Paul Kushner
Chicago is one of the best cities in the world to get drinks, and you’ll never find any shortage of high-end cocktail lounges, cozy pubs, or fun, booming clubs. So if you love beer and are in the mood for something special, you shouldn’t miss out on any of the city’s famous breweries.
Chicago is one of the best cities in the world to experience breweries with selections of beers that you can’t find anywhere else. These brewpubs are definitely in a league of their own, and if you haven’t tried them yet, you definitely should. Here are the brewpubs that won’t leave you thirsty or disappointed.
Moody Tongue
2515 S Wabash Ave, Chicago, IL 60616
(312) 600-5111
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Moody Tongue is next to Insight Hospital and Medical Center, and no matter how much of a beer connoisseur you are, there’s a good chance that there are some flavor combinations on tap that you’ve never tasted before. Plus, their menu is globally inspired and huge, and the servers can help you pair each dish with your beer.
Revolution Brewing – Brewpub
2323 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60647
(773) 227-2739
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A few blocks from Palmer Square, Revolution Brewing is famous for its delicious section of house-brewed beers, decadent pub food, and fun vibe. There’s always something new to sample, and they often host other breweries so that you can compare styles. With ample indoor seating and a sizable outdoor patio, it’s a great spot.
Half Acre Beer Co
2050 W Balmoral Ave, Chicago, IL 60625
(773) 754-8488
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Half Acre Beer Co is next to Chicago’s Rosehill Cemetery in the North Center neighborhood of the city. This brewpub boasts all kinds of unique craft beers, but it’s especially well-known for its hoppy varieties. Much of the food at Half Acre Beer is locally sourced and sustainable, too, so you can snack and drink guilt-free.
Forbidden Root Restaurant & Brewery
1746 W Chicago Ave, Chicago, IL 60622
(312) 929-2202
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A few minutes walk from Eckhart Park, Forbidden Root is a trendy local brewery with an inventive menu, one of the best brunches in town, and a bevy of different experimental beers. They offer pints with herbal and botanical notes, plus plenty of hops and sours at this brewery. It’s a great place to taste some new styles.
Metropolitan Brewing
3057 N Rockwell St, Chicago, IL 60618
(773) 754-0494
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Metropolitan Brewing is next to the North Branch Chicago River and is one of the top breweries in Chicago for German-style lagers. If you’re looking for authentic craftspersonship and familiar flavors, check it out. Their pilsners, bocks, and lagers are second-to-none, and plenty of sharable snacks go along with the pints.
Goose Island Brewhouse
1800 N Clybourn Ave, Chicago, IL 60614
(312) 915-0071
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A few blocks from the North Branch Chicago River with excellent views, Goose Island Brewhouse is one of the top attractions in the Lincoln Park neighborhood. It’s a massive on-site brewing facility with ciders and beers. They also have a great brunch, breakfast, and snack fare menu. Sometimes there’s even live music at the brewery.
Maplewood Brewery & Distillery
2717 N Maplewood Ave, Chicago, IL 60647
(773) 270-1061
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Maplewood Brewery & Distillery, next to Regal City North movie theaters, serves artisanal beers and spirits with a strong emphasis on the creative process. I like this brewery because they are fearless in thinking outside the box and always use high-quality ingredients. Plus, the interior is friendly and welcoming.
Dovetail Brewery
1800 W Belle Plaine Ave, Chicago, IL 60613
(773) 683-1414
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Close to the Irving Park Brown Metro, Dovetail Brewery specializes in European-style beers and perfecting Belgian and German beer-making techniques. This brewpub features an impressive selection of finely crafted sours, sales, and fruit beers. It’s easily one of the best brewpubs in Chicago for those who admire the art of good beer craft.
Pilot Project Brewing
2140 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60647
(773) 270-5995
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Pilot Project Brewing is a few blocks from Chase Elementary School and proudly hosts a so-called “brewery incubator” where they mentor up-and-coming brewers and give them a space to experiment with flavor. Even if you’re not there to make the next great batch of beer, you can still enjoy their menu of small bites and eclectic selection.
Alarmist Brewing & Taproom
4055 W Peterson Ave, Suite Rear, Chicago, IL 60646
(773) 681-0877
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A few blocks for North Park Village Nature Center, Alarmist Brewing & Taproom was founded by a former Goose Island Beer brewer, and he took a lot of the tradition with him. These beers are big, flavorful, and full of innovative notes. Try the IPA next to Alarmist Brewing & Taproom’s epic fireplace for a fantastic cold-evening experience.
ERIS Brewery and Cider House
4240 W Irving Park Rd, Chicago, IL 60641
(773) 943-6200
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ERIS Brewery and Cider House is close to Old Town Aquarium in the Irving Park area of Chicago, and it’s a great place to go if you’re looking for ciders or fruity, delicious beers. There, you’ll find rich fruit flavors like pear and apple, plus a nice food menu, a sitting area, and a roaring fireplace during winter.
Off Color Brewing Taproom The Mousetrap
1460 N Kingsbury St, Chicago, IL 60642
(312) 929-2916
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Next to North Branch Chicago River, Off Color Brewing Taproom, The Mousetrap is the brainchild of two Goose Island brewers, and you can certainly taste the expertise in every sip. Don’t expect a massive selection of beers here, but what’s on tap will be good, plus you’ll get to sample some things that they don’t bottle.
Hopewell Brewing Company
2760 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60647
(773) 698-6178
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A few blocks from Unity Park, Hopewell Brewing Company, is straightforward, simple, and approachable, with beers that appeal to mass tastes and an excellent menu of small bites and snacks. You’ll find elevated versions of IPAs, pale ales, stouts, and a friendly atmosphere.
Lo Rez Brewing and Taproom
2101 S Carpenter St, Chicago, IL 60608
(888) 404-2262
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Lo Rez Brewing and Taproom is next to Dvorak Park and is well known for using seasonal and local ingredients. The focus on environmental care and sustainability is one of the important things that put Lo Rez Brewing and Taproom into a class of its own.
Corridor Brewery & Provisions
3446 N Southport Ave, Chicago, IL 60657
(773) 270-4272
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A few blocks from the Southport Metro, Corridor Brewery & Provisions has a host of flavorful, unique beers in both familiar and lesser-known styles. I like this brewery because there’s something for everyone’s taste in drinks here. Furthermore, it’s very accessible for craft beer enthusiasts and casual drinkers alike.
Why should you trust us?
We use our own local experience and contacts in the city to know which places to include in our lists. We also researched the web and read 2 reputable blogs and websites, including theinfatuation.com and choosechicago.com. So that you can be sure you’re receiving the best of the best. We compiled all the results in one spot and ranked them according to how frequently they were referenced.
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