Hopleaf Bar on North Clark Street in Chicago’s Andersonville neighborhood has been one of the city’s most celebrated craft beer bars and pub kitchens since Michael Roper opened it in 1992, building a menu around Belgian-inspired pub food — mussels, frites, and the Flemish comfort food traditions — alongside one of the most serious Belgian and craft beer selections in the Midwest. It appeared in Season 14, Episode 11 of Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives, “Belly Up,” which aired June 25, 2012. Guy Fieri found a Chicago pub kitchen doing Belgian food with the authenticity and quality that earns a neighborhood bar its national craft beer reputation — and a cashew butter and banana sandwich that has become one of the most talked-about bar menu items in the city.
Quick Facts
Restaurant: Hopleaf Bar
City: Chicago, Illinois
Cuisine: Pub Food / Belgian-Inspired
DDD Season: 14
DDD Episode: 11
Episode Title: Belly Up
Original Air Date: June 25, 2012
Address: 5148 N. Clark St., Chicago, IL 60640
Phone: 773-334-9851
Website: https://hopleafbar.com
Status: Open
What to Eat
The Moules Frites — steamed mussels in a white wine and herb broth served with Belgian-style frites and aioli — is the Belgian classic that earns Hopleaf its reputation and the item most first-timers order on the recommendation of anyone who has been before. The Cashew Butter, Banana, and Honey Sandwich on grilled bread is the wildcard menu item that has earned its own cult following and earned the DDD segment on personality alone. The Belgian Frites with house-made aioli are the side that belongs on every table. The Belgian Beer List — one of the most comprehensive in the Midwest — is worth asking the bartender to guide you through. Find a Chicago hotel on Travelocity.
Plan Your Visit
Check the website for current hours. Hopleaf does not take reservations for the bar — arrive early on weekends.
Address: 5148 N. Clark St., Chicago, IL 60640
Phone: 773-334-9851
Website: https://hopleafbar.com
Status: Open
Triple D Essentials
Stream the Belly Up episode on Amazon. Hopleaf has been one of Chicago’s great neighborhood bars since 1992.
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Hopleaf Bar appeared in Season 14, Episode 11 of Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives, “Belly Up,” originally aired June 25, 2012. Michael Roper opened the bar in 1992.