10 Best Breweries in Chicago

Best Breweries in Chicago

The craft brewing scene has grown way beyond our imagination in Chicago. In old days, thought of craft beer always popped Goose Island in our mind, but craft beer scene in Chicago started to change in 2006, when Half Acre, Metropolitan and Revolution breweries were opened. Today, there are over 60 breweries in and all around the city.

My goal is to visit Chicago breweries as many as I can, and in this Chicago breweries guide I will try to share my thoughts on all the breweries as I explore.

I plan on keep updating the Chicago breweries list regularly, so if there is any brewery that you cannot find hear then leave it in comment, I would be more than happy to try it out and share info here on GoVisitChicago.com

1 – Half Acre Beer Company

Half Acre Beer Company was founded in 2006, and as of today they have two locations, one Half Acre Beer Company on Lincoln Ave located at 4257 N Lincoln Ave, Chicago, IL 60618, and second recently opened 60,000 sqft on Balmoral Ave located at 2050 W Balmoral Ave, Chicago, IL 60625.

Initially, Daisy Cutter beer has made Half Acre Beer Company popular, followed by other three year round house beers – bedrock IPA – Bodem, Tuna and Pony Pilsner. Their new collection of beer – Wyld Beer gained popularity as well.

Personally, I like Half Acre Daisy Cutter beer more compared to any other kind. Half Acre Beer Company also has brewery tours on every Saturday except holidays. For $10 you can get into brewery tour plus 3 samples and a branded pint glass souvenir. You must bring cash!

2 – Metropolitan Brewing

Metropolitan Brewing is one of the best breweries in Chicago mainly serving craft German-style lagers since 2009. Their year round craft beers are Krankshaft, Dynamo, Magnetron and Fly Wheel.

Amazing riverfront location and setup serving great selection of beers. Also, this place is dog-friendly! Metropolitan Brewing is BYOF – you can bring your own food.

Metropolitan Brewing is located at 3057 N Rockwell St, Chicago, IL 60618.

3 – Revolution Brewing

Revolution Brewpub was started in 2010 and has become very famous in Chicagoland. Revolution Brewing is one of the largest brewery serving house brewed German beer in Chicago. Their Brewery + Taproom located on Kedzie Ave is 90,000 SQFT facility, one of the largest brewery in Illinois. Revolution Brewery also houses our German beer hall-inspired taproom.

Revolution Brewpub is one of my favorite spots to grab house brews and enjoy the dinner. Whether you are looking to hang out with friends for drinks or dinner, Revolution Brewpub is one of the best choices in Logan Square neighborhood.

I recommend their Anti-Here Indian Pale Ale. I like my beer bitter!
Revolution Brewery + Taproom is located at 3340 N. Kedzie Ave, Chicago, IL 60618 and Revolution Brewpub is located at 2323 N. Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60647

4 – Goose Island Beer Company

Goose Island Beer Company was founded in 1988 by John Hall after his venture tour in Europe. First company started with steller beer and introduced brewery tour to consumers for helping them understand the whole brewing process. I find it amazing with the fact how and what made these companies famous from the startup.

As of today, Goose Island Brewpubs has two locations in Chicago. 312 Urban Ale and IPA – Indian Pale Ale are my favorite. I also recommend Goose Island Brewery Tour & Tasting if you are interested in knowing the brewing process at Goose Island.

Guests will receive their complementary custom glass and one complimentary pint in taproom before or after the tour.

Goose Island Beer Company has two locations in Chicago, one Fulton St Brewery & Taproom at 1800 West Fulton Street, Chicago and second Goose Island Clybourn Brewpub location is at 1800 N Clybourn Ave, Chicago

5 – Marz Community Brewing

Marz Community Brewing is in a hip warehouse setting, serving unique craft beers in Bridgeport neighborhood. Originally, Marz was founded by Maria’s Package Goods store owner and started with house brewed wheat ale, Jungle Boogie along with their Bubbly Creak sour series, today Marz has been serving unique flavors of house brewed craft beers.

Marz Community Brewing is located at 3630 South Iron Street, Chicago IL 60608

6 – Off Color Brewing

Started by former Goose Island barrel brewer, John and Dave, today Off Color Brewing is one of the best breweries in Chicago. Off Color Brewery has also opened up their taproom called Mousetrap in Lincoln Park neighborhood.

At Mouse Trap taproom you can hang out with friends or even buy beer to go! Mouse Trap taproom is BYOF – yes, taproom doesn’t have kitchen so you can bring your own food!

Off Color Brewery also offers tours on Saturday for $10. Make sure to reserve your spot early. It’s fun tour to enjoy few beer samples and learn stories about how it was originally started including stories behind bottle artwork.

Off Color Brewery is located at 3925 West Dickens Street, Chicago, IL 60647

7 – Lagunitas Brewing Company

Lagunitas Brewing Company is originally from the California, named after brewer’s hometown. Today, Lagunitas is one of the largest Chicago based breweries since 2014. Lagunitas Beers are popular in over 20 countries serving unique craft beers.

In 2017, Lagunitas was acquired by Heineken. Laugunitas Douglas Park facility is one of my favorite spots to relax and enjoy their one of the ales, especially Lagunitas IPA. You may also like their Little Sumpin’ beer. Enjoy vibrant taproom as well as tours everyday at Lagunitas Brewing Company in Douglas Park location in Chicago! Lagunitas Brewing Company in Douglas Park also has live band every Wednesdays through Sundays.

Lagunitas Brewing Company is located at 2607 W 17th St, Chicago, IL 60608

8 – Pipeworks Brewing Company

Pipeworks Brewing Company was started in 2012, today Pipeworks Brewing Company is one of the best breweries in Chicago. Pipeworks Brewery doesn’t offer any tour but you can always go to their bottle Shop to see some of the action. You cannot consume alcohol on premises. Yes, Pipeworks Brewing Company is not a bar or a taproom only a to-go gift shop for merchandise and packaged beer.

Pipeworks is located at 3912 W. McLean Ave Chicago IL 60647
The Dojo, Pipeworks Bottle Shop is located at 3912 W Mclean Ave, Chicago

9 – On Tour Brewing

On Tour Brewing is setup in warehouse offering house beers and canned beers to go. At On Tour Brewing you are assured to get diverse beer selection, which features beer names like “Typical Daydream” and “Lost My Shape”. On Tour Brewing Company features a 75-seat tasting room and separate barrel-aging room.

It’s one of the best breweries in Chicago to grab IPA or house brews on taps. Yes, you will find dozens or more on taps, flights of testers and growlers. I would say perfect place to chill in great atmosphere and friendly service.

On Tour Brewing is located at 1725 W Hubbard St, Chicago, IL 60622

10 – Old Irving Brewing Co

Old Irving Brewing Co is one of my favorite and best breweries in Chicago. Old Irving Brewing Co is setup in funky warehouse building with unique rustic decor. OIB was opened in 2016 and has become popular among locals. Being close to my work, I end up going there more often. If you have not been to OIB then try their beer flight to taste all different brews. OIB also offers beer growler to go!

Old Irving Brewing Co is located at 4419 W Montrose, Chicago 60641

You may also want to check the list of top craft cocktail bars in Chicago!

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