---
title: RedMonk beers at Kubecon
date: 2023-10-30T16:39:01Z
modified: 2023-10-30T16:40:20Z
permalink: "https://redmonk.com/jgovernor/redmonk-beers-at-kubecon/"
type: post
status: publish
excerpt: ""
wpid: 5318
categories:
  - Uncategorized
timestamp: 2023-10-30T16:40:20Z
tags:
  - Uncategorized
---

[![woman bartender, impressive beer list on a blackboard ](http://redmonk.com/jgovernor/files/2023/10/marias-bar-853x1024.jpg)

](http://redmonk.com/jgovernor/files/2023/10/marias-bar.jpg)

RedMonk beers are going to be a blast at Kubecon this year. We’ve found just the place, which reflects what we’re all about. The venue is called Maria’s [Packaged Goods and Community Bar](https://www.community-bar.com/) – described as a “Hybrid liquor store & neighborhood tavern supplying a large rotating menu of rare craft beers.” It has plenty of outdoor space.

Rare craft beers, community and outdoor seating? Definitely on brand. Definitely our vibe.

One reason our team was excited when the CNCF announced Kubecon would be in Chicago this year is that Morgan Harris, our account and engagement manager, lives in the city. So it felt like we could mix Cloud Native and Chicago Native. Naturally we asked Morgan to scout a venue for us, and of course she came up trumps.

The story behind the venue is lovely.

[![](http://redmonk.com/jgovernor/files/2023/10/maria-the-duchess-1024x1001.jpg)

](http://redmonk.com/jgovernor/files/2023/10/maria-the-duchess.jpg)

Maria is a South Korean, who moved to Chicago after marrying her husband, an American serviceman called James back in the 1970s. Sadly he passed away at a young age. Maria though found her feet in a tough neighborhood and community in Bridgeport, Chicago. Today she is a local icon – and has a beer in her name – The Duchess of Bridgeport – a sour red ale we can’t wait to try. Locals call her “mom” or the Peggy Guggenheim of Bridgeport because of the way she supports local artists. If you’d like to know more about this [history of the place](https://chicagoreader.com/food-drink/meet-maria-of-marias-packaged-goods-community-bar/) this is a great article to check out.

The food is Korean Polish, which sounds amazing (think Polish Sausage, Pierogis and Korean chicken wings), with some nods to Italian. We look forward to hosting our own community in this community institution. Join us at Maria’s Community Bar on Wednesday, November 8th. Don’t forget your ID, because Maria herself may be checking them at the door.

We’ve booked a few tables and look forward to seeing old friends there and meeting some new ones.

> Date: November 8
> 
>  Time: 7:30-9:30pm CT
> 
>  Location: [Maria’s Packaged Goods & Community Bar](https://maps.app.goo.gl/q9tkN9i14jLVHRoZ6); 960 W 31st St
>  Chicago IL 60608

Bonus post material – be sure to read this great thread about Chicago before you travel.

> So you're looking to attend [\#KubeCon](https://x.com/hashtag/KubeCon?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) in Chicago? Welcome! Chicago is an incredible city and I hope you have a blast while here. I've put some thoughts together here for anyone coming to the city for the conference. I've only lived here for just over a year but really like it. 1/
> 
> — Kai @kaipmdh@hachyderm.io (@KaiPMDH) [October 28, 2023](https://x.com/KaiPMDH/status/1718273953897025961?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)