The Top 30 Breweries in Illinois Ranked

Illinois has built a strong reputation when it comes to craft beer. From long-standing favorites to up-and-coming spots, breweries across the state are creating beers that keep people coming back. Whether you’re passing through Chicago or spending time in a smaller town, there’s likely a local brewery nearby pouring something worth trying. The scene here isn’t about flash. It’s about quality, community, and steady craftsmanship.

In this article, we’re highlighting some of the best breweries in Illinois. Each one brings something different to the table, whether it’s a well-balanced lager, a bold IPA, or something in between. These breweries have earned their place through consistency, creativity, and local support. If you’re looking for places where good beer and a relaxed setting come together, this list is a solid place to start.

#30 – Von Jakob Winery & Brewery

Von Jakob Winery & Brewery, located at 230 IL-127 in Alto Pass, Illinois, is a unique destination that combines the charm of a winery, brewery, and distillery. Situated along the Shawnee Wine Trail, it offers visitors panoramic views of the Shawnee National Forest. The brewery, established in 2010, produces a variety of handcrafted beers, including the crisp German Pilsner and the rich Chocolate Milk Stout. These beers are available exclusively on-site, allowing guests to enjoy them in the scenic setting of the vineyard. In addition to its beverages, Von Jakob features a full-service restaurant offering a daily lunch menu and a Grill & Pub open on weekends. Guests can also stay at the on-site bed and breakfast cottages, The Wine House and The Port House, which provide a comfortable retreat with views of the surrounding vineyards. Whether you’re a local or visiting the Shawnee Hills, Von Jakob Winery & Brewery offers a memorable experience that blends craft beverages with natural beauty.

#29 – Suncatcher

Suncatcher Brewing, located at 2849 W. Chicago Avenue in Chicago’s Humboldt Park neighborhood, is a fresh face in the city’s craft beer scene. Opened in 2024, this brewery has quickly gained attention for its focus on approachable, lower-alcohol beers made with Midwestern-grown ingredients. Among their popular offerings are the MI Pale Ale, known for its balanced blend of pale barley malt and Michigan-grown hops, and the Rye Lager, which features Indiana malted rye. These selections showcase Suncatcher’s commitment to quality and regional sourcing. The brewery’s relaxed atmosphere and thoughtful beer lineup make it a welcoming spot for both locals and visitors looking to enjoy well-crafted beers in a comfortable setting. With a variety of pour sizes available, patrons can sample multiple brews without overindulging. Suncatcher Brewing’s dedication to community and craftsmanship has quickly made it a standout destination for beer enthusiasts in Chicago.

#28 – Penrose Brewing Company

Penrose Brewing Company, established in 2014 in Geneva, Illinois, is celebrated for its innovative approach to brewing, offering a diverse range of beers that cater to various palates. Their flagship beer, Goofy Boots, a hazy IPA, has garnered recognition, including a gold medal at the 2020 Great American Beer Festival. This brew showcases intense hop flavors with notes of candied lime, ripe peach, and dried mango, delivering a juicy and smooth experience. Other notable offerings include Looper, a crisp and crushable IPA brewed with Alora™ hops, and Penrose Light, a German-style Helles known for its crispness and balanced flavors. For those seeking a refreshing alternative, their Lemon Seltz-Up hard seltzer, crafted with real lemons, provides a bright and citrusy twist. The brewery’s commitment to quality and creativity has made it a standout destination in the Illinois craft beer scene.

#27 – Wishful Acres Farm & Brewery

Wishful Acres Farm & Brewery, established in 2016, is a family-owned craft brewery nestled in the rural countryside of Lena, Illinois. Located at 4679 N. Flansburg Rd., the brewery operates within a renovated barn, offering a rustic and relaxed atmosphere for visitors. Their taproom features a rotating selection of 12 handcrafted beers, brewed in small batches on-site, with many incorporating ingredients grown directly on their USDA Certified Organic farm. Notable offerings include Goldfinch IPA, Dreamsicle wheat beer with orange peel and vanilla, and Cheers to 8 Years!, a maple bourbon barrel-aged imperial stout. The brewery also produces unique creations like Sticky Buns, a brown ale brewed with fresh cinnamon rolls, and Basil Ale, infused with farm-grown basil. Visitors can enjoy their beers in the indoor taproom or the seasonal orchard beer garden and patio areas.

#26 – Pollyanna Brewing Company

Pollyanna Brewing Company, established in 2014 in Lemont, Illinois, has expanded its presence with taprooms in Roselle and St. Charles. The brewery is known for its approachable beers and community-focused atmosphere. Flagship offerings include Eleanor, a robust porter with notes of caramel and chocolate, and The Full Lemonty, a crisp golden ale. Seasonal selections such as Summerly, a raspberry wheat ale, and Lexical Gap, a West Coast IPA, add variety to their lineup. Each location offers a unique experience: Lemont features a scenic view of the I&M Canal, Roselle boasts a spacious beer garden, and St. Charles provides a riverside setting with live music and a distillery. Pollyanna Brewing Company continues to be a staple in Illinois’ craft beer scene, providing quality beers and a welcoming environment for all.

#25 – Goose Island Beer Co.

Goose Island Beer Co. has been part of Chicago’s craft beer scene since 1988. While its original brewpub on Clybourn Avenue closed in 2023, the brewery still operates several key locations across the city. The Fulton Street Taproom at 1800 W. Fulton Street remains a hub for fans to try longtime favorites like 312 Wheat Ale and Goose IPA, as well as small-batch releases. They also run the Salt Shed Pub near the concert venue of the same name, which offers fresh drafts and food in a lively setting. For travelers, there’s even a brewpub at O’Hare International Airport. Goose Island is widely known for its Bourbon County Brand Stout, which helped spark the barrel-aged beer trend. With a focus on quality and a long-standing reputation in the city, Goose Island continues to be a reliable name in Illinois brewing even after more than three decades in the business.

#24 – Begyle Brewing

Begyle Brewing, located at 1800 W. Cuyler Ave in Chicago’s Ravenswood neighborhood, is a staple in the city’s craft beer scene. Established in 2012, Begyle was the first taproom to open along the historic Ravenswood Industrial Corridor, also known as “Malt Row”. The brewery is renowned for its approachable and flavorful beers, including favorites like the Free Bird American Pale Ale, Hophazardly IPA, and the smooth Begyle Blonde Ale. Begyle’s Community Supported Brewery (CSB) program allows members to receive monthly growler fills, fostering a strong connection between the brewery and its patrons. The taproom offers a welcoming atmosphere with a dog-friendly patio, rotating food trucks, and regular events such as trivia nights and brewery tours. Whether you’re a local or visiting, Begyle Brewing provides a relaxed setting to enjoy quality craft beers in the heart of Chicago’s Malt Row.

#23 – Forbidden Root Brewery

Forbidden Root Brewery, located at 1746 W Chicago Ave in Chicago’s West Town neighborhood, is renowned as the city’s first botanic brewery. Forbidden Root crafts beers that incorporate a variety of natural ingredients, including herbs, flowers, and roots, offering a unique twist on traditional brewing. Their flagship beers, such as the Wildflower Pale Ale and Heavy Petal Stout, showcase their innovative approach to brewing, blending floral and botanical elements with classic beer styles. The brewpub provides a full-service dining experience, featuring a menu that complements their beer offerings, and hosts events like happy hours and seasonal beer releases. With a commitment to creativity and quality, Forbidden Root continues to be a standout destination for craft beer enthusiasts in Chicago.

#22 – Noon Whistle Brewing

Noon Whistle Brewing, established in 2014, is located at 800 E Roosevelt Rd, Lombard, Illinois. The brewery is known for its innovative approach to craft beer, offering a variety of styles that cater to diverse palates. Their lineup includes hazy IPAs like Gummylicious and Story of My Life, as well as sours such as Fuzzy Smack and Face Smack w/ Passion Fruit. In 2020, Noon Whistle expanded its Lombard location by adding a kitchen and increasing the taproom size, enhancing the overall experience for visitors. The brewery also operates a second location in Naperville, which opened later that year. Noon Whistle Brewing is committed to creating a welcoming environment for craft beer enthusiasts, offering both on-site enjoyment and to-go options for their beverages. Whether you’re a local or visiting the area, Noon Whistle provides a unique and enjoyable craft beer experience.

#21 – Alter Brewing Company

Alter Brewing Company, founded in 2015, is a family-owned brewery with locations in Downers Grove, Oak Brook, and St. Charles, Illinois. The Downers Grove taproom, situated at 2300 Wisconsin Ave, serves as the original location, offering a rotating selection of 12 beers on tap, including their popular Rally Point IPA and Hopular Kid pale ale. The brewery features a modern-industrial taproom with an open brewing area, allowing guests to view the brewing process. Alter Brewing is known for its commitment to quality and community, hosting events like trivia nights and yoga sessions, and offering private event spaces for various occasions. The Oak Brook location, at 1170 22nd St, opened in 2022 and features a full-service kitchen, 16 taps, and a solera brewing system, allowing for the production of barrel-aged beers. The St. Charles location, opened in 2020, offers a riverside dining experience with a spacious patio and a diverse menu. Each location provides a unique atmosphere, making Alter Brewing a notable destination for craft beer enthusiasts in the Chicago suburbs.

#20 – Big Muddy Brewing

Big Muddy Brewing, established in 2009, is located at 1430 N 7th St, Murphysboro, Illinois. As the first brewery in the area in over 50 years, it has become a cornerstone of Southern Illinois’ craft beer scene. The brewery offers a diverse selection of over 30 beers, including the popular Pumpkin Smasher, a spiced pumpkin ale, and the Galaxy IPA, known for its bold hop character. Their Vanilla Stout and S’more Stout are also favorites among visitors. Big Muddy Brewing operates a cozy taproom open on weekends, providing a welcoming atmosphere for both locals and travelers. Guests can enjoy beer tastings, pints, and growlers, along with a selection of wines and craft spirits. The brewery also features a kitchen serving Bavarian pretzels, flatbread pizzas, and more, making it a great spot to relax and enjoy quality brews. Whether you’re a craft beer enthusiast or just looking for a friendly place to unwind, Big Muddy Brewing offers a memorable experience in the heart of Murphysboro.

#19 – Solemn Oath Brewery

Solemn Oath Brewery, established in 2012, is located at 1661 Quincy Ave, Suite 179, Naperville, Illinois. Their lineup includes popular beers like the Snaggletooth Bandana IPA and the Lu Kölsch, alongside experimental brews such as the bourbon barrel-aged Many Roads to Follow stout. The Naperville location features a spacious taproom with a garage-style bar, lounge area, and a year-round patio equipped with tents, bonfires, and picnic tables, providing a comfortable setting for guests. In addition to the Naperville brewery, Solemn Oath opened a second taproom, Still Life, in Chicago’s Logan Square neighborhood in 2021, offering a stylish atmosphere that combines European influences with elements of a classic northwoods Wisconsin dive bar. Whether you’re a local or visiting the area, Solemn Oath Brewery offers a memorable craft beer experience.

#18 – Church Street Brewing Company

Church Street Brewing Company, established in 2012, is located at 1480 Industrial Drive, Itasca, Illinois. As one of Chicagoland’s oldest and most awarded breweries, it specializes in both traditional old-world beer styles and new-age brews. The brewery offers a wide-ranging selection of barrel-aged beers, collaborating with multiple wineries and distilleries to secure fresh barrels for aging. Notable offerings include the Holy Moly, a Milk Stout aged in a Four Roses barrel, and the Russian Rhapsody, a Russian Imperial Stout aged in various barrels such as Scotch, Rye Whiskey, Amburana, or Bourbon. In addition to these, Church Street Brewing Company features a variety of fruited sours, hard seltzers, and non-alcoholic options like the NA Light Lager. The brewery’s main taproom, renovated in 2021, boasts over 30 different beverages on tap and offers a spacious, family-friendly environment. With its commitment to quality and community, Church Street Brewing Company provides a memorable craft beer experience in the western suburbs of Chicago.

#17 – Two Brothers Brewing

Two Brothers Brewing Company, founded in 1996 by brothers Jim and Jason Ebel, is located in Warrenville, Illinois. Inspired by their time in Europe, they brought a variety of beer styles to the Chicago area, starting with unique fermentation tanks made from repurposed milk tanks donated by their grandfather. Two Brothers offers a solid lineup of beers, including year-round favorites like Cane and Ebel Red Rye Ale and Domaine DuPage French Country Ale. The brewery runs several locations, including the Two Brothers Tap House in Warrenville and the historic Two Brothers Roundhouse in Aurora, which is a brewpub set in a former 1856 railroad building. Known for their focus on sustainability, Two Brothers uses energy-efficient methods and sources many ingredients locally. Their blend of tradition, quality, and environmental care has earned them a strong reputation in Illinois’ craft beer scene, making them a must-visit for both locals and visitors.

#16 – Mikerphone Brewing

Mikerphone Brewing, located in Elk Grove Village, Illinois, is a family-owned craft brewery that blends music and beer in a unique way. Founded by Mike and Lisa Pallen, the brewery started from a passion for homebrewing and has grown into a popular destination for craft beer enthusiasts. Their taproom, known as “Main Stage,” features a vibrant atmosphere with music-themed decor, including vinyl records and concert-style lighting. Mikerphone Brewing offers a rotating selection of beers, often drawing inspiration from musical themes and artists. Some of their notable brews include Sir Blends-A-Lot, a rich stout, and The Limon Cello, a refreshing lemon seltzer. The brewery also hosts events and collaborates with food trucks, creating a lively community space for locals and visitors alike.

#15 – Marz Community Brewing

Marz Community Brewing Co., founded in 2014, is a Chicago-based brewery known for its experimental approach to craft beer. Located at 3630 S Iron St in the McKinley Park neighborhood, the brewery offers a diverse range of beers, including the popular Jungle Boogie American Pale Wheat and the Overhaze New England-style IPA. In addition to its traditional beer offerings, Marz Community Brewing Co. also produces non-alcoholic beverages such as CBD seltzers, nitro coffee, and kombucha, catering to a wide array of tastes. The brewery’s taproom features a modern-industrial design with a wraparound bar and lounge area, providing a comfortable setting for guests to enjoy their drinks. Marz Community Brewing Co. is committed to fostering a sense of community and creativity, making it a notable destination for craft beer enthusiasts in Chicago.

#14 – Old Irving Brewing Co.

Old Irving Brewing Co., located at 4419 W Montrose Ave in Chicago’s Old Irving Park neighborhood, opened its doors in late 2016. Founded by Jeff Linnemeyer and Trevor Rose-Hamblin, the brewery has quickly become a staple in the local craft beer scene. Their flagship beer, Beezer, a hazy IPA, has earned multiple accolades, including a gold medal at the 2019 Great American Beer Festival and the 2024 World Beer Cup. Other notable offerings include Della, a Kölsch-style ale that won a silver medal at the 2021 GABF, and Cinnamon Prost, a white stout inspired by cereal milk, brewed with Saigon cinnamon, Tahitian vanilla bean, and milk sugar. The brewery’s taproom features a spacious, industrial-chic design with communal tables and a large bar area, creating a welcoming atmosphere for guests.

#13 – Maplewood Brewery & Distillery

Maplewood Brewery & Distillery, located at 2717 N Maplewood Ave in Chicago’s Logan Square neighborhood, is Illinois’ first hybrid brewery and distillery operating under one roof. Founded by homebrewers Ari and Paul Megalis, along with distiller Adam Smith, the brewery began production in 2014 and opened its taproom, the Lounge, in 2017. Known for its innovative approach, Maplewood offers a diverse range of craft beers, including flagship brews like Son of Juice, a New England-style IPA, and Charlatan, an American Pale Ale. The brewery also produces a variety of spirits, from aged liquors to canned cocktails, providing a unique experience for visitors. With a commitment to quality and creativity, Maplewood Brewery & Distillery continues to be a standout destination in Chicago’s vibrant craft beverage scene.

#12 – Scratch Brewing Company

Scratch Brewing Company, located in Ava, Illinois, is known for its farmhouse-style beers crafted with local and seasonal ingredients. Since opening in 2013, the brewery has built a reputation for unique brews that often include wild and foraged additions like chanterelle mushrooms and elderberries. Their beers range from refreshing saisons to rich barrel-aged ales, reflecting the natural surroundings of Southern Illinois. The brewery emphasizes traditional methods blended with creative experimentation, making each batch distinct. Scratch Brewing’s taproom offers a relaxed setting where visitors can enjoy these inventive flavors while surrounded by the nearby Shawnee National Forest. This approach has helped Scratch stand out in Illinois’ craft beer scene, attracting beer lovers who appreciate artisanal, small-batch production and local ingredients.

#11 – Off Color Brewing

Off Color Brewing, founded in 2013 by John Laffler and Dave Bleitner, is located in Chicago’s Lincoln Park neighborhood. The brewery is well-known for bringing back historic beer styles with a modern twist. Their flagship beer, Apex Predator, is a farmhouse ale with floral and tropical notes and a dry finish. Another popular brew is Scurry, a Kottbusser-style beer made with honey and molasses, offering a smooth, slightly sweet flavor. Off Color also produces Troublesome, a gose brewed with coriander and salt, giving it a refreshing and tangy character. Their taproom, called The Mousetrap, is a favorite spot for locals to enjoy these unique beers. Off Color Brewing’s focus on traditional methods combined with creative flavors has earned them a loyal following in Illinois. The brewery continues to stand out by offering craft beers that honor the past while appealing to modern tastes, making it a key player in Chicago’s craft beer scene.

#10 – Goldfinger Brewing Company

Goldfinger Brewing Company, located in Downers Grove, Illinois, has been serving craft beer fans since 2020 with a strong focus on traditional European-style lagers. The brewery is known for using time-honored methods such as decoction brewing, natural carbonation, and horizontal lagering tanks, which give their beers a clean and balanced profile. Popular choices include their Original Lager, Pils, and Vienna Lager, each showcasing their dedication to quality and drinkability. Seasonal and small-batch releases, like the Grodziskie, add variety for those looking to try something different. Family-owned and led by Thomas Beckmann, who carries on his family’s brewing heritage from Krakow, Goldfinger Brewing Company has built a reputation as a destination for lager enthusiasts in Illinois. Their taproom at 513 Rogers Street provides a welcoming spot to enjoy these carefully crafted beers, making it a standout name in the Illinois craft beer scene.

#9 – Hailstorm Brewing Co.

Hailstorm Brewing Co., based in Tinley Park, Illinois, offers a wide range of beers known for their bold flavors and quality. Their Prairie Madness IPA is a fan favorite, known for its balanced hop bitterness and smooth finish. The brewery also features a popular hazy IPA series including Stratus, Nimbus, and Cumulus, each bringing a different twist to the style. For those who prefer darker beers, the Vlad series of Russian imperial stouts provides rich and robust options. Hailstorm’s spacious taproom is designed for a fun experience, with communal tables, a large outdoor patio, and games like disc golf, pinball, and bubble hockey. The brewery regularly hosts events such as trivia nights, yoga sessions, and live music, creating a lively atmosphere for visitors. With its mix of diverse beer styles and a welcoming space, Hailstorm Brewing Co. has become a popular spot for craft beer lovers in Illinois.

#8 – Brothership Brewing

Brothership Brewing, located in Mokena, Illinois, has built a reputation for offering a wide variety of craft beers that appeal to different tastes. Their tap list regularly rotates and often features hazy New England IPAs, fruit sours, stouts, barrel-aged specialties, and lighter options like pilsners. One of their standout beers is Area 5.1, a German Pilsner known for its crisp balance of malt and hops. The taproom at 18781 S. 90th Avenue provides a spacious and comfortable setting where visitors can enjoy pints with friends or pick up cans and 32-ounce non-refillable growlers to go. The brewery keeps things fresh with new releases while maintaining a laid-back and welcoming atmosphere that makes it a popular stop for locals and visitors alike. Brothership Brewing continues to grow within the Illinois craft beer community by focusing on both variety and quality.

#7 – Pipeworks Brewing Co.

Pipeworks Brewing Co., founded in 2012 by Gerrit Lewis and Beejay Oslon, is a Chicago-based brewery renowned for its innovative and bold beer offerings. Initially operating with a unique approach of producing one-off beers, Pipeworks quickly gained a cult following among craft beer enthusiasts. Their flagship beer, Ninja vs. Unicorn, is a Double India Pale Ale that balances juicy and piney hop flavors, making it a staple in their lineup. Other notable beers include Lizard King, a Mosaic-hopped pale ale, and Blood of the Unicorn, an American amber ale with a robust malt backbone. In 2015, the brewery expanded to a larger facility at 3912 W. McLean Ave. in Chicago’s Hermosa neighborhood, allowing for increased production and the addition of a to-go shop known as “The Dojo”. Pipeworks continues to push the boundaries of craft brewing, offering a diverse range of beers that appeal to a wide array of palates.

#6 – Werk Force Brewing

Werk Force Brewing, located in Plainfield, Illinois, has gained attention for its creative approach to brewing and its wide variety of styles that appeal to both casual drinkers and beer enthusiasts. The brewery is known for bold stouts like Sleepy Bear, a Russian Imperial Stout, as well as lighter, easy-drinking options such as Stars, Stripes and Lager. Their taproom at 14903 S. Center Street offers a relaxed atmosphere with a rotating beer list, and guests can also enjoy food from Happy Belly Kitchen on-site. Werk Force often experiments with hops and yeast strains, resulting in unique small-batch releases that keep their menu fresh. They have also earned recognition for beers like Hell Bear and Stupid Sticky Fingers, which highlights their commitment to quality alongside creativity. Werk Force Brewing has become a strong name in Illinois craft beer.

#5 – Phase Three Brewing

Phase Three Brewing, established in 2019 in Lake Zurich, Illinois, is recognized for its innovative approach to brewing, offering a diverse range of beers that cater to various palates. Their flagship beer, Pixel, is a New England-style IPA brewed exclusively with Citra hops, delivering notes of lime peel, passion fruit, and pulpy grapefruit. Building upon this, their Double Pixel and Triple Pixel are double and triple dry-hopped versions, intensifying the hop character for those seeking a bolder experience. For fans of classic styles, the P3 Pils is an American lager known for its crispness and subtle citrus notes. The brewery also explores creative avenues with offerings like Strawberry Chantilly, a milkshake IPA brewed with over 2,500 pounds of strawberry puree, vanilla, and milk sugar, providing a creamy and fruity profile. Phase Three Brewing’s commitment to quality and creativity has made it a standout destination in the Illinois craft beer scene.

#4 – Triptych Brewing

Triptych Brewing, located in Savoy, Illinois, is known for its innovative and diverse beer offerings. Since its inception in 2013, the brewery has produced over 470 unique beers, reflecting a commitment to creativity and quality. Their flagship beer, Dank Meme, is a double dry-hopped hazy pale ale that has become a staple in the local beer scene. Other notable brews include Savoyager, an American IPA brewed with Simcoe, Amarillo, and Centennial hops, offering notes of pineapple, grapefruit, and sweet pine , and Here Be Dragons, an imperial IPA with intense hop character. The brewery’s taproom at 1703 Woodfield Dr. provides a welcoming space for patrons to enjoy their wide array of beers. Triptych Brewing’s dedication to exploring the art of beer brewing has solidified its reputation as a standout in Illinois’s craft beer landscape.

#3 – Half Acre Beer Company

Half Acre Beer Company, established in 2007, is a prominent Chicago-based brewery known for its diverse and innovative beer offerings. Their flagship beer, Daisy Cutter Pale Ale, introduced in 2009, has become a staple in the Chicago beer scene, celebrated for its dank, resinous notes and tropical fruit flavors. Other notable year-round beers include Bodem (India Pale Ale), Pony (Pilsner), and WayBird (Hazy IPA). The brewery operates from its Balmoral Avenue location at 2050 W Balmoral Ave, Chicago, IL 60625, which houses their taproom and beer garden. This facility offers a welcoming space for patrons to enjoy their wide array of beers in a communal setting. Half Acre’s commitment to quality and creativity has solidified its reputation as a standout in Illinois’s craft beer landscape.

#2 – Revolution Brewing

Revolution Brewing, founded in 2010 by Josh Deth in Chicago’s Logan Square neighborhood, has grown into Illinois’ largest independently owned craft brewery. The brewery’s flagship beer, Anti-Hero IPA, is a hop-forward ale featuring a blend of Citra, Crystal, Centennial, and Chinook hops, delivering bold citrus, floral, and pine aromas with a crisp bitterness. This iconic IPA has become the #1 selling IPA in Illinois. In addition to Anti-Hero, Revolution offers a diverse range of beers, including the Hero Series of IPAs, the Freedom Series of session sours, and the Deep Wood Series of barrel-aged beers like Deth’s Tar and Straight Jacket. The brewery operates a production facility and taproom at 3340 N. Kedzie Ave. in Chicago’s Avondale neighborhood. While the original Logan Square brewpub closed in October 2024, Revolution Brewing continues to be a cornerstone of Chicago’s craft beer scene, known for its commitment to quality and innovation.

#1 – Hop Butcher For The World

Hop Butcher For The World is a Chicago-based brewery located at 4257 N. Lincoln Avenue in the North Center neighborhood. Established in 2022, the brewery occupies the former Half Acre Beer Company facility, which has been reimagined to reflect Hop Butcher’s unique aesthetic, featuring artwork by Dan Grzeca. Known for its hop-forward beers, Hop Butcher offers a diverse range of styles, including Double India Pale Ales, American Pale Ales, and Milkshake IPAs. Notable offerings include Lord Octopus, a Double IPA with Mosaic, Citra, and Simcoe hops, and Blazed Orange Milkshake, a Milkshake Double IPA brewed with Citra and Strata hops. The brewery also produces non-alcoholic options like Tropical Hop Water For The World, showcasing their commitment to innovation. With a focus on quality ingredients and creative brewing techniques, Hop Butcher For The World has become a standout in Chicago’s craft beer scene.

Illinois Beer Scene: Midwest Roots with a Big City Edge

Illinois has a long beer history shaped by its working-class culture and immigrant roots. In the 1800s, German and Eastern European communities brought brewing traditions to Chicago and beyond. Like most states, Prohibition hit hard—but the state bounced back, and today, Illinois is home to one of the country’s most respected and creative craft beer scenes.

Chicago leads the way, with a dense mix of neighborhood taprooms, brewpubs, and nationally known producers. It’s home to Goose Island, one of the first modern craft breweries to gain national attention, and many new breweries continue to experiment and innovate. But the rest of the state contributes plenty, too—towns like Bloomington, Rockford, and Springfield all have growing beer communities.

From hazy IPAs and barrel-aged stouts to crisp pilsners and mixed fermentation brews, Illinois breweries are known for pushing boundaries while still respecting classic styles. Whether you’re grabbing a beer downtown or visiting a quiet brewery in a smaller town, you’ll find top-notch beer and Midwest hospitality.

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FAQs About Illinois Beer

How many breweries are in Illinois?
Illinois has over 300 craft breweries, with most of them located in and around the Chicago area.

What is Illinois best known for in beer?
The state is known for bold styles, especially barrel-aged stouts, thanks to breweries like Goose Island, Revolution, and Half Acre.

Are there brewery trails or tours in Illinois?
Yes. Chicago has several beer-focused walking tours, and regions like Southern Illinois and the Great Rivers & Routes area offer beer trails worth checking out.

Do Illinois breweries allow kids or pets?
Most breweries with outdoor space are pet-friendly, and many welcome families during the day. Always check in advance.

What are the top beer events in Illinois?
Big ones include the Festival of Wood and Barrel-Aged Beer (FoBAB) in Chicago and the Illinois Craft Beer Week, which features events across the state.