United Nations of Beer

Cal's Bar, Chicago

by Matt Morgan
(Beer Delegate, IL, USA)

Cal's Bar
Chicago Loop, IL, USA

This rocking, rough and ready joint is owned by Cal and Fred Smith, the heirs of the Cal Feirstein empire, who allegedly shortened their names for the ease of receiving Victoria's Secret catalogs.

This family- owned bar and liquor store is in the heart of the financial district, in the south Chicago Loop. The majority of their business derives from blue collar workers, messengers, busted up traders, and travelers.

Cal's Bar used to close after office hours, until it was reinvented as a live music venue. The bar service is less than friendly, but it's the kind of bar that you have to prove your material/spiritual worth to get surly service at best.

The liquor store, run by Cal and Fred, is far more friendly, but overall, just efficient. "Hey, how ya doin', ah good, six bucks, thanks, see ya, NEXT."

You'll run into local music icons as well as your Mutual fund manager, and that roughneck messenger that was on the elevator that you looked at funny could kick your ass for fun.