Weekday Planner: Neighbors Unite, Cocktail Pop-up, Forbidden Root Tasting, and Pizza Party

Neighbors Unite: Neighbors Unite, Cocktail Pop-up

Cementing itself as a neighborhood tentpole, West Town's Unite Urban Grill is poised to host its inaugural Neighbors Unite meet and greet on June 4. The casual networking event takes place from 5:30 p.m. until 7:30 p.m., inviting West Town-lovers to come and celebrate what makes the neighborhood so great. Drinks and bites will be served, which always helps break the ice with new minglers. The event is free to attend and open to the public. Guests must be 21 or older. 

Get a Taste of the Forbidden

Chicago's newest botanical brewery, the ominously dubbed Forbidden Root, is on display this week, featured at a special tasting at Franklin Tap on June 5. Headed up by brewer BJ Pichman and brand ambassador Jacquie Armanetti, the event provides a potable peek at the beers from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. Guests will have the opportunity to schmooze with the pros and chat about all things botanical and how Forbidden Roots' beers incorporate everything from cacao beans and barks to honey and seeds. Beers to be sampled include the signature Forbidden Root, the Sublime Ginger, and Shady Character Porter. 

(This could be you at Unite Urban Grill)

Barrelhouse Flat and Lone Wolf Pop Up at Ampersand

Revered sister bars Barrelhouse Flat and Lone Wolf are joining forces for a boozy pop-up at Ampersand. The man behind both bars, Stephen Cole, steers an appreciation for classic potables at the clandestine happy hour shindig, tucked away inside Kinmont. Sgroppinos, Old Fashioneds, and Malort & tonics will all be on hand, each infused with a bit of lore courtesy of Cole and co. The event runs from 5:30 p.m. until 7:30 p.m.  

Roots Turns Three

Roots Handmade Pizza is prepared to blow out the metaphorical candles on its third birthday with a special bash June 2. The Quad City-style pizzeria and bar is celebrating in style by giving back to loyal patrons, offering up a variety of specials all day (and night) long. This includes 20% off all dine-in malt crust pizzas, $3 Roots house brew drafts, $3 Jameson shots, 50% off canned beers and ciders, free Roots can koozies, free birthday cake from West Town Bakery & Diner, and special Midwestern craft beers on tap. 

- Matt Kirouac