Chicago boasts more breweries than any other city in America. If that doesn’t convince you of the importance of beer to Chicago culture, consider the deep history of brew making in this city of immigrants, including a huge German population that dates to Chicago’s earliest days. Beer is, and has always been, a near sacred commodity in this locale, and the scale and quality of artisan brewing follow suit. Long before the local beer movement became a trend, Chicago embraced its beer makers, and today locals revere that foundational craft more than ever.
With so many breweries to choose from, we figured a little assistance might be in order. To set you on the right path, we outline a handful of the best breweries in Chicago. We created this list by asking our team of locals their opinions and researching brewery rankings in reviews. Ambiance, price, food, and variety of drinks contribute to our assessment of each place.
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Related: Tour Chicago Like a Local
Chicago’s Best Breweries
Revolution Brewing
Revolution Brewing, a mainstay in the Chicago beer scene, tops our list for good reasons. At their Brewpub + Kitchen in Logan Square, they offer a full menu, including plenty of bar food and a decent selection of vegetarian options. If someone in your group doesn’t want beer (gasp!), they serve cocktails, wine, and cider as well.
However, at their Taproom & Brewery just north of the pub in Avondale, you can take a tour of the brewing facility and, you guessed it, drink beer in the taproom. This location hosts private events and brewery tours perfect for get togethers or work outings. Food-wise, they serve snacks only, so don’t arrive hoping for a full-sized meal.
Goose Island
Some of Chicago’s most popular and widely distributed beers come out of Goose Island, a brewery named after its original location near the island created by a temporary split in the Chicago River. To visit in person, you can head either to the Taproom in West Town for a large selection of beers, including experimental flavors, or take a trip to the Salt Shed Pub for a full food and drink menu. For additional fun, regularly scheduled Bingo events happen at the Taproom, and you can even host private events there or at their nearby Barrel House.
Half Acre
Locals adore Half Acre‘s brewery and taproom located on the far northside of the city near the historic Rosehill Cemetery. And, serving locals is exactly what the folks at Half Acre love to do. You can purchase Half Acre beer at select locations throughout Chicago (we’ve even seen it a our local Trader Joe’s), but we recommend visiting in person to experience the food and ambiance too. At their taproom, beer garden, and shop, you can taste the beers while eating excellent fare before deciding which ones to grab at the shop on your way out.
Off Color Brewing
With some of the most creative beer flavors available anywhere, Off Color Brewing delivers an exceptional range of beers to please the palates of the local community. Anytime you see Off Color beers on the shelves of a market, buy them, or you’ll regret it later. Their hip taproom, Mousetrap, provides a fun atmosphere for hanging out inside and some great outdoor space for warmer months. You can also book 1-hour tours from the Mousetrap website, at which you’ll receive three beer samples and a glass to take home.
Live Near Your Favorite Chicago Brewery
There you have it, the best of the best breweries in Chicago. We hope this guide inspires your next brewery visit, and another one after that, and then another. In the meantime, if you want to find an apartment closer to these establishments, or in a certain neighborhood, reach out to AptAmigo. Our agents will gladly perform your search for you!
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*The original version of this article was first published on October 22, 2019.
