Chicago Restaurant Guide

Goose Island used to be a wonderful neighborhood brewpub but with the growth of the Lincoln Park neighborhood this establishment has begun to suffer -- most notably in the area of service. My most recent visit was by far one of the most excruciating experiences of my life. I was seated in the bar area and it was anything but crowded. I waited 20 minutes for a server to acknowledge our presence (even after verbal and physical gestures). Finally, she dumps us off on another server without saying a word, throws the menu down in front of us and walks away shaking her head in disbelief -- as if WE were the problem. I finally spoke with the manager and, although sympathietic, he offered no compensation of any sort (that is until we asked him for it once we received our check). This would not be a big issue if I hadn't already had a conversation with this manager two weeks prior about the same issues. I used to work in the service industry and recognize the problems here: poor management and an untrained staff.

They do have great beer and the brewmaster is a true gem. I will miss him and the wonderful craft brewed beer as I doubt I will ever frequent the restaurant again.