It would be an understatement to state that craft beer is famous in the city of Chicago. According to reliable reports, only last year, the city was home to over 150 breweries. The number only continues to grow with each passing year. Chicago is truly renowned for its sophisticated craft beer culture. Now, selecting a few must-visit breweries from the plethora of options available can be challenging, to say the least. Therefore, please forgive us if we fail to mention your favorite brewery. Without further ado, here are 5 breweries we believe that you must absolutely visit in the Chicago area!
Lagunitas Brewing Co.
Originally founded in California by a Chicago native, the Lagunitas Brewing Co. was first opened in Chicago in 2014. Since then, millions of Chicago natives regularly flock to the establishment to sip their choice of 16 brews on tap. Of course, the place also offers food options including salads, desserts, appetizers, and sandwiches etc. You should also know that the place offers free tasting tours on a daily basis! Oh, did we mention that their 4,000 square foot taproom overlooks the brewing proceedings, allowing you to monitor the entire beer-manufacturing process while sipping your beer?
Revolution Brewing
Revolution Brewing is renowned all over the nation. In fact, it has even been identified by Brewers Association as one of the nation´s top 50 craft brewing companies, entirely based on sales volume. You can take a sip of their fantastic beer in either their original brewpub in Logan Square or their recently opened production brewery in Avondale. The establishment also offers a wide variety of food including burgers, wings, pizza and pierogis, plus weekend brunch.
Maplewood Brewery & Distillery
This brewery-meets-distillery is the only one in the state of Illinois. What does this mean? Well, this means that the Maplewood Brewery & Distillery is the closest place to heaven for beer and spirit lovers. While there, we would definitely recommend you to try their Juice Pants IPA, Son of Juice, and Fat Pug Oatmeal Milk Stout. You can also try out their other selections, which range from beer-inspired drams and slushies to a wide range of fizzy drinks.
Hopewell Brewing Company
Located in Logan Square, this particular brewery is renowned for specializing in three specific beers and they are First Lager, Swift IPA, and Family Saison. Even if you are not a huge beer lover, you will definitely love their sweeter options that are absolutely delicious. It is a fantastic place for those wanting to experiment with their beverage.
Half Acre Beer Co.
What makes this North Center neighborhood brewery so popular amongst the locals are its fantastic beer choices and food-centric taproom. Opened in 2008 on Lincoln Avenue, the place offers more than a dozen beers and a wide range of food options include burritos, fried chicken, Asian noodles, and barbecue beef brisket etc.
After you’re done at the breweries, visit our room escapes in Chicago — learn more here.
If you’re looking for fun things to do in Chicago with kids, see this article.
