Goose Island Brings Banging Brews, Food and Atmosphere to Solana

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Originally opened in Chicago, Illinois in 1988, Goose Island Brewery made its first appearance in Beijing back in 2016 for their Migration Week, but at the end of last year they finally opened up a branch in the capital and we couldn’t be happier to welcome this newcomer to the ‘Jing. 

Entering Solana from the southwest you'll see Goose Island straight away

Located right on the southwest corner of Solana, Goose Island's Beijing taproom boasts a large space covering two floors and an outdoor terrace area. Inside the black and white color scheme matches the Goose Island logo and brown leather chairs add a chic touch. The long bar is a focal point of the room and their multiple beers on tap feature adorable goose head handles. 

They have over ten beers on tap

Upstairs features a big semi-circular window allowing in plenty of light. They also have a second bar and a private room available for bookings. I am all about terraces and rooftops once the warmer months hit, and Goose Island’s terrace is an ideal spot to spend an afternoon, with numerous tables interspersed by greenery and sweeping views across to the Liangma River. 

Goose Island's terrace is a lovely spot in the warmer months

Considering they're a world-famous brewery, we have to begin by taking a look at some of Goose Island’s best brews that they’re serving up to Beijing’s beer-loving masses. They have over ten beers on tap and have a rotating selection with new seasonal beers being added regularly. 

Taking a look at some of their signature, award-winning beers they have the Goose IPA (RMB 65) which has a bright, citrusy aroma with a hoppy finish, the 312 Urban Wheat Ale (RMB 55), a fruity, spicy little number with a hazy appearance and Duck Duck Goose (RMB 60), a session IPA that’s super refreshing and light with notes of citrus and tropical fruit, I was a big fan of this one and immediately craved a second glass. 

From classics to more unusual offerings, Goose Island has plenty of beers to choose from

It isn’t just the classics that they’re offering though. Goose Island has a whole range of exciting, creative beers also available. Take the Punk IPA (RMB 65), for instance: it's bursting with caramel and tropical fruit flavor – think grapefruit, pineapple and lychee – balanced out against a slightly bitter finish. Another to try is the Hopical Hazy (RMB 65). With double hops it brings a bold, hoppy flavor with hints of tropical fruit, or the Orange Wheat (RMB 55) made with Longyan orange and dark malt it’s revitalizing and easy to drink. 

They have a number of fruity, refreshing brews that are perfect for summer

If you can’t decide on which one to try then why not go for a Brewmaster's Beer Flight (RMB 120 for 6x150ml, RMB 240 for 12x150ml)? Each beer comes accompanied by a super useful card containing information like tasting notes, types of hops used, etc. to give you a proper beer-tasting experience. They also have a happy hour that runs Mon-Fri where you get 50 percent off your second pint. 

Goose Island has an extensive food menu to go with their list of brews, too. Here at the Beijinger, we are always all about the burgers, especially with our 2023 Juicy Burger Festival coming up – at which Goose Island will be making its debut – so let’s take a look at their burgers first. 

The Brewmaster Beer Cheese Burger is top notch

They have four different burgers on the menu, but the star of the show has to be the Brewmaster Beer Cheese Burger (RMB 88) which sees a 200g beef patty, loaded with Goose Island 312 beer cheese, smoked tomato relish, bacon jam and to finish it all off a smear of Goose Island 312 beer mustard to add a tangy kick. 

The Bacon Cheese Burger and Hot Fried Chicken Burger are well worth a try

Along with the cheese burger they also have the indulgent Goose Liver Beef Burger (RMB 128), which adds a slice of goose liver on top of a 200g beef patty topped with cheddar cheese, tomato, and lettuce; the Bacon Cheese Burger (RMB 88) – complete with Goose Island house-made sauce; and the Hot Fried Chicken Burger (RMB 68) which features crispy fried chicken thigh, coleslaw and spicy mayo sauce. All the burgers come served with a side of fries and pickled cucumber slices. 

The Goose Island Pork Sandwich is four triangles of meaty heaven

Moving away from burgers, a personal favorite dish of mine was the Goose Island Pork Sandwich (RMB 88) shredded pork, bacon, ham, cheese, and onion atop toasted bread. Everything combines to make a super meaty, juicy sandwich that just melts in your mouth. 

Their BBQ Pork Ribs are so tender they just fall off the bone

Another standout dish is the BBQ Pork Rib (RMB 198), you can tell how good ribs are by how easily they fall off the bone, and Goose Island’s just slip right off, with a generous coating of Goose Island Porter BBQ sauce, the ribs are tender and have the perfect balance of sweetness. They come served with chunky potato wedges, coleslaw, and extra BBQ sauce to slather on as you wish. 

The Grilled Asparagus Salmon Egg Salad is great for bunch and the Ham and Cheese Cold Cut Platter is a perfect snack to share

If you’re after a more brunch-style dish then you can’t go wrong with the Grilled Asparagus Salmon Egg Salad (RMB 128), grilled asparagus spears are topped with delicate rolls of smoked salmon, scrambled eggs, mashed potato, and a sprinkling of fresh dill. Or, for those looking to share, they have a Ham and Cheese Cold Cut Platter (RMB 188) with slices of Parma ham, smoked Christmas ham, green pepper Lyoner sausage, Napoli salami, blue cheese, brie, and mozzarella. 

Goose Island's menu has so much choice to offer

Of course, this is merely a handful of their great food selection, they have everything from Pizza (RMB 98) to Pasta (RMB 48-65) to Fish and Chips (RMB 68) or Goose Island Kebab (RMB 78). To see everything they have on offer, and try some of their delicious brews, get yourself down to Goose Island now! 

Goose Island Taproom

BS-06-1F-2F, Solana Blue Harbor 6 Chaoyang Gongyuan Lu, Chaoyang District

朝阳区朝阳公园路6号蓝色港湾BS-06-1F-2F

Hours: 11am-11.30pm

Call: 010-59056802

Images: courtesy of Goose Island Brewery, the Beijingers

Paid for by Goose Island Brewery

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