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The breweries in Chicago are some of the most remarkable in the country, and they strive to provide their patrons with one-of-a-kind pleasures.
Dubbed as the brewery capital of the United States, Chicago has over 160 active breweries that operate within and outside the downtown area. So whether you take a bus to the south side suburbs or directly stroll in the city, you will find a unique brewery specializing in its recipes and brewing techniques.
Many Chicago breweries also have a signature food menu with great dishes that perfectly complement their craft beers. Everyone is sure to have fun when choosing Chicago for their beer escapade! Come and discover the best breweries the city has to offer!
1. Goose Island
Goose Island, one of the oldest breweries in Chicago, provides some of the best award-winning beers in the city. Its Lincoln Park brewery is ideal for enjoying a beer and some snacks on a relaxing evening. They are not just open for dining but also provide brewery tours. Take a stroll at their huge brew house and look at their process.
This iconic Chicago-based brewery has since evolved from a single site on Fulton Street to multiple brewpubs throughout the city. Goose Island is a very classy macro brewery with sophisticated-looking cans and bottles. Its barrel house is also one of the best places to host an event like a private party or wedding because of its spacious and magnificent space.
- Crowd Favorite: Goose IPA. Strong, bold, and citrusy English-style IPA with 5.9% ABV.
- Highly Recommended: 312 Urban Wheat Ale
- Hop-py note: Covered outdoor seating. Vegan-friendly. Street and private parking. Good for family.
- Fun Fact: Goose Island has one of the biggest barrel houses in the country, with a 143,000-square foot size.
Hours: Open Wed & Thur 12pm–8pm, Fri & Sat 12pm – 10pm, Sun 12pm – 8pm, Mon & Tue Closed.
Address: 1800 W Fulton St, Chicago, IL 60612
Contact: (312) 586-7970 | Facebook | Instagram | Website
2. Revolution Brewing
Revolution is Chicago’s biggest independent craft brewery and has gained titles and awards from local beer competitions like the Best Local Brewery 2021 and the Best Brewpub 2017. You can get their award-winning beers on tap and enjoy the sensation of drinking premium, solid craft beers.
Their taproom at the Kedzie Avenue site is a true urban oasis. This is where the company prepares its kegs and cans for distribution; thus, the room looks appropriately industrial.
In Chicago, some of the best breweries are also fantastic restaurants, and Revolution Brewing isn’t an exception. Not only can you get a good beer in Revolution, but the food served at the brewery is also something you should not miss. The food menu is quite extensive, and a good number of options are available for vegetarians.
- Crowd Favorite: Anti-Hero. A crisp, aromatic, and drinkable American IPA with 6.7% ABV.
- Highly Recommended: Fist City
- Hop-py note: Private event booking available. Vegan options. Kid-friendly. Street and bike parking. Public and private tours.
- Fun Fact: The brewery has nine beehives on their rooftop where they use the freshly produced honey when making beers like the Honey Jacket.
Hours: Open Wed & Thur 12pm–10pm, Fri & Sat 12pm – 12am, Sun & Mon 12pm – 10pm, Tue Closed.
Address: 2323 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60647
Contact: (773) 227-2739 | Facebook | Instagram | Website
3. Half Acre Beer Company
The people behind Half Acre Beer Company are incredibly dedicated to their work and are always looking for new ways to produce the best beer possible, which everyone can enjoy with their friends. You can find this brewery in the meatpacking neighborhood of Chicago. They have a tap room where they serve their newest and most famous beers; anyone is welcome to stop in and sample them.
To complement Half Acre’s extensive beer selection, the establishment features a garden where you may relax while enjoying meals from a special food menu. In addition, Half Acre also accepts bookings to hold private events like a wedding, a private party, and other gatherings.
- Crowd Favorite: Daisy Cutter Pale Ale. An aromatic and citrusy American West Coast Pale Ale with 5.2% ABV.
- Highly Recommended: GoneAway
- Hop-py note: Kid-friendly. Street parking and Private lot parking. Outdoor seating.
Hours: Open Wed & Thur 3pm–9pm, Fri & Sat 11am – 10pm, Sun 11am – 9pm, Mon & Tue Closed.
Address: 2050 W Balmoral Ave, Chicago, IL 60625
Contact: (773) 754-8488 | Facebook | Instagram | Website
4. Maplewood Brewery & Distillery
Maplewood, nestled in Chicago’s historic Logan Square neighborhood, is an excellent place to hang out with your family and friends. The brewery serves quality craft beers, cocktails, and food for anyone of legal age. Their taproom has a rotating list of sours, IPAs, and lagers.
To keep the party going after you leave, their beers on tap are also available in cans so you can take them home. You may also embark on a brewery tour that includes guided beer tastings at various points along the route and the lounge’s extensive selection of brews.
- Crowd Favorite: Son of Juice. A tropical, fruity, and hoppy hazy IPA with 6.3% ABV.
- Highly Recommended: Charlatan
- Hop-py note: Covered outdoor seating. Bike and street parking. Dog-friendly patio.
- Fun Fact: The brewery was first named the Mercenary Brewery & Distillery in 2007. However, due to a legal dispute, they changed it to Maplewood 8 years later.
Hours: Open Mon 3pm–9pm, Tue & Wed 3pm–10pm, Thur 3pm–12am, Fri 1pm-12am, Sat 11am-12am, Sun 12pm-9pm.
Address: 2717 N Maplewood Ave, Chicago, IL 60647
Contact: (773) 270-1061 | Facebook | Instagram | Website
5. Great Central Brewing Company
Visiting Great Central Brewing Company is a must if you want a craft brewery that puts its heart and soul into producing high-quality ales. When it comes to making their beers, Great Central is one of the few breweries in the country that allows other brewers to use their facilities and equipment to make their own. They have a large taproom where you may sample their beers, and you can bring your food to enjoy with your beverage.
With windows that let in ventilation and natural light, it’s a terrific place to relax. Their taproom also holds occasional live music and yoga classes to keep your stay memorable.
- Crowd Favorite: Helles Lager. A German-style crisp and clean lager with 4.7% ABV.
- Highly Recommended: Hefeweizen
- Hop-py note: Street and bike parking.
- Fun Fact: GCBC donates a portion of their Can-Do series sales profit to charitable organizations.
Hours: Open Wed & Thur 2pm – 8pm, Fri & Sat 12pm – 9pm, Sun 12pm-6pm, Mon & Tue Closed.
Address: 221 N Wood St, Chicago, IL 60612
Contact: (855) 464-4222 | Facebook | Instagram | Website
6. Dovetail Brewery
Fancy German and Belgian style brews? Dovetail got a suitable craft for you! This brewery focuses on crafting beers using traditional European methods and is home to some of the best craft beers in Chicago. It’s a terrific spot for gatherings of friends to enjoy crisp German-style beers and pleasant conversations. Beer lovers will rejoice in this brewery’s extensive selection of draft brews!
When visiting Dovetail, you should not miss trying their Kriek slushies. This fruity and vibrant beer slushie is a must-have treat! You are also free to bring your food as the brewery solely offers craft beers.
- Crowd Favorite: Hefeweizen. A light wheat beer with citrus and fruity aromas. Contains 4.8% ABV.
- Highly Recommended: Vienna Lager
- Hop-py note: Street parking. Offers delivery. Dog-friendly. Kid-friendly. Covered outdoor seating.
- Fun Fact: Dovetail uses seven unique brewing equipment; most are specifically for traditional brewing.
Hours: Open Mon & Thur 12pm – 10pm, Fri & Sat 12pm – 11pm, Sun 1pm-7pm.
Address: 1800 W Belle Plaine Ave, Chicago, IL 60613
Contact: (773) 683-1414 | Facebook | Instagram | Website
7. Corridor Brewery & Provisions
The corridor is a brewery found in the West Lakeview area of Chicago. They have award-winning beers that have won silver and gold medals in The Great American Beer Festival. Their beer selection features a rotating tap list that offers a wide variety of types, from hazy IPAs to soulful Saisons and fruited sour kettle beers.
In addition to the beer, Corridor Brewery also serves its customers with food items that are light and perfectly go well with its beers, such as pizzas and beer-battered cauliflower & curds.
- Crowd Favorite: Wizard Fight. American IPA with hops and pine notes and a creamy mouthfeel. Contains 6.2% ABV.
- Highly Recommended: Cosmic Juicebox
- Hop-py note: Outdoor seating. Vegan options are available. It offers takeout and is available. Street and bicycle parking.
Hours: Open Mon & Thur 11am – 9pm, Fri & Sat 11am – 10pm, Sun 11am–8:30pm.
Address: 3446 N Southport Ave, Chicago, IL 60657
Contact: (773) 270-4272 | Facebook | Instagram | Website
8. Off Color Brewing
Off Color, a prominent Chicago brewery, was born partly due to Metropolitan’s long-term success. John and Dave worked as interns at Metropolitan Brewing after earning a degree from one of the most prestigious and oldest brewing schools, the Siebel Institute. As a result, they founded their own company, Off Color Brewing, with backing from the owners of Metropolitan Brewing Company.
This neighborhood darling is well-known for its experimental beers and bringing back brews that had fallen out of popularity in recent years. Off Color Brewing is committed to crafting beers and adding new releases and traditional brews on tap every day in their taproom.
- Crowd Favorite: Apex Predator. Farmhouse ale with a fruity and dry finish. Contains 6.5$ ABV.
- Highly Recommended: Dino S’mores
- Hop-py note: Outdoor seating. Street, bike, and private lot parking. Free Wi-Fi. Dog-friendly patio.
Hours: Open Sun & Thur 12pm – 10pm, Fri & Sat 12pm–12am.
Address: 1460 N Kingsbury St, Chicago, IL 60642
Contact: (312) 929-2916 | Facebook | Instagram | Website
9. Metropolitan Brewing
If you’re a fan of German-style lagers, head right to Metropolitan Brewing, which has been producing this type of beer since 2009. When Metropolitan Brewing opened the Rockwell Taproom, which is touted on their website as “dog, kid, and family-friendly,” the brewery’s popularity skyrocketed.
Metropolitan doesn’t rank last when it comes to a fun brewery, as they host occasional events to make their customers entertained. They also have Bingo Wednesday, Yoga every Sunday, and Firkin Friday, where you can taste unique firkin beers.
- Crowd Favorite: Krankshaft. A Kolsch with gentle hops and fruity flavor with 5% ABV.
- Highly Recommended: Flywheel
- Hop-py note: Kid-friendly. Dog-friendly. Offers table and space rentals. Street, bike, and private parking.
- Fun Fact: The brewery was almost named Alchemy Brewing, but the owners found out that a brewery in Vermont has the same name, so they chose their second option, Metropolitan Brewing.
Hours: Open Mon & Tue 2pm – 9pm, Wed & Thur 11am – 10pm, Fri & Sat 11am–1am, Sun 11am-9pm.
Address: 3057 N Rockwell St, Chicago, IL 60618
Contact: (773) 754-0494 | Facebook | Instagram | Website
10. Pilot Project Brewing
The Pilot Project is not an ordinary microbrewery trying to be on top of others. Competition is never a thing with Pilot Project. This brewery incubator is committed to supporting other breweries by letting them use their space to try and create their recipes. Pilot Project partners with several start-up breweries to help them with their brews, marketing, packaging, and distribution.
Aside from being focused on helping other breweries, Pilot Project is enthusiastic about improving its brand. The brewery never stops making its recipes and living up to its reputation. Their tasting room also serves seasonal food to accommodate their customer’s hunger and satisfy their belly. And they also do gluten-free hard kombucha and ciders for people who prefer it.
- Crowd Favorite: House IPA. A crisp and refreshing American IPA with 7% ABV.
- Highly Recommended: All Together
- Hop-py note: Dog-friendly. Kid-friendly. Covered outdoor seating. Bike and street parking. Gender-neutral restrooms.
Hours: Open Sun-Thur 11am – 10pm, Fri & Sat 11am–12pm.
Address: 2140 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60647
Contact: (773) 270-5995 | Facebook | Instagram | Website
11. Ørkenoy
You can find beer and food influenced by Scandinavian cuisine at this brewpub in the Humboldt Park neighborhood of Chicago. Two former Lagunitas Brewing personnel came up with the idea for Ørkenoy, a brewery known for its approachable lagers and ales made with unusual ingredients like currant leaves and gooseberries.
Those looking for a quick munch can also choose from Instagram-worthy dishes on the menu. And, these dishes look as good as their appearance; they will surely satisfy your gourmet palate.
- Crowd Favorite: Mr. Sparkles Emerson. Hoppy Farmhouse Ale with 6.7% ABV.
- Highly Recommended: Cole Thumper
- Hop-py note: Outdoor seating. Pet-friendly patio. Bike parking. Vegan-friendly.
- Fun Fact: Ørkenoy loves furry friends so much that they accept pet names as consideration for their future craft beer name.
Hours: Open Wed-Fri 3pm – 11pm, Sat 11am–11pm, Sun 11am-8pm, Mon & Tue Closed.
Address: 1757 N Kimball Ave Floor 1, Chicago, IL 60647
Contact: (312) 929-4024 | Facebook | Instagram | Website
12. Empirical Brewery
Empirical Brewery is Chicago’s biggest start-up microbrewery and a haven for beer geeks everywhere. Customers can gather in the taproom to enjoy board games, watch science fiction movies, read comic books, or watch a live comedy skit.
Going into the taproom at Empirical Brewery is a little bit like entering the laboratory of a crazy scientist. This experimental brewery is continually testing new brews with their one-barrel system, which means that they only produce limited volumes, but there is a lot of creative freedom. The brewers also take the remarks and suggestions made by customers in the taproom and use them to improve their crafts.
- Crowd Favorite: Infinity IPA. A crisp, toasty, and malty IPA with 6.7% ABV.
- Highly Recommended: Cold Fusion
- Hop-py note: Dog-friendly. Kid-friendly.
- Fun Fact: The name “Empirical” comes from the brewery’s brewing process, which aims to enhance its beer through empirical observations.
Hours: Open Tue-Thur 4pm – 9pm, Fri 4pm-10pm, Sat 12pm–10pm, Sun 12pm-8pm, Mon Closed.
Address: 1801 W Foster Ave, Chicago, IL 60640
Contact: (773) 293-7896 | Instagram | Website
13. Moody Tongue
Moody tongue is a chef-driven microbrewery serving quality craft beers and gourmet dishes. Jared Rouben is the founder of Moody Tongue and is the current brewmaster. He has studied at a prestigious culinary institute and has worked for Michelin-starred restaurants, giving him the experience he needs to open a brewery-restaurant business.
Moody Tongue’s bar showcases a massive fireplace, a library of craft beer books, a taproom with elegant lines, and a wood finish that gives a polished and cozy retreat. It is the perfect place to get comfy and taste the different signature beers of Brewmaster Jared. Lastly, Moody Tongue’s dining room has one of the best fine-dining seating, and the Michelin-starred Executive Chef Jared Wentworth is the master behind the kitchen. All the dishes that come out of their kitchen will make your tastebuds praise with joy.
- Crowd Favorite: Caramelized Chocolate Churro Baltic Porter. Coffee-colored Baltic Porter with 7% ABV.
- Highly Recommended: Sliced Nectarine IPA
- Hop-py note: Event booking. Bike and street parking. Wheelchair accessible establishment.
- Fun Fact: Moody tongue is a nickname for someone with a discerning palate.
Hours: Open Wed-Sat 4:30pm–10pm, Sun-Tue Closed.
Address: 2515 S Wabash Ave, Chicago, IL 60616
Contact: (312) 600-5111 | Facebook | Instagram | Website
14. Spiteful Brewing
Spiteful Brewing is anything but its stunning brick warehouse appearance, which features garage doors that opens during the warm summer months. They are most likely being gracious to their dedicated clientele by coming up with a delicious new beer for each season.
This humble brewery crafts its beer, and they are good at it. They have a wide range of brews, from light to heavy alcohol beers to dark and chocolatey porters. And while they serve snacks in-house, customers can bring their food if they prefer.
- Crowd Favorite: Working for the Weekend. A strong, hoppy Double IPA with 7.9% ABV.
- Highly Recommended: Spiteful IPA
- Hop-py note: Dog-friendly. Indoor and outdoor seating.
- Fun Fact: The owners said that they are spiteful persons. Thus they decided to name it Spiteful Brewing to showcase who they truly are.
Hours: Open Mon-Thur 3pm–9pm, Fri 3pm-11pm, Sat 12pm-11pm, Sun 12pm-8pm.
Address: 2024 W Balmoral Ave, Chicago, IL 60625
Contact: (773) 293-6600 | Facebook | Instagram | Website
15. Marz Community Brewing Company
People can find a genuine appreciation of culture and beer at the Marz Community Brewing. They collaborate with many artists that help showcase a culture-centered brewery that empowers the community through art and quality craft beers.
Their Iron Street Taproom offers customers a wide selection of draft and canned beers. You may also enjoy some mouthwatering pizza made by E.F. Pizza here to go along with your beer selection. In addition to that, their brand new nano taproom in Logan Square is now open.
- Crowd Favorite: Jungle Boogie. An American wheat beer with mild malt, hops, and fruity character. Contains 5.4% ABV.
- Highly Recommended: Ruby’s Tears
- Hop-py note: Vegan-friendly. Kid-friendly. Free Wi-Fi.
Hours: Open Tue-Thur 5pm–11pm, Fri 4pm-12am, Sat 12pm-11pm, Sun 12pm-8pm, Mon Closed.
Address: 3630 S Iron St, Chicago, IL 60609
Contact: (773) 579-1935 | Facebook | Instagram | Website
16. Hopewell Brewing Company
Hopewell Brewing, a Chicago-based brewery, is an innovative brewery with a mission to make great beer and foster a vibrant local community around it. Hopewell Brewing Company is a fantastic neighborhood taproom located at 2760 North Milwaukee Avenue. There is enough seating for everyone with its open and airy space. They can meet the needs of nearly anyone and even permit people to bring in food from surrounding restaurants to eat while they enjoy one of Hopewell’s home-brewed beers.
- Crowd Favorite: Swift IPA. A tasty American IPA with 6.9% ABV.
- Highly Recommended: Ride Or Die
- Hop-py note: Street parking. Gender-neutral restrooms. Board games are available.
- Fun Fact: Hopewell is a community-loving brewery that gives a part of its proceeds to non-profit organizations.
Hours: Open Tue-Thur 4pm–10pm, Fri 4pm-11pm, Sat 1pm-11pm, Sun 1pm-8pm, Mon Closed.
Address: 2760 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60647
Contact: (773) 698-6178 | Facebook | Instagram | Website
17. Whiner Beer Company
Whiner Beer Company is the only brewery you need to visit if you have a passion for barrel-aged brews. The Belgian-style fermenting process used by the brewery to manufacture its ales is renowned across the country. This microbrewery is committed to serving beers perfect for anyone with a wanderlust palate, those who respect beer and know what they want.
- Crowd Favorite: Le Tub. A barrel-aged wild Saison with 6.4% ABV.
- Highly Recommended: Miaou
- Hop-py note: Bike, street, and private lot parking. Dog-friendly.
- Fun Fact: The brewery offers free tours every Sunday, so you can see and learn their brewing process at no charge.
Hours: Open Thur & Fri 4pm-11pm, Sat 12pm-11pm, Sun 1pm-8pm, Mon-Wed Closed.
Address: 1400 W 46th St, Chicago, IL 60609
Contact: (773) 475-6189 | Facebook | Instagram | Website
18. Forbidden Root Brewing
Forbidden Root, the first botanical brewery in Chicago, has more than a smattering of gruit beer among its current available brews. Each season, they create a different combination of beers with honey, spices, petals, and herbs – making unique and exciting blends.
Their signature feature is the four-sided bar in the middle of their pub, and even before you have a draft, the woodsy, cozy atmosphere is guaranteed to sway you. Another thing to try is their gourmet dishes that will guarantee to satisfy your foodie soul.
- Crowd Favorite: Snoochie Boochies. A hoppy Double IPA with 8% ABV.
- Highly Recommended: Strawberry Basil Hefeweizen
- Hop-py note: Vegetarian options. Bike and street parking. Indoor and outdoor seating. Happy Hour specials.
Hours: Open Sun-Thur 12pm-10pm, Fri & Sat 12pm-11pm.
Address: 1746 W Chicago Ave, Chicago, IL 60622
Contact: (312) 929-2202 | Facebook | Instagram | Website
19. Around The Bend Beer Company
Around The Bend is to test the limits of what is possible with craft beer by breaking the rules. The founder, Dan, believes brewing is a never-ending journey, so you must push forward to see what’s around the bend.
Around The Bend Beer Company is focused on turning classic beers into something unique through experimenting with different ingredients and brewing methods. You can find ATB’s taproom at the collaborative hall of District Brew Yards alongside three other breweries. It features a pour-your-own draft where you can find 40 taps of excellent beers and freely pour the ones you like on your pint.
- Crowd Favorite: Vera. A Pistachio cream ale with Caravienne malt and 5% ABV.
- Highly Recommended: Villainous
- Hop-py note: Open for pick-up and delivery. Indoor and outdoor seating. Good for groups.
Hours: Open Tue-Thur 3pm-10pm, Fri & Sat 12pm-11pm, Sun 12pm-9pm, Mon Closed.
Address: 417 N Ashland Ave, Chicago, IL 60622
Contact: (773) 295-1270 | Facebook | Instagram | Website
20. ALULU Brewery and Pub
Compared to its more typical, austere, loft-like brewery brethren, ALULU Brewery is diverse and has a bit of a hipster vibe. They make great seasonal beers and regularly update their drafts on tap. They also serve alcohol-free snow cones that are perfect for kids and adults. They also serve cocktails for non-beer enthusiasts, making sure that they tend to all the types of customers there.
Another thing that makes ALULU a good brewery is its chef-driven menu. Its food menu contrasts what you would get at a typical brewpub and offers many traditional items.
- Crowd Favorite: Ghostly Liso. A refreshing Mexican style lager with 4.5% ABV.
- Highly Recommended: Soma Fjord.
- Hop-py note: Offers military discount. Bike and street parking. Kid-friendly.
Hours: Open Mon-Thur 3pm-11pm, Fri 3pm-12pm, Sat 12pm-12am, Sun 12pm-11pm.
Address: 2011 S Laflin St, Chicago, IL 60608
Contact: (312) 600-9865 | Facebook | Instagram | Website
21. All Rise Brewing Co.
All Rise Brewing is a community-driven brewery that empowers the working class through good beer and relationships. This brewery serves a premium selection of beers and delicious food to pair with your chosen beverage.
The brewpub is lively because of its punk rock theme and live music. The interior is dark and warm, ideal for escaping the Chicago winter, and there’s even a patio for basking in the rays in the summer.
- Crowd Favorite: Three Orange Wit. A citrusy wheat beer with 7.2% ABV.
- Highly Recommended: Wonder Beer
- Hop-py note: Vegan options. On-site parking. Private event booking available.
- Fun Fact: The brewery has a bar and taproom inside, with a different name called the Cobra Lounge.
Hours: Open Wed-Fri 11am-1am, Sat 3pm-1am, Sun & Tue Closed.
Address: 235 N Ashland Ave, Chicago, IL 60607
Contact: (312) 226-6300 | Facebook | Instagram | Website