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Old Style Bar Project: Brothers Hit 54 Bars With Old Style Signs Out Front

 Brothers Adam (l.) and Aaron Keefner have gone out of their way to find city and suburban bars that hang the iconic Old Style sign outside as part of their
Brothers Adam (l.) and Aaron Keefner have gone out of their way to find city and suburban bars that hang the iconic Old Style sign outside as part of their "Old Style Bar Project" blog. Here they stand in front of the Nisei Lounge in Wrigleyville.
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Aaron Keefner

CHICAGO — Brothers Adam and Aaron Keefner really like Old Style.

The siblings always have the beer chilling in their fridge, even though Aaron has worked for Goose Island for four years. And they've gone out of their way to find city and suburban bars that hang the iconic Old Style sign outside as part of their "Old Style Bar Project" blog.

The brothers have been to 54 bars that feature the sign out front, sharing the establishments' atmosphere, food offerings, decor and how much each charges for an Old Style. The blog also has a map of where they've been, including a few dozen spots on the North and Northwest sides.

"It's been cool going to random bars where we're the only ones speaking English," said Adam Keefner, 38, a former North Sider who now lives in Munster, Ind. "We don't tell people what we're doing. We just go in and order a beer."

Their fascination with Old Style started as children when they'd spend time with their late grandfather, Robert. Whenever they were at Robert's home, he'd be sitting on a 1970s vinyl upholstered kitchen chair, sipping on an Old Style while listening to the Cubs on the radio.

Sr. Editor Justin Breen talks about the Keefner brothers' Old Style journey.

 

Sr. Editor Justin Breen talks about the Keefner brothers' Old Style journey.

"He was very brand loyal," said Aaron Keefner, 34, of Albany Park. "I'm sure he would be proud of us for what we're doing."

As they grew up, the brothers noticed the Old Style signs in front of bars, and they decided to venture to as many of the places as possible. With no official Old Style sign map, they asked friends for recommendations and started a Facebook page that allowed tipsters to offer other suggestions.

Since both have young children, it's been harder to get to the bars, but the Keefners know there are lots of joints with the Old Style sign they've yet to try.

Old Style debuted in 1902 and quickly became "Chicago's Beer" after it started selling in Illinois in 1935. It's been sold at Wrigley Field for more than 60 years.

The signs, used as promotional items, have been around Chicago bars for decades, but some, including the one at Cunneen's in Rogers Park, have been removed.

"They're getting torn down, and that's the sad part," Adam Keefner said.

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