Chicago’s relationship with beer runs deep, stretching from the stockyards and railroad days to the modern craft renaissance reshaping entire neighborhoods. What makes the city’s brewing scene genuinely distinctive is its resilience and variety; you can find a 150-year-old lager tradition on one corner and a boundary-pushing experimental sour program on the next. For locals and visitors alike, exploring these breweries is not just about drinking—it is about understanding the industrial soul and community spirit of the Windy City.
The modern Chicago brewery is rarely just a warehouse with stainless steel tanks. These spaces function as community living rooms, art galleries, concert venues, and gastronomic destinations. Many of the city’s best taprooms are deeply integrated into their specific zip codes, offering a distinct personality that reflects the surrounding streetscape, whether that is the grit of the South Side, the bustle of Logan Square, or the calm of Ravenswood.
Navigating Chicago’s beer geography can be overwhelming because the sheer volume of quality is staggering. From the largest independent breweries producing millions of barrels to nano-breweries operating out of a single room, the density of talent is unmatched in the Midwest. This guide distills that vast landscape into a curated list of essential stops, balancing legacy icons with innovative newcomers.
Quality here is defined not just by the liquid in the glass but by the atmosphere in the room. A great Chicago brewery understands hospitality; they know that a perfectly poured pilsner tastes better when accompanied by a warm pretzel and a view of the brew deck. We have prioritized spots that offer a complete experience, ensuring you leave with a deeper appreciation for the craft.
Whether you are a hop-head chasing the freshest hazy IPA, a purist seeking a technical German-style lager, or a casual drinker looking for a lively patio with a solid menu, this list has a destination for you. We have considered accessibility, consistency of the beer, and the uniqueness of the taproom environment to bring you the definitive guide to the city’s best.
Prepare to traverse the city from the historic boulevards of Bucktown to the industrial corridors of West Loop. These are the breweries that define Chicago’s drinking culture today, each offering a unique pour that tells a story of the city’s relentless creativity and work ethic.
Below is our curated selection of the absolute best breweries Chicago has to offer, followed by a strategic guide to making the most of your beer-centric tour.
Crushed By Giants Brewing Company
| Address | 600 N Michigan Ave 2nd Floor, Chicago, IL 60611 |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 12:00 – 9:00 PM Tuesday: 12:00 – 9:00 PM Wednesday: 12:00 – 9:00 PM Thursday: 12:00 – 9:00 PM Friday: 12:00 – 10:00 PM Saturday: 12:00 – 10:00 PM Sunday: 12:00 – 9:00 PM |
| Phone | (312) 544-0322 |
Went into the brew pub with a coworker after a trade show day. The food was surprisingly creative and delicious. The cauliflower in particular was a standout. The smash patties on the burger were crisp and meaty and the fries we hand cut and fresh. Really enjoyed the brewery atmosphere.
A fun Chicago brewery located in the upper downtown area just off Michigan Ave. Located on the second floor, it's an easy escalator ride up. There's a large bar area and then more a restaurant dining room. They were a little short staffed while we were there so service was a little slow, but the staff was hustling. I enjoyed a fun flight of beer with a great view and we all enjoyed our food. If you like trying breweries, this is a fun stop.
Was here last month while in Chicago for the first time and got the chopped salad. It's been a month and I can't stop thinking about this salad... Trying to figure out how to make the same herb ranch at home. Guess I'll have to come all the way back to Chicago to have it again 😅🤣
On another note, my coworker had the Mac and cheese with chicken added and we shared a pretzel. All of the food was great. The prices are very reasonable and portion sizes were perfect. Atmosphere was great, love the art with the giants.
Nice spot on the second floor of this building. Large signs on the exterior of the building. Pretty spacious spot for this brewery with about a dozen different brews on tap. Tried the Liquid Sabbath and the Tourist Trap Kolsch. Enjoyed the low abv stout (Liquid Sabbath) the most. I didn't try the food but it looked pretty good based on many other customers tables and they had ordered. Customer service was very good.
I really enjoyed my visit to Crushed by Giants. The food was delicious — especially the burger, which was juicy, flavorful, and perfectly cooked. The nachos were good as well, though the sour cream could definitely be improved.
The place itself feels cozy with a relaxed vibe and good music. It’s a great spot to hang out, enjoy comfort food, and have a nice time.
Would definitely come back!
Off Color Brewing Taproom The Mousetrap
| Address | 1460 N Kingsbury St, Chicago, IL 60642 |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 12:00 – 10:00 PM Tuesday: 12:00 – 10:00 PM Wednesday: 12:00 – 10:00 PM Thursday: 12:00 – 10:00 PM Friday: 12:00 PM – 12:00 AM Saturday: 12:00 PM – 12:00 AM Sunday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM |
| Phone | (312) 929-2916 |
Buur in the summer? Hell yeah. Came here for a pizza pop up (Five Squared Pizza) which was tasty and coma inducing. The brewery tho, lots of choices for a buzz, ambience, tons of seating (inside and outside - front and back), and merchh. We love a good merch section.
Beautiful brewery with a lot of open space. The beer menu is extensive with all different styles of beer. Staff are great. It can get very busy at times. Also, I great outside patio area as well.
Sometimes I understand why the whole brewpub fad has jumped the shark. Too many protest signers, not enough protest songs. But then you show up here, and you understand why you bought into this in the first place.
The neighborhood feels kinda weird to me, it's like a giant outdoor upscale mall, gentrification personnified. So a place like this fits in, but instead of mailing it in like so many others do, they decided to actually make a great variety of beer styles, make them incredibly well and served by knowledgeable, friendly people.
I've tried their flagship Saison and a few wild ales, and it was a difficult choice because there was at least 5 more beers I would have loved to try on the tap and bottle/can menu. I rarely face this conundrum, even at some world class brewpubs.
I'm usually a pretty good sport, any pub that serves a half decent brew in a fun ambiance will get a good review from me, but Off Color raises the bar. This town has been nothing but sweet surprises and interesting discoveries, and this place takes the cake.
Excellent beer (and this is coming from a complete beer snob). Friendly and attentive bartenders. Nice ambiance with indoor and outdoor seating areas. There's also a nice variety of beers.
Unfortunately they do not offer beer flights but they do offer half pours (8oz).
Been here twice now and loved it both times. During winter, a Monday night was super chill, while a Sunday night in warmer weather was hopping.
They have a great NA option that they brew that you can only buy here. A Chincha de Molle called Day of the Jaguar that's so lovely. A sweet and crisp cross between a cider and a floral ale. The staff is always so helpful, efficient, and chill. Can't wait to return.
Old Irving Brewing Co.
| Address | 4419 W Montrose Ave, Chicago, IL 60641 |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 12:00 – 11:00 PM Tuesday: 12:00 – 11:00 PM Wednesday: 12:00 – 11:00 PM Thursday: 12:00 – 11:00 PM Friday: 12:00 PM – 12:00 AM Saturday: 12:00 PM – 12:00 AM Sunday: 12:00 – 10:00 PM |
| Phone | (773) 916-6421 |
Food was delicious. The service was amazing. Lived in Chicago my whole life decided to finally stop by here. Celebrated our 4 year Anniversary here which the bartenders took care of us! It was a Saturday around 5ish close to 6pm. It was busy and the wait time would be 20min. Luckily a spot at the bar opened up and we got sat. Overall, amazing experience. Menu a bit complicated online but the bartender helped us maneuver through it.
Incredible Brews and Food!
Stopped by Old Irving Brewing Co. and had a fantastic experience.
You absolutely cannot leave without ordering the cheese curds shown in 1000074676.jpg. They are perfectly fried, light, crispy, and the seasoning with the dipping sauce is top-tier. Easily some of the best curds around.
To wash it down, we paired them with some excellent, crisp beers as seen in 1000074675.jpg—including the Sonne Helles Lager, which was incredibly refreshing and smooth. Great atmosphere, fantastic wood-fired kitchen smells, and stellar drinks. We will definitely be back!
Feel free to tweak it if you want to add details about the service or the specific vibe you experienced!
Honestly, it’s rare that I leave a bad review but this experience wasn’t good. I’ve been waiting to try Old Irving for years, but something always came up, so this was our first experience. On the positive side, it’s a very cool place and the drinks were great. It’s a busy Saturday so I expected to wait (no big deal). The wait time was only 25 minutes for a table for 2 so we sat on the bench. To our surprise we only waited about 15 minutes and I received a text that our table was ready. No one was at the host stand. Myself and a couple in front of us waited almost another 10 minutes for someone to come up and seat us. I would have rather sat on bench for that extra 10 minutes if it truly wasn’t ready. Then it’s our turn to be sat and the 2 hosts go back and forth about if we’re sat in a certain person’s section they’ll be double sat. Honestly, I don’t care, just take me to my table. The server was nice and accommodating but forgot our coke until it was ready to pay the bill and blamed it on no glassware and still changed us for it. I also ordered the hanger steak medium and it came out well done.
2 beers, a meatball sandwich, a well done steak, and a coke that was never drank was almost $100. No thank you. Willing to spend money if a good experience takes place. First time and last time visit. Too many better options in Chicago.
This place really impressed me the second time around. I’ve stopped by for beer before, but it seems like I’d been missing out on the food. I had the hanger steak and potatoes. Every bite was just loaded with a perfectly prepared flavor and the beer recommended by the bartender (goat destroyer I think?) was a perfect suggestion to go with the entree. The other beers I’ve tried are solid. Good variety and they all have character, including the easy sippers.
I was surprised at how busy it was for lunchtime, but there was still plenty of seating. The staff seems to work closely as a team. They served and checked in at all the right beats for a seamless and hospitable experience. Despite it being busy, I didn’t have to wait much for anything.
Back to the food, because I can’t stress this enough:
This wood-fired steak will probably make every subsequent hanger steak slightly disappointing. At the end of my meal, I flashed back to my naive, earlier thoughts surrounding taking the rest to go. Oh, how foolish I was not to realize after the first bite that I was never long for such a destiny. Every now and then, a dish comes along that makes you feel as though light suddenly fills the long absence of a standout meal.
This. Steak. Is. It.
Old Irving Brewery is a really solid brewpub with a great vibe 🍻. Both the beer and the food feel a step above the usual spots, with creative flavors that push you slightly outside your comfort zone — but in the best way possible. Everything tasted thoughtfully made and a bit more elevated than what you might expect from a typical brewery. The atmosphere was relaxed, the selection was interesting, and the experience overall felt unique. Definitely a place worth checking out if you want something a little different. Highly recommended 👍✨
Maplewood Brewery & Distillery
| Address | 2717 N Maplewood Ave, Chicago, IL 60647 |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 3:00 – 9:00 PM Tuesday: 3:00 – 9:00 PM Wednesday: 3:00 – 10:00 PM Thursday: 12:00 – 10:00 PM Friday: 11:00 AM – 12:00 AM Saturday: 11:00 AM – 12:00 AM Sunday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM |
| Phone | (773) 270-1061 |
A truly delicious smashburger is served plain. And they have that on their menu. Really enjoyed it but the fries were not as hot as they could have been. It was a very busy Saturday night and I was able to snag a seat at the bar and the Cubs were on the TV. Staff work together as a team and were very friendly. I think they just recently opened and they have a nice patio that opens up to the end of the bar I was sitting at. Didn’t explore the restaurant but it is nicely decorated. Small parking lot but street parking is available
Maplewood Brewing is an absolute staple—and for very good reason. The beer lineup is outstanding across the board, but a few really stand out. The Pulaski Pils is exactly what you want from a go-to pilsner: crisp, balanced, and endlessly drinkable. The Lounge Lager lives up to its name—smooth, easy, and at $6 a pint, it’s one of the best values you’ll find for a beer this good. The Bee Bock is a fun surprise, with a subtle honey note that adds just the right twist without overpowering the lager base.
The food absolutely holds its own too. The smashburger is fantastic—simple, flavorful, and done right. Honestly, it brought me straight back to those Steak ’n Shake days growing up in Indiana. Pair that with a massive portion of perfectly crispy fries, and you’re in a very good place.
One of the most underrated parts? The service model. Ordering via barcode and having drinks brought directly to your table is incredibly efficient—“fast” doesn’t even begin to cover it.
Great beer, great food, and a system that just works. Easy 5 stars.
2026 Chicago Brewery Journey – Fourth Stop
Stopped by Maplewood Brewery & Distillery and it’s clear right away this place is popular—very lively with a strong crowd and a great energy throughout. The beer selection is extensive, so there’s plenty to choose from.
One interesting note—the space had a noticeable coffee aroma. Not a bad smell by any means, but a little unexpected when you’re there for beer.
Overall, a fun and energetic stop with a lot to offer.
After many Son of Juices enjoyed out in the Chicago wild, I finally paid a visit to the home of a special beer that makes me go “wow!” I wish someone had told me “there’s more where that came from” because I really enjoyed all of the varieties I’ve had here and taken home.
I stopped in after work around Happy Hour for a late lunch and to try something from their catalog other than Son of Juice. For the uninitiated, Son of Juice is a tropical-forward hazy IPA that has a delightful, refreshing hop profile without the bitterness one would expect from similar beers.
Speaking of similar beers, I had their Cuz of Juice for the first time and it’s just as good, but different. Cuz of juice is a bit brighter and more citrus-forward. I reckon that every future blue moon I might have will make me wish for a Cuz of Juice instead; lighter, but stronger and with more character.
It seemingly swaps some haze for just a touch more of the tropical quality. Not sure if this is the right word, but it’s more of a “lively” beer to me? It’s a strong beer with an inviting sip, walking the line between a beer that can fight and a proper porch pounder. I really liked this one. Brought some home in a variety pack.
Oh, they also distill some of their own spirits (though not Tequila), so it’s still worth a visit for folks with less enthusiasm for beer. I tried a whiskey that widened my eyes. And, as if I didn’t already have over a dozen reasons to come back:
The food was spectacular. I had the Chicken Kyiv (AKA Dewolaj, Devolay, etc) and it was REALLY flavorful. It’s served with peas, tasty mashed potatoes, and all in chicken gravy. Seriously delicious.
The Slavic-inspired menu was a delightful surprise. I really appreciate the nod to local immigrant history. I didn’t expect something like kluski leniwe, zapiekanki or smalec on the menu! I’ll have to come back for more than beer.
As far as the atmosphere, there are lots of tables, high ceilings, and comfy seats at the bar. I came in on a weeknight, but I would guess that it can get crowded on weekends. Staff were quick, knowledgeable, and hospitable. There was an enduring sense that both “these guys are professional” and “these guys are real, talk-to-you-like-you’re-a-human people.”
All in all, Maplewood *feels* like a brewery and restaurant from start to finish, and delivers on both fronts.
Never been to their location. I’ve only bought their cans of beer from local sellers. I live on Maplewood which drew me to try them. In one batch I bought, had a big spider in one can I didn’t notice until I took a big sip and it came in contact with my lip. My lips swelled up. They offered me a free 12 pack but they ceased communication. Clearly don’t really care. That was a couple years ago but still scared to try them again. Probably a fluke but still, what if it happened or does happen to you?
Dovetail Brewery
| Address | 1800 W Belle Plaine Ave, Chicago, IL 60613 |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 12:00 – 10:00 PM Tuesday: 12:00 – 10:00 PM Wednesday: 12:00 – 10:00 PM Thursday: 12:00 – 10:00 PM Friday: 12:00 – 11:00 PM Saturday: 12:00 – 11:00 PM Sunday: 12:00 – 8:00 PM |
| Phone | (773) 683-1414 |
One of the best breweries in Chicago! Dovetail Brewing nails the perfect brewery vibe with plenty of bar space and seating, making it a comfortable spot to hang out no matter the day.
The beers here are impeccable — they specialize in European-style brews, and their Czech Pils is an absolute must-try when it’s on tap. It’s a classic beer that works for every season. Their Helles is a standout, too — full-bodied, flavorful, and far from the watered-down versions you find elsewhere.
If you’re planning a brewery crawl in Chicago, Dovetail Brewing has to be on your list. Fantastic drinks, welcoming atmosphere, and a true gem in the city’s craft beer scene.
Chicago has many locals, many breweries, but few live up to the vibes quite like Dovetail. (Shout out to Malt Row) Come for the lagers, stay for the amazing takes on international beer styles. Dress up a berg, enjoy a classic pour of great beer, and their awesome rotation of pop up restaurants.
Been here many times but my visit 4/16 for gravity keg night with Saison made me realize this review was long overdue.
Lucked into this brewery after an event and being underwhelmed at another brewery. Great selection of European style beers with traditional methods. I was only able to try a few after visiting the aforementioned establishment, but I was suitably impressed and absolutely intrigued by the vast styles (not just same beers with additives as is so often seen). The Rauchbier was a standout, though. Best I’ve had outside of Europe. Really well balanced and subtle flavors. Service at the bar was okay, if a bit indifferent to a newcomer.
I have to add something about the oyster vender (sadly forgot the name)- WOW!! Fresh, delicious oysters and great sauces!! I think we had 3 orders, repeatedly devouring and going back for another order. My guy was proud of his offerings and truly enjoyed seeing our enthusiasm for his passion. I want to return for the beers, but would go back just for the oysters.
Definitely a great asset to chicago Northside. Easy parking, outdoor seating next to the Kimball Brownline train 🔈
Malt Row Brewery in the Ravenswood neighborhood. Classic and Euro beers, sadly no Hazy IPAs for me.
Hop Butcher For The World
| Address | 4257 N Lincoln Ave, Chicago, IL 60618 |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: Closed Tuesday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM Wednesday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM Thursday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM Friday: 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM Saturday: 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM Sunday: 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM |
| Phone | (773) 697-7883 |
Great experience and delicious beer! The service was exceptional, friendly and fast. Come here if you like IPAs but they have a little bit for everyone, their specialty is IPAs though. Their own hop water is good if you want an NA option. Good seating indoor and out, also have a to go room with merch. Absolutely loved their beer and highly recommend a visit! Very impressed and can't wait to go back!!
One of the best IPA's around, hands down.
This is a mandatory visit if you are coming to Chicago! Haha
🔥🔥🔥🍺🍺🍺
I live on the east coast. A solitary distributor in my area has recently been delivering Hop Butcher. I’ve had 8-12 varieties so far, and I have catapulted Hop Butcher into my top ten worldwide brewery power rankings. The IPAs and DIPAs are right up there with the elite east coast breweries- Tree House, Burial, Hill Farmstead, Tired Hands, Other Half. Fantastic beer.
2026 update: upping to 5 stars. I love some Hop Butcher beer, and I'm glad they've found a permanent space. The service can be slow, but not on a recent visit. Several of their styles were sold out from draft, but they have dozens. Happy hour is a solid discount, and the to-go cans are an excellent deal for the beer quality. Good idea to grab some food to bring with you.
Hop Butcher for the World kicked off my 2025 Chicago brewery exploration, and it absolutely set the bar high. Amazing spot with a cool, laid-back vibe and a killer variety of beers. Everything I tried was packed with flavor—these folks clearly know what they’re doing. The space feels modern but not overdone, and it’s the kind of place where you can hang out for a while and just enjoy what’s in your glass. If you’re into hops, this is a must-visit in Chicago.
Suncatcher Brewing
| Address | 2849 W Chicago Ave, Chicago, IL 60622 |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 12:00 – 10:00 PM Tuesday: Closed Wednesday: 12:00 – 10:00 PM Thursday: 12:00 – 10:00 PM Friday: 12:00 – 10:00 PM Saturday: 12:00 – 10:00 PM Sunday: 12:00 – 10:00 PM |
| Phone | (312) 210-7162 |
This is the best brewery in Chicago at the moment. The beer is immaculate. Simple, but amazing. 6 house beers and a few guest taps. Best beer garden in the city as well. When the patio is closed, seating inside is limited, but it’s worth standing by the bar for a couple until a seat opens up. Staff is amazing and friendly. No packaged beer to-go, unless you order a crowler.
Wonderful brewery! My women's craft beer group had a lovely event here and got to chat with owner Matt - super nice! And the bar staff were helpful, friendly, and accommodating. Highly recommend!
Suncatcher Brewing is located between West Chicago Ave and West Grand Ave, maybe not the typical area for a tourist to visit, but I’m really glad I went. Totally worth the visit!
Easy to get there by bus from downtown, around 25 minutes.
I visited early on a Sunday. Great place to start the day with a couple of beers while watching Premier League on my phone, but to my surprise, they had the match on TV at the bar! Turns out the brewer/owner follows English football too.
As i understood by the staff their focus is mainly on lower ABV beers. They had five beers on tap when I visited, plus a few guest taps and cans. I tried four of their own, a Dark Mild (my favorite), two Pale Ales, and a Blonde. All were excellent! Refreshing to find a brewery that doesn’t only focus on big NEIPAs and stouts.
Staff were super friendly and welcoming. The brewer/owner even came over for a chat and poured me and the staff a taster of a new IPA fresh from the tank, very good and much appreciated!
The brewer/owner was one of the guys who started the well-known Half Acre.
Highly recommend checking out Suncatcher Brewing if you’re in Chicago!
An amazing new brewery in Humboldt Park. The building is bright and sunny, and there is plenty of outdoor space as well. The beer selection is fairly small, but the beers are high quality. There are also snacks available for purchase.
Suncatcher Brewing was stop #7 on my 2025 Chicago Brewery Exploration. The tap list was pretty limited, but the locals didn’t seem to mind—and honestly, what they had was solid. I tried the MI Pale and the Rye Lager, and both were well-crafted and easy to enjoy. The place was packed, especially with families, which gave it a lively, community-centered feel. The outdoor space looked great—definitely a spot I’d like to revisit when the weather’s right.
Begyle Brewing
| Address | 1800 W Cuyler Ave, Chicago, IL 60613 |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 12:00 – 9:00 PM Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM Wednesday: 12:00 – 9:00 PM Thursday: 12:00 – 9:00 PM Friday: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM Saturday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM Sunday: 12:00 – 8:00 PM |
| Phone | (773) 661-6963 |
If you’re doing a Malt Row crawl, Begyle Brewing is an absolute must-stop. The vibe is exactly what you want for a brewery day—plenty of indoor space when you need a break, plus a great outdoor setup to hang when the weather’s nice.
The beer lineup really shines, especially if you’re into variety. The Johnny Quest Black IPA is a standout—super unique, packed with flavor, and not something you see done this well very often. Boat Shoes and Ducks Fly Together are perfect warm-weather beers—light, flavorful, and incredibly crushable without sacrificing character.
Everything here feels dialed in for a great summer brewery experience, and it’s easy to see why this place has become such a staple. Highly recommend making it a stop—you won’t regret it.
Great Chicago brewery in Ravenswood, dog, kid and wedding reception friendly! A lot of different beers styles on tap & cans to-go. Large additional family & kids room, inside & patio seating, food trucks at the curb.
We had a great time..played some games, the tangerine sour was interesting, had a nice pale ale. Great atmosphere, unique food truck rotation. Friendly staff, great beer.
Great brewery. How have I missed this in my trips to Chicago. Great variety of beers available. All pretty good. Great BA beers too
What this place lacks in bicycle parking it makes up for in vibes, beers, and people.
Picture this ; it’s it’s 70 degrees and sunny in Chicago and you are biking around the city with your friends visiting some of the best breweries Chicago has to offer. You pull up to begyle. The windows are open. The patio is popping. The food truck is delicious pizza. It truly doesn’t get better than this. I love everything you are doing here. Keep it up begyle.
Goose Island Taproom
| Address | 1800 W Fulton St, Chicago, IL 60612 |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: Closed Tuesday: Closed Wednesday: 12:00 – 8:00 PM Thursday: 12:00 – 8:00 PM Friday: 12:00 – 10:00 PM Saturday: 12:00 – 10:00 PM Sunday: 12:00 – 8:00 PM |
| Phone | (312) 586-7970 |
Booked the Brewery Tour online very straightforward,we received reminders prior to the tour.
Chris was our Tour guide and he was funny & very informative.The Tour was just under a hour.
Visiting from the UK and Goose Island has been a favourite for a long time it was really good to see the process.
We had a few good sized samples and the Bourbon County Stout was lovely.
All the staff members we met were very polite.
The bar area was busy & had a good atmosphere.
A magnificent tour with Chris. The atmosphere was very pleasant. We learned some wonderful anecdotes about Chicago's history. There were also some nice 🍻 surprises during and after the tour. Chris is truly an excellent guide.
We had a great time overall! The history was awesome to learn about and our tour guide, Andrew, was wonderful & knowledgeable! Seeing the first production area with the “tour deck” honkers ale was the best part of the tour. We loved seeing the “live” brewing and the technology of the time lapses, etc. The beer throughout the tour was delicious and generous. We loved taking home the commemorative glass! The one thing we had hoped was to see more of the production areas, we felt it was a little hidden since we were in a room not in use/production anymore.
A very well know brewery out of Chicago, this is their brewery facility taproom location. It's a great bar area with their classic beers on draft as well as a bunch of their specialty bourbon barrel stouts. There's a nice patio area out front, but the location is just a little outside downtown in an industrial neighborhood. As noted, it's a very limited food menu here, so consider one of their other locations if you're looking for a full beer and dining experience. If you just love visiting breweries then this is a perfect Chicago spot.
The Goose Island brewery tour with Johnny was absolutely fantastic! He is incredibly knowledgeable and witty, making the time fly by. The tour includes 3 beer tastings, which is a wonderful way to experience their variety. It was the perfect way to wrap up my time in Chicago. If you love beer, this is a must-do!
Midwest Coast Brewing Company
| Address | 2137 W Walnut St, Chicago, IL 60612 |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: Closed Tuesday: 2:00 – 9:00 PM Wednesday: 2:00 – 9:00 PM Thursday: 2:00 – 10:00 PM Friday: 2:00 – 10:00 PM Saturday: 12:00 – 10:00 PM Sunday: 12:00 – 7:00 PM |
| Phone | (312) 361-1176 |
Pizza and draft beer? How yummy!
We had such a fun time with intersect roadshow enjoying some of the delicious draft beer from midwest coast brewery on the rooftop and pizza from five square pizza.
Perfect stop before a United Center event.
Midwest Coast Brewing Company has a great brewery vibe and an awesome second-floor space that really shines in the summer. The upstairs opens up with panoramic views of the city, plenty of comfortable spots to hang out, and big bars that make grabbing a beer easy even when it’s busy.
The lager is the standout for me—light, crisp, and incredibly drinkable. It’s the kind of beer you want before heading to a game or concert.
Overall, a great spot to check out if you’re in the area or heading to the United Center.
Ryan & his team were beyond accommodating and it was an amazing private space for our mahjong fundraiser. Ryan was an incredible communicator and answered all the questions I had from when I booked the space to the end of the event. Everyone was so friendly and nothing but amazing customer service through and through. The beers were amazing and I love that we could bring our own food. Highly recommend for any event. Best customer service I've had in a long time. Thank you so much Midwest Coast Brewing Company team. Can't wait to continue to come support!
-christy & jameson beretta
Live in the area, so come here frequently. Great beer selection. There is a second floor patio that gets busy on the weekends. They do host a lot of events/parties downstairs, so sometimes seating can be limited. They have a party room upstairs that is great for renting. We hosted a birthday before, and it comes with its own bar ordering window. There is a drink minimum, but your group can all have their own tabs while still counting towards the minimums. There’s also a screen with projector for streaming movies or PowerPoints. The place is BYOF, plus they have high five pizza selling squares Thursday-Saturday, which are delicious. Also, if you collect can clips you can redeem one stack for a free beer each visit.
Wow, awesome brewery and taproom on two floors. Lots of craft beers on tap & to take away. The seating area is fab on both floors with some good views on top floor. I had a pizza there and its was awesome and massive. Staff very friendly and helpful
Goose Island Brewpub
| Address | 1221 W Blackhawk St, Chicago, IL 60642 |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: Closed Tuesday: Closed Wednesday: 12:00 – 10:00 PM Thursday: 12:00 – 10:00 PM Friday: 12:00 – 11:00 PM Saturday: 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM Sunday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM |
| Phone | (312) 915-0071 |
This is a great brew pub that Chicago needed. Right next door to the salt shed so perfect for pre-concert drinks and food. On the river, it is just so relaxing to hang out and watch it lazily go by. The beer is pretty good too, but it's goose island we we are all familiar with that. The food is ok. Granted, I haven't had much of it but the things I've had are ok. Come for the atmosphere and the beer, have some food, stay for the music.
2026 Chicago Brewery Journey – Fifth Stop
My fifth stop was a familiar name but a new location, Goose Island Pub at the Salt Shed, and it did not disappoint. The space is well laid out and makes for a great overall experience.
The beer selection was excellent, featuring many of their standout offerings, but the highlight for me was the beer on cask. The Irish Red was incredibly smooth, and I enjoyed it so much I ended up having three pints.
I also had the fish and chips, which were excellent. It almost felt like being in Ireland.
A fantastic stop and one of the highlights of the journey so far.
Great spot with a scenic view. I had the pork rinds to begin with (it came with an adorable tiny bottle of tobacco hot sauce), and the smash burger along with a few of their rotating beers. All were amazing along with the service. I can't wait to come back soon!
The waitress was so pushy. Coming every 10 mins to offer something or push for food. We learned after being in the table that we could only stay for 90 mins. There was a storm outside so they pretty much through to the street. Apparently, this is a rule when there are events next door. Nobody told us when we came in. Overall. Not a fun experience.
Had a great time trying out some of their rotating beer, they have half pours so you can build your own flight however you like. The food was tasty, with some of the usual suspects for a bar setting but some fun additions like the Carrots which were really good. All appetizers were very shareable and the handheld were tasty and a good serving size. Will be coming back before concert at the Salt Shed!
Half Acre Beer Co
| Address | 2050 W Balmoral Ave, Chicago, IL 60625 |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: Closed Tuesday: Closed Wednesday: 3:00 – 9:00 PM Thursday: 3:00 – 9:00 PM Friday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM Saturday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM Sunday: 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM |
| Phone | (773) 754-8488 |
Awesome brewery and tap room, lots of craft beer and tap. The chicken sando burger was out of this world. Staff very friendly and helpful. Prices were very good
Picked a great day to head down to Chicago! Half Acre released not 1, but 2 of their barrel aged beers today: Orin & Bazalt Wilderness of History.
First in line and glad we got to try a pour of each! Also had their Oktoberfest and tried a guest tap from Art History Brewing that were both great after all the boozy barrel deliciousness 🍻
Always wonderful staff and quality beer.
Half Acre burger is rather nice
Frozen patty but made with care.
Fries were quite nice. Rosemary oil was good touch.
Burger is solid choice if you want to delay your alcohol infused brain to take over
Perfect summer evening at Half Acre Beer Garden. I'm thoroughly enjoying their Reef Knot—the ultimate summer beer. Such a great spot to relax and unwind!
Half Acre is a great place, with great beer and good food. I love hanging out with friends here. The atmosphere is laid back and cool (the painting on the back wall is especially awesome/hilarious). The standard beers on tap are always excellent, and their seasonal brews are fantastic.
Get there early to beat the rush, as it can get pretty crowded, especially on weekends.
Monochrome Brewing
| Address | 2101 S Carpenter St, Chicago, IL 60608 |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 3:00 – 11:00 PM Tuesday: 3:00 – 11:00 PM Wednesday: 3:00 PM – 12:00 AM Thursday: 3:00 PM – 12:00 AM Friday: 12:00 PM – 12:00 AM Saturday: 11:00 AM – 12:00 AM Sunday: 9:00 AM – 11:00 PM |
| Phone | (312) 459-1833 |
2026 Chicago Brewery Journey – Ninth Stop
Stopped by Monochrome Brewing for my ninth stop. It is a great place with a wide selection of beers to choose from.
The atmosphere felt very welcoming and inclusive, with a strong sense of community. The staff and overall environment made it an especially friendly place to spend some time.
Thanks for the great beer and hospitality.
Visited September 2025
It was my first time visiting this part of Chicago. I walked from the city center to the brewery, it took about 50–60 minutes, but it’s also easily accessible via the Orange Line and a short walk.
I arrived early, so it was a quiet day. The place has a large open space with plenty of seating, including a few comfortable couches, and a big bar area with seats as well.
I really like breweries that offer a good variety of beers on tap, and Monochrome Brewing had an excellent selection. They also served a hard seltzer, a wide range of cocktails, and even had a guest tap.
I tried the following MR beers:
El Venado – 5.1% Mexican lager
Ochre – 5.8% Pale Ale
Oktoberfest – 5.5% Märzen
YR:1NE – a massive 15.5% stout
I don’t usually drink many Mexican lagers, but this one was really nice. Overall, every beer I tried was high quality!
One of the owners/brewers even sat down for a chat, really friendly people, and I even got a few freebies 🙌
During my visit, I learned that MR had been to Europe earlier this year for the Brewskival festival, and from what I heard, they might be coming back next year 🍻
Definitely worth the trip if you’re visiting Chicago!
I hosted my wife's birthday party on 06/20/25. Enrique communicated very well and reserved spot for my guests upon arriving. We had the ticket system where I handed out tickets to my guests and it was easier to identify who was in my party. I highly recommend this place and it has a variety of beers to choose from. I like that they have cocktail options for the non beer drinkers. Will definitely come back again.
This is a nice big space with plenty of seating. The beers on tap are all good, much better than the old brewery that was here before. It’s easy to park outside and you can bring your own food in.
Came here to sip some primo barley pops on advice from the boys at the sneaky fox. The pilsen pils is tasty güd and the crew is chock full of good dudes. Absolutely jonesing for a sneaky lager collab 😫😫😫⚽️⚽️⚽️
Demo Brewing Company
| Address | 1763 W Berteau Ave, Chicago, IL 60613 |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: Closed Tuesday: Closed Wednesday: 4:00 – 10:00 PM Thursday: 4:00 – 10:00 PM Friday: 4:00 – 11:00 PM Saturday: 12:00 – 11:00 PM Sunday: 12:00 – 7:00 PM |
| Phone | (312) 248-4025 |
We recently hosted a young professionals event at Demo Brewing, and we couldn’t have asked for a better partner. From the very beginning, their team was warm, welcoming, and incredibly hospitable, helping create an evening where more than 30 young professionals could gather, connect, and support the arts.
The space itself is fantastic—stylish, comfortable, and full of energy. It was the perfect backdrop for an event celebrating community, creativity, and the work of Grammy Award-winning musicians. The Demo team went above and beyond to make everyone feel at home. Plus, DELICIOUS BEER!
As an added gesture of generosity, Demo Brewing donated 20% of the evening’s bar sales back to support our mission. Their commitment to giving back and supporting local organizations is truly special.
We’re so grateful for their partnership and can’t recommend Demo Brewing highly enough—for a great beer, a great atmosphere, and a team that genuinely cares about its community.
Visited this hidden gem for the first time. The Vespa pils and the Golden ale were well balanced brews. The place itself is warm, quiet and welcoming. Just about seems right for being nominated as a great community place for the evening. Don’t miss this if you are in the area or hunting for a good brewery even if from Chicago downtown. The brown line can get you there quick and easy.
I love that this brewery opened earlier this year in Malt Row. Not that the area lacks beer, but more breweries are always better! This one is very inviting on a quiet street with plenty of parking. It's a very easy place to just pop in and have some tasters or a quick full pour.
The MO here seems to brew smaller batches that rotate frequently, which I love so that I can try a variety of beers and styles. They also always have a hard seltzer on tap, and I haven't had a bad one yet. In fact, I haven't had a bad beer here at all! The staff is always friendly, there is plenty of space to sit, there are board games to play, and there is a merch area with some cool-looking stuff.
I will definitely keep coming here as along as I can to support the business, as long as they keep doing what they're doing!
We learned that Demo donates their space on Tuesday evenings for community group events like fundraisers, so our non-profit hosted one last weekend there and it was a wonderful experience. Chelsie was extremely helpful in helping us organize and figure out drinks, outside food, timing, parking, audio, and other logistics. Then Eleanor was an excellent "beertender" and ran the show behind the bar extremely efficiently. Plus, at the end we came away with a donation to our organization for a portion of the evening's beverage sales. Thanks so much, Demo Team! I highly recommend any local community organizations consider working with them for your events.
Casual, relaxed atmosphere. Great variety of beer, seltzers & wine. They also have a couple non alcoholic beers. In addition to a large bar with extremely comfortable bar stools, they have tables & chairs and a comfy sitting area with a couch. They do not serve food, but you’re welcome to bring food or have it delivered. And kids & pets are welcome. Nice apparel choices…shirts, beanies, beer glasses. Another nice touch is that they have hooks to hang purses under the bar as well as outlets for charging phones. Parking lot behind the brewery. I definitely recommend Demo Brewing Company.
Revolution Brewing - Brewery & Taproom
| Address | 3340 N Kedzie Ave, Chicago, IL 60618 |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: Closed Tuesday: Closed Wednesday: 2:00 – 9:00 PM Thursday: 2:00 – 9:00 PM Friday: 2:00 – 10:00 PM Saturday: 12:00 – 10:00 PM Sunday: 12:00 – 6:00 PM |
| Phone | (773) 588-2267 |
2026 Chicago Brewery Journey – Third Stop
Made my way to Revolution Brewing – Brewery & Taproom, and as expected from a well-established Chicago staple, the selection did not disappoint. There’s a wide range of beers to choose from, and the Hero Flight was a great way to sample several—definitely lived up to the name and had me feeling pretty hoppy.
The space is huge, with plenty of room to spread out, making it a great spot whether you’re stopping in for a quick drink or hanging out for a while.
A reliable stop with lots to offer and easy to see why it’s such a big name in Chicago.
This place is awesome. Excellent beer and great vibes. A super fun vending machine and lots of space to chill with friends. I loved the Revolution of Ruby barleywine. Highly recommend!
Cracking brewery and taproom, lots of craft beer on tap and in fridges. Lots of bar games. Love sitting in a taproom when you can watch them working in the brewery & siting near all the BA barrels. Staff very helpful
Nice place. We were a party of four plus an infant, which was totally ok to do if you are concerned. We brought our own pizzas in, as they don't serve food and allow that. Lots of tables. There were not many people there on the Friday night when we went there. They had good tv on..."Weekend at Bernie's" movie... this place is very casual and they had plenty plenty plenty of beer choices. They will give you small samples to try if you are unsure of what taste you want. I would return here. I have attached some photos.
I love the Revolution taproom. The bartenders are always super nice. They have some snacks and the occasional food truck but for the most part it's BYO for food or have something delivered.
It's a huge space but welcoming and seeing the taphandles change to a bunch of rainbow fists during Pride month puts a smile on my face. Rev is a fantastic supporter and sponsor of local teams, groups and events so it's also nice to know your beer drinking helps the community.
Tips for Planning Your Chicago Brewery Tour
Planning a brewery tour in Chicago requires a bit of strategy because the city is vast and the traffic can be unforgiving. The best approach is to cluster your visits by neighborhood to maximize your time spent sipping rather than sitting in a rideshare. Whether you are focusing on the Malt Row corridor in Ravenswood or the dense cluster in West Loop, having a plan ensures you experience the diversity of the scene without burning out.
Use the CTA and Metra. Chicago’s public transit is exceptionally brewery-friendly. The Brown Line, Blue Line, and various bus routes drop you within walking distance of many top-tier taprooms, allowing you to enjoy the beer without worrying about driving or parking.
Prioritize the kitchen. Many Chicago breweries have elevated their food programs beyond standard bar snacks. If you are planning a full day of drinking, ensure at least one of your stops has a substantial menu—think smash burgers, wood-fired pizzas, or house-made sausages—to keep your energy up.
Check for event calendars. Chicago taprooms are dynamic venues. A quiet afternoon tasting room can transform into a packed trivia night or live music venue by 7 PM. Always check the brewery’s social media or website to see if there is a ticketed event or a special release happening during your visit.
Bring a growler or buy merch. Many of the best limited-release beers never leave the taproom. Buying a four-pack of cans or filling a crowler is the best way to support the brewery and take a piece of Chicago’s beer culture home with you.
Hydrate and pace yourself. With so many incredible options, it is tempting to order the highest ABV stout or triple IPA at every stop. Balance your flight with lighter lagers and pilsners, and drink plenty of water to ensure you actually remember the nuanced flavors of each pour.
The beauty of Chicago’s brewing industry lies in its lack of pretense. You are just as likely to see a brewer in work boots sitting at the bar as you are a tourist with a camera, and that authenticity is exactly what makes the scene so welcoming. As you work your way through the city, take the time to talk to the bartenders and taproom staff; their passion for the product is infectious and often leads to discovering a hidden gem that isn’t on the main menu.
Ultimately, the best brewery in Chicago is the one that feels like your local, even if you are only visiting for a weekend. The city’s brewing community has built a culture of hospitality that invites you to slow down, enjoy the moment, and appreciate the craftsmanship in every glass. Whether you leave with a new favorite lager or a deeper understanding of barrel-aging, Chicago’s beer scene will leave a lasting impression long after the last sip.
