The brewpub was nominated for a Jean Banchet Award for Culinary Excellence in the Best Neighborhood Restaurant category. View Full Caption DNAinfo/Patty Wetli

OLD IRVING PARK — Old Irving Brewing set out to be a destination for neighbors. That mission appears to have been accomplished.

On Wednesday, the brewpub was nominated for a Jean Banchet Award for Culinary Excellence in the Best Neighborhood Restaurant category.

The annual Banchet Awards are a sort of Chicago-centric version of the James Beard Awards, honoring the city's top chefs and dining establishments in 14 categories.

Nominations come from members of the general public. Winners are chosen by industry insiders.

At Old Irving Brewing, 4419 W. Montrose Ave., the "eats" side of the menu was developed under the guidance of chef Matthias Merges with as much thought and care as the drinks. Yes, there are beer brats, but they're served with a side of polenta. Breads are made in house daily and the brewery's burger of the week has earned enough fans to warrant a visit from the "Chicago's Best" TV crew (swing by at 4 p.m. Thursday to catch the taping).

The brewpub is in the running against Daisies (Logan Square), Le Bouchon (Bucktown) and Osteria Langhe (Logan Square).

Banchet winners will be announced Jan. 14 at Venue Six10. Click here for the complete list of nominees.

Check out a few of the reasons Old Irving Brewing is so popular with neighbors.