Elgin's Dog's Paw a friendly spot for beer lovers

While not making any beer of its own yet, Elgin's Dog's Paw Brewing, which opened in July, is celebrating local brewing through its ever-changing beer menu. With super-friendly owners and bartenders, the place will make you feel right at home while you try something new.

Motif: The space features brick walls and a stacked brick bar along with small tables and long half booths. Two TVs are tuned to sports, and framed exposed bulbs hang from pipe-like sconces.

Food: Dog's Paw serves classic bar fare with popular items including burgers, hot dogs and loaded tater tots. They also offer daily food specials if you're looking for some low-priced eats.

Liquid consumption: The bar offers four brews on tap, though many more beers and ciders are available by the bottle. The draft list has changed on a near weekly basis since Dog's Paw opened, highlighting smaller and local breweries while also trying to expose drinkers to different styles. While they're working on getting their own brewery running, Dog's Paw also plans on bringing in other brewers who can discuss their work with curious drinkers.

Dog's Paw serves beer and cider cocktails, though we found the Beerita made with 5 Rabbit Cerveceria's 5 Lizard had too much of the strong margarita mix, overwhelming the flavor of the excellent beer. If you don't want beer at all, opt for a mojito made with coconut milk.

Crowd: The spot draws in a casual crowd of drinkers sporting jeans and hoodies. Couples and singles hang out at the bar, with groups taking advantage of the booths. The space also draws a solid after-work crowd. The bar has a rewards program to offer perks for customers to come back regularly.

Service: We were quickly greeted and brought menus when we sat down at the bar. The friendly bartender checked in regularly to see how we liked our drinks, ask about refills and generally make conversation when he discovered it was our first time there. Iran Garcia and Charlotte Hornbeak, the husband and wife team who own the spot, were checking in with customers, chatting with newcomers and sharing their stories about growing up in Elgin. Garcia has fond memories of downtown Elgin, and he hopes his bar will help the area's resurgence by encouraging residents to stay local when they go out for dinner and drinks.

Parking: Street parking nearby is free but can be hard to find.

Overall: You can expect to always find something new on tap at Dog's Paw Brewing.

Dog's Paw Brewing

74 S. Grove Ave., Elgin, (224) 227-7655, <a href="http://dogspawbrewing.com">dogspawbrewing.com</a>

<b>Hours:</b> 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 1 a.m. Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday