Brew Works

Granite City Food & Brewery // Working at a magazine, we're clearly fans of the written word. So we were more than a little sad when Joseph-Beth Booksellers' Legacy Village location closed in 2010. The two-story behemoth sat vacant until the brewpub chain Granite City Food & Brewery opened in November. And while we're lovers of literature, we're equally smitten with craft beer. The 11,500-square-foot space has been remodeled to include high ceilings flanked by stone and natural wood decor that makes it feel like you've escaped to a mountain lodge. There's ample seating for every kind of guest, whether you want to sit at the bar and grab a cold one — we recommend The Bennie ($5), a German bock with a sweet caramel finish — or venture with the kids in tow to camp out in a booth for dinner. Regardless of your choice, make sure you order the vodka mussels ($12.95) — a heaping appetizer sauteed and steamed with garlic and a special vodka sauce that's great for sharing. While the menu is full of flatbreads, soups, sandwiches, seafood and steaks, you'll find us getting lost in the bleu peppercorn burger ($10.95) piled high with smokehouse bacon, creamy bleu cheese dressing and crispy onion strings — with a pint and book for good measure.