November 20, 2009
With all the rave reviews, I guess I expected more, but always try to review as objective as possible. Paramount is situated in an odd area, just outside of the Loop, on a desolate stretch of Milwaukee Ave. that houses a chocolate factory, and a bridge over a train yard. It makes it more of a destination I guess, a cab would probably be best, though the 56 Milwaukee bus and Blue line Grand stop on the CTA are also nearby. Inside you walk 2 steps in and are right behind patrons at the bar. Two tiny tables are wedged in the front windows, and the kitchen is in the back. Becomes somewhat claustrophobic with more than 10 people in here. An arrow sign indicating "lounge" is down a flight of stairs, apparently this was a former speakeasy. Downstairs it was pretty dark and "loungey"with small candles on the tables and the glow of 3 flatscreen tv’s. There was another bar down here, curiously tucked under the stairs. Even curiouser was the line of taps without handles. There was a pile of boxes and general stuff behind the bar, making me think it was a disused bar not in service, but there was a bartender there. Service was good, young hipster types as staff/clientele. The pictures on their website were different from the actual place, sort of myspace angle shots if you will. Selection was good, though a tad disappointing. Nothing especially small-batch or limited. The focus was on the imports, less than 5 drafts and 5 bottles were US craft. Several Belgians such as Piraat, St. Bernardus, etc. Not sure if they still do the pint and burger special, didn’t see it advertised here. My Gumballhead was served in a FFF nonic pint. I could see this as an after work dinner stop, but not a place i’d spend an extended amount of time. I’ll return when i’m hungry to sample from the menu, which seemed to be the main draw of the place.

November 4, 2009
Paramout is sleepy bar with parking, an ever changing beerlist with serious heavyweights that can’t be found throughout Chicago. Kobe burger is tops, skip the fried chicken.

June 30, 2009
Pretty great spot with a fresh beer selection that is always changing. The food is excellent and the service is top notch. A new place for me to hang out as it’s still off the beaten path. Tons of fun!

June 6, 2009
Great place, excellent beer selection -- not huge, but high quality. Love the upstairs area, downstairs not as much, but if you have a big group, you may have to head down. Can be tough to get a seat at the bar, which is where the money is, because the waitresses are less than knowledgeable about the menu. Terrific bar food.

January 29, 2009
Great little place with solid selection of rotating taps. ’No Crap on Tap’ philosophy. The mid-western brews are all represented - but usually the unique brews from each, so for example the Bell’s at the moment is their Hopslam, not the usual Brown. A couple of Belgians, a German and a cider round things out. Excellent food - kobe burgers, an enormous Cuban Sandwich, but slightly upscale stuff like a great steak tartare too. Good specials like the 10 buck burger and pint. After work is usually not too bad but this place is small and gets crowded, so a seat at the bar is sometimes tough, although there are more tables downstairs .