Map Room has a great beer list, and it's in a sorta spiffy hipster neighborhood. One of my ancestors actually lived in a house about 3 doors down from it (back when it was a working class Polish neighborhood).
The Goose Island Claybourn location is interesting, but there's no parking and since (as far as I know) they're not brewing on premise anymore, it might be less interesting. Still, you're likely to find beer here they don't sell in the stores.
Two Brothers is a hike, but also interesting. If you somehow find yourself with a car, in the wilds of suburbia, there's a spiffy little restaurant called the Bavarian Lodge (in Lisle). Generic-looking family-style place with good German comfort food and an amazing beer list. Whenever I'm in town visiting family I aways stop there for "girls night out" with some old pals of mine (3 of us are serious beer geeks). They're closed on odd nights of the week (Mondays I think) so look them up online if you're interested.
As far as pizza goes, I second the nod for Malnatti's. They're a local "chain" - so you're more likely to find one near where you are. There are a few places scattered throughout suburbia that are also good, but Malnatti's is consistant and gooooood. Definitely order the butter crust, and don't go too overboard on toppings - something gets lost in translation when you overdo it.
There's also a million different places you can get a good Chicago-style hotdog. Remember, a true Chicago style hotdog does NOT have ketchup - and if you ask for it you'll look like a tourist
I also highly recommend something that isn't always associated with Chicago, but it should be - and that's Mexican food! Sometimes the best little hole-in-the-wall places have fresh tamales, fresh salsa, and fantastic burritos (and fresh tamales are a true delicacy IMHO).
Have fun!
