Inside Mousetrap, Lincoln Park’s Hidden Taproom for Fresh Beer

Just two weeks ago, Lincoln Park had one place for brewery fresh beer and now the neighborhood counts three. Off Color Brewing’s Mousetrap joins the reborn Goose Island Brewhouse as two places for brewery-fresh beer in the area. Though most people will come to try one of Off Color’s experimental and eventually barrel-aged beers, the bar’s fully stocked with spirits and they also serve cocktails. The third Lincoln Park brewery is Burnt City Brewing.

Mousetrap seats 150 and is tucked away south of Sheffield and North avenues. There’s no food, but they’ve developed a relationship with Pizzeria Bebu, the thin-crust specialists just around the corner. Customers can bring in their own food and enjoy one of the 16 brews on tap (12 are for Off Color and four are for guest breweries). Off Color founder John Laffler has brought on Ben Fasman (Dove’s Luncheonette, Big Star, Estereo) to work on house cocktails. They also have wine by the glass.

The grain mouse is the taproom’s mascot, and customers will see references all around the space. Off Color debuted in 2013 in Logan Square. A bottle shop helped sate big-time fans, but the taproom is a dream come true.

Take a look at the photos below. Mousetrap is now open.

Barry Brecheisen/Eater Chicago

Barry Brecheisen/Eater Chicago