If there’s anything we learned from last weekend’s perfect weather, it’s that Chicago loves the great outdoors. We spotted people packing into patios, passing beer buckets around and soaking up sunshine all over the city.
Sound like your idea of fun? Then we want you to apply for our new Reader Review crew, the Beer Garden Guides.
How does your garden grow?
It’s easy: Grab a small, diverse group of friends, sprinkle in a shared appreciation for drinking and dining in the sun, and add a pinch of personality. Then scope out the summer’s hottest alfresco scenes and report back.
Secret garden
Yeah, we know about Mickey’s, Melvin B’s and Castaways. Those summer scenes sizzle, but we want you to impress us with your knowledge of tucked-away gems. Which neighborhood hang has a cozy outdoor space for sipping? (And we don’t mean your friend’s apartment with the rooftop deck.) Where can we find the friendliest crowd for flirting?
So far, you’ve told us that Cleo’s (1935 W. Chicago Ave.) makes your day because “metal patio tables = no splinters.” Some of you head to Grizzly’s Lodge (3832 N. Lincoln Ave.) because “you can relax, tan and watch sports without being stomped on!”
One group touted the quintessential alfresco atmosphere at Resi’s Bierstube (2034 W. Irving Park Rd.): “Keep shuffling through to the back, you’re rewarded with a small, quaint beer garden.”
Speak out
Now that you’ve got the idea, round up your pals, your co-workers, your family and your frenemies and fill out our “Help wanted” application at metromix.com. We’re looking for a diverse crew to keep our readers in the know about everything from the best beer gardens for kickin’ back to the ragin’ rooftops with the hottest singles’ scenes.
Complete your application by Monday and stay tuned: On May 16 we’ll reveal two final crews that will battle it out for your votes as this summer’s Beer Garden Guides.
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HOW TO APPLY
Think you’re up to task? Apply now at metromix.com. Here’s what you’ll need:
– a diverse group of 4 or 5 friends
– all guys, all girls, or mix ‘n’ match
– a passion for beer gardens
– the ability to tell it like it is, while making us laugh
– flexible schedules (we’ll send you out weekly, through June)
Fill out the application (“Help wanted”) at metromix.com and send a photo of your group to ctc-metromixapp@tribune.com
