and Asian-inspired dim sum and noodle dishes with a rooftop fit for longer lunches.
Who should go: Teams hosting social-leaning client or internal lunches.
When to visit: Daytime or early evening when rooftop and main room are calmer.
What to order: Barbecue Pork Baked Bun, Lemony Shrimp Toast, Pork Drunken Noodles.
Insider tip: Reserve upstairs; the rooftop and mezzanine offer more space and sound control for business talk than the bar level.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Mostly street parking — a mix of metered spots on Milwaukee Ave and neighborhood side streets; availability is easier midday but can be competitive on weekends and evenings. No valet.
Dress code: Smart casual; jeans and sneakers are fine, but many guests lean slightly dressy for client lunches or rooftop seating.
Noise level: Moderate-to-lively — conversational at mezzanine and rooftop tables; bar level can get loud during peak hours or game nights.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes without a reservation during peak hours; rooftop or earlier seatings are typically faster.
Weekday lunch: Usually minimal to no wait; small groups are often seated quickly.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Good coverage — several small plates and noodle dishes can be ordered vegetarian; staff is accustomed to requests.
Vegan options: Limited but workable — typically 2–3 items or modifiable dishes, though some sauces contain dairy or fish products.
Gluten-free options: A handful of naturally gluten-free options and substitutions are available, but there is no dedicated gluten-free prep area.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, especially on the rooftop or mezzanine where the vibe is social but not overly formal; choose non-peak hours if you prefer easier conversation.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often yes, particularly at weekday lunch or early evening; walk-ins may face a wait during busy weekend periods, so arriving a bit early helps.
Is it kid-friendly? Generally fine for older kids and casual family lunches; the menu skews adventurous and the space can be lively, so it’s less ideal for very young children.
Best For
Better for: Flexible, shareable business lunches with craft beer, social energy, and rooftop seating that works for team gatherings or client meetups.
Skip if: You need a very quiet, formal dining environment, highly strict dietary controls, or a deeply traditional business lunch format.