Mmmmm...Beer: Who Has the Best Local Draft Selection?

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While it was actually wine that Ben Franklin felt was proof that God loves us and wants us happy (well, it was actually rain falling on vineyards, but let's not split hairs), I find myself more frequently happy for the existence of beer than I am for wine. Pale ales, lagers, stouts, wheats and porters—there is a beer for every taste and mood, and I set out to find the Lincoln-Way establishment that has the best chance at pleasing every beer drinker.

, New Lenox

The beer tour began in New Lenox, where finding a huge beer selection is not as easy at it should be. After many phone calls and some driving around, I determined that the best beer variety is at Charleston's. Outside on the patio, each day there are two or three drafts.

On my visit, Leinenkugel Berry Weiss and Honey Weiss were outside, which, by the way, combined make a delightful combination called the Honey Bear. Inside, there are 14 taps, most of which change frequently (the bartender told me that Guinness, Stella, and Miller Lite are always available, but beyond those, you never know). On my visit, Charleston's had Summit Extra Pale from Minnesota, Full Circle by New Holland (Michigan) and Bells Oberon (Michigan), among many others. 

My pick at Charleston's: Three Floyd's Pride and Joy.

Three Floyd's is a brewery not far away in Munster, Indiana. They are known for their aggressive alchohol content and generous use of hops. Pride and Joy is a drinkable ale with, as I expected, a bit too bitter of a finish for me (it's the hops). I finished it, though. 

Honorable mention for New Lenox: .

Although they only have 10 drafts compared to Charleston's 16, one of them is Newcastle, which rates it extra points in my book. Few things are as delicious as Newcastle draft.

, Frankfort

With 27 beers and three ciders on tap, Buffalo Wild Wings has something for everyone. Mix Leinenkugel's Summer Shandy with Berry Weiss for a "pink lemonade" or have a Honey Bear (although they call it a Honey Bee there, for some reason). Or choose from their wide assortment of Mexican, German, British and American beers.

My pick at Buffalo Wild Wings: Goose Island Green Line. 

I was intrigued by the Humboldt Brown Hemp Ale, but instead I went with Goose Island's Green Line, which the company touts as an "immensely sessionable American pale ale." ("Sessionable," for readers who are not beer geeks, refers to a beer that is a good choice for a long drinking session). Goose Island created Green Line last year part of the brewery's commitment to reduce its carbon footprint, and I'm glad they did.

Frankort's honorable mention: .

Just across the parking lot from Buffalo Wild Wings, Tommy Nevin's has 25 beers on tap, including four Goose Island choices (Green Line, IPA, 312 and Kölsch Bier).  

Mokena

With 42 drafts, Tribes blows the competition out of the water in sheer numbers, but the descriptive menu and knowledgeable bartenders really make the difference. Firstly, the menu is divided by types (Belgians/Wheats, Ales/IPAs, Porters/Stouts, etc.) with a sentence or two of description to help even the non-adventurous beer drinker try something new. Plus, the bartenders are always willing to give suggestions and pour samples, even when they're busy. 

My pick at Tribes: Stone Arrogant Bastard Ale

While I was intrigued by Three Floyd's Apocalypse Cow because the menu called it "quaffable," I was more taken by the description for Stone Arrogant Bastard Ale: "This is an aggressive beer. You probably won't like it. It is doubtful that you have the taste or sophistication to appreciate an ale of this quality and depth." Do you see why I had to order it? I did appreciate it (don't question my sophistication or depth), although it was a bit too hoppy for me. 

Mokena's honorable mention:

Although its nine taps can't compete with Tribes's 42, they do have interesting choices. Along with Bells Oberon and Amber, I recommend the tasty Two Brother's Cain and Ebel, from nearby Warrenville, Ill. They also have 25 bottled beers on hand, if none of their drafts sound appealing.

THE WINNER: Although I suspected embarking on this challenge that Tribes Alehouse would be the winner, finding some other gems in the area, like Summit Pale Ale, Cain and Ebel and Green Line made this a worthy adventure. There is an abundance of craft beers to be enjoyed in Lincoln-Way, and not just at Tribes. 

Looking for local eats? Do you disagree with our taster? Head  over to your local Patch Places food and dining directory. Find new spots, read reviews and even post a your own reviews on the profile pages.

• Frankfort establishments
• New Lenox establishments
• Mokena establishments

Future challenges include best waffles and best ribs. Please comment below with your suggestions!