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Chicago brewery tours and experiences

Craft beer lovers flock to Chicago to get a taste of our dynamic brewing scene. A brewery tour can take you behind the scenes of Chicago’s coolest craft beer makers, where you can learn about the process, chat with the brewers, and sample the goods. We’ve rounded up just a few of the cool brewery tours and guided beer experiences in Chicago.

Craft brewery tours in Chicago

Revolution Brewing

Goose Island

Goose Island is one of the biggest names in beer, and it all started right here in Chicago. Visit their original production brewery in the West Loop on the weekend for a small-group, in-depth tour . Guests will be guided through all aspects of the brewing process, including the Brew Deck where you can watch brewers in action, the fermentation cellar, the barrel aging program, and beyond. After the tour, you’ll even get a complimentary custom glass.

Revolution Brewing

Head to Revolution Brewing ‘s Kedzie Avenue facility to tour their production brewery , where they make their beer and fill kegs and cans for distribution. Get a behind-the-scenes look at the largest craft brewery in the state on this 45-minute tour. Each guest will receive a full-size “walking beer”,  a sample of freshly made beer at the Innovation Station, and a cool Revolution Brewing glass as a souvenir.

Half Acre Beer Company

chicago brewery tours

Half Acre, a longstanding Chicago brewery known for its popular Daisy Cutter Pale Ale, provides tours at its Malt Row brewing facility every Saturday. The conversational stroll goes behind the scenes of the brewing process and includes two beers to enjoy during the tour. Afterward, grab a seat at their bustling beer garden or pick up a six pack to go.

Hopewell Brewing Co.

Hopewell Brewing

Hopewell Brewing holds tours of their Logan Square brewery every Saturday. These interactive tours include three sample pours, background on the brewery’s origins, hands-on activities, potential prizes, and more. Afterward, grab a spot in their bright, minimalist taproom to try more of the goods.  

Dovetail Brewery

Visit Dovetail Brewery on Malt Row to try European-style brews and tour their unique facility. These award-winning tours delve into their old-world brewing process — participate in a hop rubbing and a malt tasting, see century-old equipment from the oldest brewery in the world, and enjoy lots of samples. Go home with a complimentary Dovetail Brewery glass.

Lagunitas Brewing Company

If you’re never been to Chicago’s Lagunitas Brewing Company location, you’re in for a good time. The sprawling space offers two immersive experiences — and don’t worry, they both include plenty of beer. Book a pint-in-hand tour of their production facility or a tasting experience that covers the brewery’s history and includes their flagship brews. After your tour, stop by the spacious taproom for live music, munchies, and more beer.  

Chicago beer tours

Goose Island Brewpub

The Chicago Beer Experience

The Chicago Beer Experience helps you get to know the city through its brewing history. The Sin & Suds Beer Tour takes you through Al Capone’s old haunts and covers the inextricable history between beer, Prohibition, and notorious gangsters of the past. Enjoy samples (four full beers!), interesting insights from your guide, and lots of good times.

The Barrel Run

The Barrel Run is a whole new way to explore Chicago’s brewing scene. Board a public tour on the comfortable Barrel Bus and head out to three unique breweries, with options including local favorites like Revolution, Goose Island, Pilot Project, and beyond. The experience includes a guided tour of one facility plus plenty of beer samples along the way.

Self-guided craft brewery itineraries

Explore Chicago’s craft beer scene on your own, one neighborhood at a time. We’ve created itineraries for the city’s hottest brewing areas, from an industrial corridor turned “Malt Row” to the bustling downtown heart of the city.

  • Downtown Loop and South Loop
  • West Loop and West Town
  • Ravenswood Corridor
  • Pilsen and Bridgeport
  • Lincoln Park and Lakeview
  • Milwaukee Corridor
  • Beverly and beyond

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Chicago Beer Experience

Chicago Beer Experience

Beer tasting tours in chicago, we’ve shared beers with over 18,000 tourists on our highly-rated tastings and tours since 2011..

Combining beer tastings and Chicago history while visiting interesting establishments is a fun, unique way to experience the Windy City.

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Virtual Hoppy Hour Beer Tasting Class (Live)

Join us on our highly-rated, live interactive virtual beer tasting class where you will learn about beer and Chicago history in a safe, fun way!

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PRIVATE GROUP TASTINGS For groups of 6+. Reserve your private virtual tasting class today.

DISCOVER CHICAGO AND ITS HISTORY THROUGH BEER

Taste several different types of beer and learn about fun history with Chicago’s oldest and most established beer tour company. We’ve taken the best stories from our tours to develop a Virtual Hoppy Hour Beer Tasting Class for remote fun!

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A UNIQUE WAY TO EXPERIENCE THE WINDY CITY!

Set up a virtual beer tasting/happy hour for our team living throughout the country. Bruce was the best guide into the flavors, smells and history of the four beers we had the opportunity to try. My entire team could not of asked for a better virtual couple hours. Highly recommend to beer drinkers and non beer drinkers alike.

My favorite part of our virtual beer tasting was tasting five different beers and learning what made them different. Bruce's knowledge of beer history, Chicago beer history, and the current Chicago beer scene made the evening memorable. We had such fun!!!

The Virtual hoppy hour was great. Bruce is knowledgeable, approachable, and fun! We had a great time and Bruce was flexible with an unpredictable group. Our group called in from across the US and Bruce was able to speak to the beers from every tasters glass.

I had the pleasure of attending a Virtual Hoppy Hour! It was so fun! Bruce led the group and was very lively and entertaining, with a lot of thought given to the presentation! Beer basics, beer stories and interesting Chicago history!! I thought it was a nice change of pace - a fun group activity!

STAY INFORMED ON THE CHICAGO AND CRAFT BEER SCENE

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Chicago's Best Brewery Tasting Rooms

Where to drink craft beer straight from the source

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Chicago’s craft beer industry continues to grow, even in the face of hard seltzer, and many local breweries offer spacious taprooms that provide the ideal backdrop for group hangs — a friendly space for families with young children, and a place to offer experimental brews.

This list is limited to breweries within the city limits without full kitchens and food menus. Customers at these taprooms rely on delivery, carryout, or a food truck parked outside. For breweries with kitchens, also known as brewpubs, check out this map .

For updated information on coronavirus cases, please visit the city of Chicago’s COVID-19 dashboard . Health experts consider dining out to be a high-risk activity for the unvaccinated; it may pose a risk for the vaccinated, especially in areas with substantial COVID transmission . The latest CDC guidance is here ; find a COVID-19 vaccination site here .

Illuminated Brew Works

IBW in Norwood Park has adopted a cult theme: the taproom is styled as a “secret” lodge and drinking IBW beer will make customers members of an illuminati. There’s a variety of beers on tap and a 10 percent discount to customers who ride their bikes to the taproom.

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Alarmist Brewing & Taproom

This dog- and kid-friendly taproom has a 18-seat courtyard that’s open seasonally. Find a good variety of lagers, ales, and sours on draft.

chicago brewery tours

Hopewell Brewing Company

One of the hipper taprooms in the city, Hopewell stands along Milwaukee Avenue in Logan Square. Find pale ales, lagers, sours, and board games here. While there’s no kitchen, the brewery often hosts food pop-ups.

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Revolution Brewing

Revolution is the state’s largest independent craft brewer, and it recently purchased a new Avondale brewery with a cavernous taproom up a short flight of stairs. The space is ideal for large gatherings and the bar usually has a special draft offering — say a variant of Deth’s Tar, the brewery’s barrel-aged stout. There’s the occasional pop-up, but delivery is the best bet for food.

Revolution

Solemn Oath Brewery Still Life

Solemn Oath finally opened its Chicago location with a unique design that uses a ’70s rec room aesthetic. One of the more popular bars in Logan Square in 2021, the brewery is a good place for a date.

chicago brewery tours

Pilot Project Brewing

Pilot Project is a newish concept in Logan Square, one that serves as a business incubator for several breweries, allowing them to serve their beer as they hammer out production concerns and figure if they want their own locations. The space is beautiful and airy, though it tends to get jammed on weekends. There’s also a patio space next door. For folks who don’t want booze, there’s also a full espresso bar. There are currently six breweries on tap, including Indian-influenced Azadi and Brewer’s Kitchen which takes a culinary approach to beer making.

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Metropolitan Brewing

One of Chicago’s local favorites recently opened this picturesque taproom right on the Chicago River on the Northwest Side to showcase its popular lagers. Metropolitan ’s space is open and minimalist with a riverside deck to sip brews during the warmer months. This is great place to sip a lager and get some fresh air.

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Maplewood Brewery & Distillery

This dimly lit Logan Square pub hidden on a residential block is a tribute to Chicago dive bars. Find a good variety of styles and boozy slushies. Maplewood also makes its own spirits.

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Life on Marz Community Club

The North Side spinoff of the brewery from the owners of Maria’s Community Bar in Bridgeport, this small space in the same building as iconic ice cream parlor Margie’s Candies, has a small tap list and plenty of non-alcoholic drinks, including CBD seltzer.

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Hop Butcher For The World

The name’s inspired by poet Carl Sandburg, and the brewery has taken over some hallowed ground — Half Acre Beer Co.’s original Lincoln Avenue space. Hop Butcher had the task of not changing the vibe too much, locals routinely packed the old space. But as a place to showcase their IPAs and other beers, they did want to make the space uniquely theirs. It’s small and tends to get crowded on the weekend, but it’s a nice place to play board games and hang out.

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Midwest Coast Brewing Company

West Town’s Midwest Coast Brewing sports a cozy taproom that allows customers to construct custom flights with IPAs and lagers. Customers are welcome to bring in their own food or order delivery.

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Spiteful Brewing Tap Room

A few steps away from Half Acre, Spiteful is a smaller operation with a great kid-friendly space that soaks up a lot of sunlight. It’s not a massive room, but it’s good for small groups, and it offers a decent variety of delicious beers.

Spiteful Brewing

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Empirical Brewery Taproom

A relaxed and popular taproom on the Ravenswood brewery corridor, Empirical packs in neighborhood crowds for all types for fun, no-frills vibes and creative beers. Styles run from a drinkable cream ale to an imperial IPA to a pale ale with passion fruit. There’s also a beer garden.

Empirical

Dovetail Brewery

Another brewery along the Malt Row corridor in Ravenswood, Dovetail specializes in modern interpretations of German-style lagers. The beer is refreshing and the space is friendly.

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Begyle Brewing

Begyle’s taproom is tidy and comfy, a good place to hang out for a point or a tasting. Brewery tours are also available. Begyle is known for its award-winning Imperial Pajamas.

chicago brewery tours

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Goose island beer co..

It only took 20 years after Goose Island opened its Fulton and Wood facility for it to debut this gem of a tasting room that offers taproom specials as well as tours of the brewing facility. There’s also a huge depot of vintage bottles, some available for takeout. The tap list differs from the original Goose Island Clybourn brewpub in Lincoln Park. While the original, which will close later in 2023 as it moves to a new location, the Fulton Market location has become the flagship.

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Howard Street Brewing Company

Howard Street is tiny but mighty. Owners say they’re Chicago’s most “northernest” brewery, and they operate in a 37-seat space in Rogers Park. With Mexican food from neighboring Sol Cafe, the brewery also hosts a variety of live performances, tapping into another neighbor, Factory Theater.

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On Tour Brewing Company

On Tour packs in crowds for crushable pilsners, weisses, and saisons as well as nitro selections and growlers to go. Food trucks and pop-ups sometimes make appearances. This is one of the more beloved taprooms among beer fans in Chicago, and makes an ideal venue for a private event.

chicago brewery tours

Whiner Beer Company

Whiner Beer broke into the mainstream with Le Tub, which it proclaimed the first beer designed for drinking while in a bathtub. What happens in the privacy of a drinker’s own home isn’t up for discussion, but in public, Whiner is known for its barrel-age brews, and it’s not just about the stouts. Find fruit beers, sours, and more.

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Lo Rez Brewing and Taproom

Located in Pilsen, Lo Rez’s philosophy is to offer modern takes on traditional styles. Inside the taproom, find ales, sours, Belgians, and more.

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Off Color Brewing Taproom The Mousetrap

This space has become a sanctuary in a quiet stretch of Lincoln Park. This taproom also has a full bar and cocktails, a rarity. The space tends to get loud as weekend nights go on, so get here early.

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Brews Cruise

Craft Brewery Tours and More in Chicagoland, Illinois

Designated driver discounted tickets available.

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These days, over 200 craft brewers continue the tradition by creating a large number of classic and modern beers in downtown Chicago and the suburbs.

Let Chicagoland Brews Cruise show you why Chicago has become an incredible beer destination by introducing you to the amazing craft beverages being made in Chicago and the surrounding area.

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a Chicagoland Brews Cruise gift card with a value of your choosing!

Chicagoland brews cruise vintage cap, private and corporate tours.

Take your group on board the Chicagoland Brews Cruise and let our local experts show you around. 

Your specialized tour could visit local sites for everyone to participate in fun activities. It could incorporate a round of golf, a visit to a historical site, live music, and many more options.

With these private tours, we can be flexible on start times and pick-up and drop-off locations.

Let us know about any specific places that your group would like to visit. We will do our best to accommodate them on your private tour. We love trying to make the impossible possible! Learn more…

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Chicagoland Private Tour

Perfect for groups of all sizes. Check out our customizable private and corporate tours!

PUBLIC TOURS - Offered mid-March through December 23rd

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Best of the West Brewery Excursion – Our Most Popular Tour!

Hop on our Brews Cruise bus for a trip through some of the hottest brewery destinations in the Western ‘burbs.

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  • Beer, Wine, and Spirits

Sunday Afternoon Countryside Cruise – starts at Geneva Metra Station

This tour has something for everyone, winery, distillery and brewery!

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ABOUT CHICAGOLAND BREWS CRUISE

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My name is Kirk. I am a craft beer enthusiast from Batavia, IL who is passionate about the talented brewers and the success of the growing brewing industry in the Chicagoland area and across the Midwest. 

After years spent in the corporate world, I have decided to leave that behind and partner with the Brews Cruise group to pursue my passion. 

My vision is to help establish the Chicagoland area as a recognized destination for great craft beer. 

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What do people think about Chicagoland Brews Cruise?

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We booked for a birthday party event. Kirk was easy to work with scheduling and accommodating us non beer drinkers! Got to experience Auqaviva, whiskey acres and obscurity. The ride to each venue was fun! Full of facts and trivia. My whole group thoroughly enjoyed Kirk and his wife Kathy. I will definitely book again with them 😊 thanks again!!

Thank you so much, Kirk, for making this very special trip -- The Best of the West -- happen while we were in Chicago for a conference. It was a real highlight for us, everyone was so accommodating, and that neon green hazy NEIPA is definitely something we will never forget!

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We went on the best of the west tour. We had a great time! We went to AfterThought for our first stop since Noon Whistle had their Oktoberfest going on. It was a great smaller brewery with delicious saisons. After that we went to Alter in Downers Grove and got a tour of their facility. After that, we finished at Whiskey Hill. It was a great way to taste two breweries I have not been to and didn’t have to worry about driving. I’ll be taking more tours!

Had a great time on the Best of the West tour! Each brewery gave generous samples and a personalized experience discussing their brewing process and beers. Even got a behind the scenes tour! Kirk made the ride to each stop entertaining with some beer history and trivia. Perfect outing idea if you have some friends that want to get together and enjoy some great beer.

We received a Groupon for this event so we picked the Sunday Countryside. Very easy to meet up, hop on the bus, and get seated. The guides were so nice and accommodating, kind and knowledgeable! They even did a little trivia on the bus ride to make the ride more smooth. A bonus they had water and pretzels for the in between rides, and our ticket included tips at the locations too. We will be back to experience the other routes!

I booked Brews Cruise for a private outing and everyone had a great time! Kirk led the tour and he was extremely knowledgeable, interactive, and helpful to answer random beer/brewery questions. They take care of everything and coordinate with each brewery ahead of time so we were immediately seated at our own table with flights ready to be served. The Wrigleyville tour is a great way to experience Chicago and Chicago beer. Thanks Brews Cruise!

We booked it for a bachelorette party and we all had a blast! Krik was such a great guide, making the trip very enjoyable. He was able to accommodate the whole party and I could not recommend this tour more! The breweries were wonderful and they were all set up and ready for us. Will deficiently be booking again with him!

I booked the "Best of the West" tour in the western suburbs for a bachelor party and can say it was a blast! Kirk and his wife were great, accommodating, and set up a very nice experience and ride. Would recommend!

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A more than fun afternoon! We scheduled and went on the Best of the West Brewery Excursion - Lombard. We met up with Kirk, our guide and an amazing craft beer enthusiast, at Noon Whistle Brewing where we had our first flight of the tour! Kirk is not only knowledgeable, he is fun, engaging and insightful. Our last stop on the tour was Whiskey Hill Brewery where Head Brewer, Eric Flores, hand picked and served us a 4 beer flight and then joined us to share about the beers and the brewery! We look forward to our next tour with Kirk and Chicagoland Brews Cruise! Cheers!

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The ultimate guide to Chicago brewery tours

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The craft beer boom of the past several years has gifted Chicago with much more than some really fine suds. A dizzying number of new breweries have become the creative homes of brewers who’re taking a kind of auteurist approach to making inspired, sometimes unconventional beers using recipes that seem limited only by their creators’ imaginations. Nearly two dozen of those breweries in and around the city offer regular tours, giving the public the chance to drink in the distinctive culture around each brewery—and an excuse to drink lots of freshly made beer.

In addition to this guide, the Reader is also offering an opportunity for you to come with us on a crawl of brewery tours (to On Tour Brewing Company, Greenstar Brewery, Dovetail Brewery, and Begyle Brewery) on Saturday, April 8 .

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chicago brewery tours

Temperance Beer Company

Best for: joining the new temperance movement

The name of this congenial taproom and brewery in a onetime Montgomery Ward distribution center is an homage to Evanston’s status as a formerly dry city and home to the Woman’s Christian Temperance Union. Founder Josh Gilbert, who led the one-hour, three-beer tour when I took it, says the city still doesn’t issue straight tavern licenses, so food service is a necessity, though the snacks are so limited you’re free to BYO or order in. We imbibed a stout redolent of s’mores, an IPA, and a licorice-and-chicory-flavored porter from the taps while Gilbert showed off the big, shiny cylinders and contraptions with which 80 barrels of water, hops, malt, and yeast are boiled, fermented, chilled, and (in some cases) canned, every week. —Deanna Isaacs

2000 Dempster St., Evanston, 847-864-1000, temperancebeer.com . Second Saturdays, 1 PM. 60 minutes. $10, includes about 18 ounces of beer; book tickets online. Taproom on site. Limited food menu served.

chicago brewery tours

Sketchbook Brewing Co.

Best for: a DIY feel

“Where do hops come from?” asked a woman on my tour of Sketchbook in Evanston. “I mean, they don’t just grow in the ground.” In fact, that’s exactly what they do, which brewer and co-owner Cesar Marron patiently explained without missing a beat. He also informed us that while most hops are grown on the east or west coast, Sketchbook uses Wisconsin-grown hops, along with grain malted in Michigan. The nanobrewery was best known for its alleyway entrance when it first opened three years ago, but as of last April, there’s a cozy taproom in an actual storefront on Chicago Avenue where you can sit down for a pint after the tour (in fact, it’s included in the price). —Julia Thiel

821 Chicago Ave., Evanston, 847-859-9051, sketchbookbrewing.com/tours . Second Saturdays, 3 PM. 60 minutes. $10, includes 24 ounces of beer during the tour and afterward a 16-ounce pour in the tasting room and a Belgian glass; sign up on location. Taproom on site.

Tasting notes: There are nine trillion yeast cells in a typical batch of Sketchbook beer.

chicago brewery tours

Empirical Brewery

Best for: beer geeks who’re also cat lovers

Empirical’s impressive 30-barrel brewing system was made in Wisconsin. I remember this fact in particular because my tour happened to also be attended by a pack of bachelor-party bros from Milwaukee who loudly cheered and chugged their beers at every mention of their home state. A friend and I made a similar ruckus at another stop: the cat tower, located in a storage area that, with a dart board and a couch, doubles as the brewers’ break room. Empirical is home to three feral cats (Egon, Ray, and Venkman) who help keep rodents out of the grains. Don’t worry: the cats have no interest in the ingredients. In fact, they spend most of their time sleeping in an attempt to ignore the loud beer guzzlers who invade their home on Saturdays. The brewery’s motto is “exploring the science of beer.” On a pair of whiteboards, brewers map out the chemistry behind their beer and experimental formulas to come. At least one new beer is served in the taproom every week. —Brianna Wellen

1801 W. Foster, 773-654-3104, empiricalbrewery.com/tours . Saturdays 12:30 and 2 PM. 45 minutes. $10, includes 16 ounces of beer and a pub glass; sign-up for 20 spots begins in taproom at noon. Taproom on site.

chicago brewery tours

Metropolitan Brewing

Metropolitan Brewing’s public tours (which have always been sporadic) are currently on hold while the brewery moves into a much larger space in Avondale. Plans for the new location, expected to open later this year, include a taproom and tours.

metrobrewing.com

chicago brewery tours

Lake Effect Brewing Company

Best for: home brewers with a dream

Lake Effect Brewing is a home-brewing operation that grew a little too large and got kicked out of the house into an industrial space next to a costume shop near the Kennedy Expressway. The tour has the same sort of homemade feel. While brewer Clint Bautz goes about his business making beer, Ken Leja (billed on the company website as “master fixer and all-around handyman”) shows off various tanks and tubs and barrels and outlines the brewing process. Despite the low-key setup, Lake Effect offers a broad and sophisticated range of stouts and ales, and you can sample as much as you like. (Our favorite was the Arbor Oak Amber, made with oats from the Morton Arboretum.) For a more formal tasting from real glasses, the brewery suggests heading over to Sidekicks half a mile east on Montrose. —Aimee Levitt

4727 W. Montrose, 312-523-5141, lakeeffectbrewing.com . Saturdays at 2, 3:30, and 5 PM. 30 minutes. Free; reserve online in advance up to an hour before tour.

Tasting notes: If you stop by often enough and Lake Effect’s staff take a liking to you, you may be invited to join in the semiregular bottling parties, wherein they bottle the beer and stick on the labels all by hand. (They agree this is work a child would enjoy, but labor laws prevent that.)

chicago brewery tours

Half Acre Beer Company

Best for: making a day of it

Half Acre’s newer, larger Balmoral facility (where the Daisy Cutter gets made) is not yet open to the public, but the original North Center brewery has transitioned into an experimental facility focusing on new and unusual methods, everything from decoction mashing to wild fermentation to barrel aging, as well as collaborations with other breweries and classic micro styles. The three-hour tour covers brewery history, method, and the future. Afterward you can suck on a Vallejo while shopping for hoodies and money clips in the retail shop, or chase one of chef Nick Lacasse’s burritos with an Akari Shogun American wheat ale. —Mike Sula

4257 N. Lincoln, 773-248-4038, halfacrebeer.com/lincoln-tours . Saturdays 11 AM. 180 minutes. $10, includes 48 ounces of beer and a pint glass; arrive by 10:15 AM to wait in line. Taproom on site. Food served.

Tasting notes: Every few days a dairy farmer from Indiana named Ed picks up tens of thousands of pounds of Half Acre’s spent grain to use as supplemental feed for his cows.

chicago brewery tours

Dovetail Brewery

Best for: experts who think they’ve seen it all

Dovetail’s German-style beers are particularly appealing to beer nerds, but plenty approachable for the layperson. The same can be said of its brewery tour: one of the owners—either Hagen Dost or Bill Wesselink—details what sets Dovetail apart from other breweries, like its coolship and open fermentation vessels. But even if those terms mean nothing to you, other parts of the tour are interactive and easy to understand. A water tasting lets you compare Chicago tap water with versions that have been filtered through charcoal or treated with a reverse-osmosis system; there are also opportunities to smell hops pellets and taste different varieties of malted barley. You can see the lambic-style beers bubbling out the tops of their barrels. And the beer samples—three ten-ounce pours—come fast enough that we often ended up double fisting. The only people likely to be disappointed are those who have their heart set on drinking IPA (which the brewery doesn’t make). —Julia Thiel

1800 W. Belle Plaine, 773-683-1414, dovetailbrewery.com/events . Saturdays at 11 AM and 1 PM. 60 minutes. $15, includes 30 ounces of beer; sign up on location. Taproom on site. Food served.

Tasting notes: Dovetail has a 110-year-old copper kettle from Munich that was originally part of the pilot system for Weihenstephan, the oldest brewery in the world.

chicago brewery tours

Begyle Brewing Company

Best for: dad jokes

Begyle’s tour of its converted factory north of the Irving Park stop of the Brown Line is a blast because it includes three beers and the guides—Tony Thompson and Ethan Link—are a couple of jokesters. Sample quip: “If you’re a micro biologist, does that mean you only know a little bit about science?” You’d be surprised how funny things like that sound after three beers at one o’clock in the afternoon! I’m no beer expert, but I took my home-brewer pal Tim, who favored an American pale ale called Free Bird. Susan, who was also on my tour, swears by the Neighborly Stout, a smooth-drinking dry stout. Conveniently, the Timber Lanes bowling alley is around the corner on Irving Park, so you can bowl off a few calories after the tour. —Ben Joravsky

1800 W. Cuyler, 1E, 773-661-6963, begylebrewing.com . 90 minutes. $10, includes 24 ounces of beer and a glass; book in advance on eventbrite.com . Taproom on site.

chicago brewery tours

Greenstar Brewing

Best for: locavores scared of GMOs

As the first certified organic brewery in Illinois (and one of only two in the state today), Greenstar serves up some of the most unadulterated beer in Chicago. Alas, there are only two ways to get a taste of Greenstar beer: on a tour of the brewery or while on a visit to its sister restaurants, Uncommon Ground, all of which are owned by Michael and Helen Cameron. The beer is brewed near Uncommon Ground’s Wrigleyville location with locally sourced ingredients and piped directly to that restaurant’s taps. (It gets to the Edgewater location in kegs.) While the tour of the production facility—seven steel tanks in a 1,200-square-foot storefront—is rather brief, it’s led by Greenstar brewmaster Martin Coad with an air of both authority and levity. Between detailing the sobering realities and dark secrets of macrobreweries, Coad also instructed tour attendees to take a swig every time he said the word “beer.” We obliged. —Maya Dukmasova

3800 N. Clark, 773-929-3680, uncommonground.com/greenstar-brewing . Saturdays at 1 PM. 20 minutes. $10, includes a pint of IPA and a glass; check in at Uncommon Ground.

chicago brewery tours

Revolution Brewing Kedzie production facility

Best for: chilling out

Before the start of the tour of Revolution Brewing’s 90,000-square-foot Kedzie Avenue production facility—a mile and a half north of its Logan Square brewpub—Janet Jackson was blasting on the stereo, Speed was playing on a pair of TVs, and all of the tourgoers received a can of the Belgian-style pale ale A Little Crazy. We even briefly met the man pictured on the can, Matt, one of the company’s brewers. Revolution may come across as loose and fun, but the tour makes clear it’s also serious about sustainability. It relies partly on solar-panel energy, most of its hops are sourced from Wisconsin and Michigan, and it sends spent grain to farmers who use it for animal feed and soil. It’s refreshing to see that kind of commitment to the environment from a beer company. —Danielle A. Scruggs

3340 N. Kedzie, 773-588-2267, revbrew.com . Wednesday-Friday 6 and 7 PM, Saturday 3, 4, 5, and 6 PM, Sunday 2, 3, and 4 PM. 40 minutes. Free, includes 12 ounces of beer; show up early and sign in with a bartender in the taproom. Taproom on site.

Tasting notes: Revolution’s canning system was once used by RC Cola; it produces 300 cans per minute.

chicago brewery tours

Hopewell Brewing Company

Best for: keeping things short and sweet

It doesn’t take long to see Hopewell’s brewery: all the brewing equipment is contained in one room, visible from the tasting area through a large window. After handing out cups of Swift, Hopewell’s flagship IPA, our chipper, engaging tour guide led us around the 20-barrel brewhouse, noting that when the tanks arrived they turned out to be just a bit too tall to fit into the room (a problem solved by cutting the feet off the tanks). In addition to a brief overview of the year-old company, which employs a grand total of seven people, she offered one of the most concise explanations of brewing I’ve ever heard: starch releases sugar, and sugar plus yeast spits out alcohol. After covering the essentials, she finished up with a couple of stories illustrating how supportive the craft brewing community is, concluding: “Beer people are happy people. Who’s ready for more beer?” —Julia Thiel

2760 N. Milwaukee, 773-698-6178, hopewellbrewing.com/tours-2 . Saturdays at 5 PM, Sundays at 3 PM. 30 minutes. $10, includes 28 ounces of beer; sign up at the bar in the tasting room. Taproom on site.

Tasting notes: Instead of filtering the beer, Hopewell has a centrifuge (as the tour guide called it, a “fancy-ass piece of equipment”), which is really unusual for a brewery of its size.

chicago brewery tours

Off Color Brewing

Best for: appreciators of smart-assery

Taking a brewery tour at an operation like Off Color—a utilitarian workspace, with no accommodations for the public beyond a tiny bottle shop near the front door—is a little like watching backstage footage of a great band. Because you already love the music (or in this case, the beer), the mundane, behind-the-scenes business of the people who make it becomes compelling—it’s fun to pick up on their quirks and feel like you understand why they approach their work in the way they do. The Off Color folks don’t allow their professionalism to get in the way of their self-effacing, smart-assed wit or their big goofy hearts: on this tour, you can find a tacked-up holiday card of the crew in animal onesies (they’re especially fond of dinosaurs) and walk among beer tanks named after dearly departed pets (including Pixel, Bubba, and Waffles). —Philip Montoro

3925 W. Dickens, 773-687-8245, offcolorbrewing.com/tours . Saturdays at 1 and 3 PM. 60 minutes. $10, includes 18 ounces of beer; buy online in advance up to an hour before tour.

Tasting notes: One dollar from the sale of every bottle of Off Color’s Class War, a new large-format Gotlandsdricka that was released on inauguration day, will be donated to the ACLU. It’s available for $10 in the brewery’s bottle shop.

chicago brewery tours

Goose Island Beer Company

Best for: experiencing awe

If you want to feel small, go to Goose Island’s production brewery and crane your neck up until the tops of the shiny stainless steel fermenters soaring above are visible. Then wait for your tour guide to tell you that those aren’t even the big ones: the largest fermenters, each of which hold 460 barrels of beer (nearly 12,000 gallons), don’t fit inside the brewery—they extend past the ceiling to the open air above. The tour includes plenty of other impressive facts, along with a history of Goose Island that starts with the company’s founding in 1988 and highlights its pioneering use of bourbon barrels to age beer back in 1992, but skips right over its 2011 sale to Anheuser-Busch InBev, the largest brewing company in the world. Many of the taproom offerings, though, are decidedly noncorporate: there are several wild sour ales, a Belgian-style saison brewed with peppercorns, and a cask of Belgian-style quad. The company’s Clybourn brewpub is currently undergoing renovations but will also offer tours when it reopens this summer. —Julia Thiel

1800 W. Fulton, 800-466-7363, gooseisland.com/fulton-wood . Thursdays 3, 4, 5, and 6 PM; Fridays 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7 PM; Saturdays 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 PM; Sundays 1, 2, 3, and 4 PM. 60 minutes. $12, includes 12 ounces of beer and a pint glass; book online in advance. Taproom on site.

Tasting notes: Goose Island’s 143,000-square-foot barrel warehouse currently holds 120,000 barrels of beer and is the largest barrel-aging system in the world.

chicago brewery tours

On Tour Brewing Company

Best for: Phish heads

In the wake of Chicago’s brewery gold rush of the last five to seven years, what’s so refreshing now ain’t the added hops. Nope—it’s a lack of pretension. As some breweries attempt to outdo one another with sours infused with guava and dark chocolate and triple IPAs brewed with moon rocks, On Tour, as founder Mark Legenza will tell you, just wants to make good, solid beer devoid of gaudy flair. The On Tour tour, much like the industrial West Town building in which it’s conducted, is low-key and laid-back. As we snaked around the brewery’s five tanks, Legenza broke down the history of the building—for about a quarter century, it housed the Hudson Boiler and Tank Co.—and passed around cups of grains to gnaw on and hops to huff. The tour began and ended with mini lectures in the brewery’s open but cozy boardroom, with attendees asking questions between sipping on complimentary beers. —Kevin Warwick

1725 W. Hubbard, 312-796-3119, ontourbrewing.com . First and third Saturdays, 1 PM. 45 minutes. $10, includes about 16 ounces of beer; book in advance on eventbrite.com .

Tasting notes: The brewery’s name comes from the fact that founder Mark Legenza and his friends have been known to travel around the country following Phish and other bands on tour.

chicago brewery tours

Cruz Blanca Cerveceria

Best for: post-tour taco access

As with each of his culinary endeavors, Rick Bayless logged years of research in Mexico before opening Cruz Blanca, his cerveceria and Oaxaca-inspired taqueria, last May. The chef’s studied approach to food, beer, and the pairing of the two was skillfully communicated on a recent tour of the gleaming Randolph Row building’s relatively modest production facilities. The brewery’s namesake, it turns out, was founded in Mexico City in 1869 by Alsatian immigrant Emil Dercher, who was renowned for using local ingredients and botanicals in his bottle-conditioned beers. Filling our tasting glasses along the way, the guide offered a sweeping history of Mexico—conquest, invasion, European influence—in order to explain how the beer styles head brewer Jacob Sembrano is focused on, from bières de garde to Vienna lagers, ended up in the country. It was enough to make even the common act of drinking a beer suddenly seem miraculous. —Jake Malooley

904 W. Randolph, 312-733-1975, app.anyguide.com/tours/cruz-blanca-brewery-tour-chicago . Saturdays at 1, 2:30, and 4 PM. 60 minutes. $10, includes about 18 ounces of beer; book online in advance. Taproom on site. Food served.

chicago brewery tours

Haymarket Pub & Brewery

Best for: bros who appreciate a good belgian IPA

My tour experience at Haymarket was remarkably disorganized. Though I’d made a reservation in advance, there was no record of it—which turned out not to be a problem, since there was only one other person on the tour. Our guide looked terrified, stammering his way through an explanation of the tiny 15-barrel system on which all of the brewery’s beer is made. He did take plenty of time to sit with us for the beer tasting that followed—but somehow we never got the full pints that are supposed to be included in the tour price. The silver lining is that Haymarket makes excellent beer, some of which, we learned, will soon be available outside the brewpub at retail for the first time ever: a second location opening in Michigan means that before long Haymarket will have the capacity to package and distribute several of its creations in Chicago. —Julia Thiel

737 W. Randolph, 312-638-0700, haymarketbrewing.com/events . 90 minutes. $15, includes 28 ounces of beer; call for reservations. Taproom on site. Food served.

Tasting notes: Haymarket brewmaster Pete Crowley is part of a group of former Rock Bottom brewers who’ve dubbed themselves the Order of the Black Phoenix. Other notable breweries headed up by members of the order include Gigantic, Solemn Oath, Sun King, Surly, and Three Floyds.

chicago brewery tours

Lagunitas Brewing Company

Best for: hedge-fund hippies

An ongoing debate among beer enthusiasts concerns whether or not the ever-expanding Lagunitas empire has a legitimate claim to being a craft beer company—especially since Heineken acquired a 50 percent stake in Lagunitas in 2015 that expanded the California-based brewery’s operations into Europe. But take the free tasting tour at the local outpost in Lawndale and it’s clear founder Tony Magee and his minions still perceive themselves as a 420-friendly, gives-no-fucks kind of outfit. The first half of the tasting tour—not to be confused with the more frequent tasting-free tours—consists of sipping on four samples of hop-forward brews in an area the employees have dubbed the Purple Party Palace that looks like a cross between a college rec room and a San Francisco head shop. Then you grab a beer to drink while an enthusiastic guide takes you around a catwalk two stories above the buzzing brewery floor and gives a quick rundown of what makes the massive 300,000-square-foot facility tick—and the off-the-wall stories behind beers such as Undercover Investigation Shut-Down. —Ryan Smith

2607 W. 17th, 773-522-2097, lagunitas.com/taprooms/chicago . Tasting tours Monday-Thursday 1 and 3 PM, Friday 1 PM. 60 minutes. Free, includes 44 ounces of beer. Taproom on site. Food served.

Tasting notes: Many of the facility’s beer tanks are named after employees’ dead dogs or are Cheech and Chong references.

chicago brewery tours

Moody Tongue

Best for: culinarians

Head brewer Brian Musinski identified himself at the tour’s outset as a “sous chef.” The designation came into focus as he described the so-called “culinary brewing philosophy” of Jared Rouben, the brewmaster who brings his education from the Culinary Institute of America to bear on beer: concocting recipes, sourcing and incorporating ingredients, and balancing the flavors of his brews as if he were a chef creating a dish. Tourgoers shuffled along with a complimentary Moody Tongue-branded glass in hand and blue disposable shoe covers to keep unwanted germs out of the production areas. A swing through the barrel aging room allowed the group to try one of the limited-availability beers, the bourbon-barrel-aged chocolate barleywine. It had enough vanilla and cocoa notes to serve as dessert, and still I couldn’t leave without first trying Rouben’s lauded 12-layer German chocolate cake, which alongside the oysters is one of only two food items served in the taproom. —Sue Kwong

2136 S. Peoria, 312-600-5111, moodytongue.com . Saturdays and Sundays 1:30, 3, and 4:30 PM; private tours also available. 50 minutes. $20, includes 15.5 ounces of beer and a beer glass; make reservations in tasting room. Tap room on site. Limited food menu served.

chicago brewery tours

Best for: art gazing

Baderbräu’s South Loop taproom greets visitors with exposed brick, wooden beams, and a colorful mural by local street artist Brain Killer. The bartender serving beer before the tour began—alas, no complimentary drinks here—would be our guide. Although he was familiar with the brewing process and the building’s history, he admitted that he was new and not the usual docent. His inexperience showed in the rushed pacing as we cruised by the brewing tanks and through the refrigerator room, and he skated over more substantive information about what makes Baderbräu’s approach to beer distinctive. The showstopper award goes to the immense canning machine—tourgoers pleaded with the guide to power up the beast but to no avail. The tour ends in the gallery, across from the taproom, which turns over its art exhibit every three months. —Sue Kwong

2515 S. Wabash, 312-890-2728, baderbrau.com . Saturdays 1, 3, and 5 PM. 20 minutes. Free; arrive before the tour begins. Taproom on site.

chicago brewery tours

5 Rabbit Cerveceria

Best for: those looking to spice things up

The tour of the production facility, located in a remote industrial park, started off awkwardly in the taproom. A ticket entitles you to a beer, but only the 5 Rabbit brews you see in supermarkets, not the more interesting taproom-only offerings. Hurried into ordering a full pint, I saw people getting flights after it was too late for me to take advantage of that more interesting option. Once the tour got going, we learned a lot about 5 Rabbit’s devotion to making beers with flavorings of Central and South America, and how problematic those ingredients can be. The brewer giving our tour talked about the quirks of working with everything ranging from chiles to chapulines (grasshoppers), and having to cook 5,000 pounds of plantains on a small kitchen stove for one brew. —Michael Gebert

6398 W. 74th, Bedford Park, 312-895-9591, 5rabbitbrewery.com . Saturdays at 3 PM. 35 minutes. $10, includes 16 ounces of beer and a pint glass. Taproom on site.

Tasting notes: Using specialty ingredients to make Latin-flavored beer has presented 5 Rabbit’s brewers with difficulties. For instance, in a beer modeled on arroz con leche, getting rice (which has no hull and gets gummy) to go through the pipes turned a one-hour transfer process into seven-hour slog.

chicago brewery tours

Argus Brewery

Best for: a taste of Chicago drinking history

As brewery tours go, the very friendly and informative one offered by Argus drips history: the building was a stable for horse-drawn Schlitz carts circa 1910 and was part of “Schlitz Row,” which offered laborers in dry Pullman every form of vice the working man could want. (At one point a law was passed outlawing drinking on the sidewalk, so a worker would carry a pail of fresh Schlitz to his house.) From the historical overview it’s straight to the tasting room, where there are seven or eight choices on tap, often including formulas Argus is playing around with, like barrel-aged ales. Taste as much as you like and be sure to offer your feedback, as that helps determine what goes into production. —Michael Gebert

11314 S. Front, 773-941-4050, argusbrewery.com . Most Saturdays 12:30, 2, and 3:30 PM. 90 minutes. $15, includes a generous variety of pours and a pint glass; purchase tickets online.

chicago brewery tours

Two Brothers

Best for: gluten-intolerant cyclists

The Prairie Path is the bikeable gravel trail that leads 40 or so miles west from suburban Forest Park almost directly to Two Brothers Tap House in Warrenville, Illinois. Prairie Path is also the name of what is arguably the best (only?) locally made gluten-free beer. Two Brothers bills Prairie Path as “crafted to remove gluten,” a process further explained on a tour of the brewery: After fermentation, brewers add an enzyme to clarify beer turned cloudy by yeast. According to the guide, brewers discovered that this unnamed enzyme also ate away gluten, producing a golden ale with undetectable levels of the wheat, barley, and rye-derived protein. Three free samples are served after the tour; if you’re gluten sensitive, you’ll have to stick to the Prairie Path. Still, while celiac sufferers are a niche market within a niche market, bike-riding beer lovers with a gluten sensitivity have much to celebrate here. —Robin Amer

30W315 Calumet Ave. W., Warrenville, 630-393-4800, twobrothersbrewing.com . Saturdays 1, 2, and 3 PM; Sundays 1:30 PM. 45 minutes. Free, includes 12 ounces of beer. Taproom on site. Food served.

Tasting notes: The enzyme Two Brothers uses to make Prairie Path gluten free is also an ingredient in several of its other beers, which means they also likely have a reduced gluten content. But the brewery hasn’t paid to have those brews certified and tested, so it can’t advertise them as being suitable for people with a gluten sensitivity.

chicago brewery tours

Three Floyds Brewing Company

Best for: finding a reason to visit northwest Indiana

Beer geeks remain so devoted to Three Floyds’ curious combination of comic art, heavy metal, and hop-forward brews that the wait for a table at the brewpub in the middle of an unassuming industrial park in a small Indiana town on a Saturday afternoon can stretch in excess of 90 minutes. The primary utility of a tour of the sizable production facility next door is to ease the boredom of hanging around in the drab parking lot until the host texts you. The 30-minute behind-the-scenes jaunt is somewhat lacking in frills (no beer samples) and rather casual in tone—the equivalent of shooting the shit with Three Floyds’ hard-core hop heads about the secrets of their beloved craft beer while you work up your appetite for the boozy main event. —Ryan Smith

9750 Indiana Pkwy., Munster, Indiana, 219-922-4425, 3floyds.com . Saturdays at 12:30, 1:30, 2:30, 3:30, 4:30, and 5:30 PM. 30 minutes. Free; sign up on first-come-first-served basis in the brewpub. Taproom on site. Food served.

Tasting notes: When Three Floyds started selling its flagship beer, Alpha King, in 1996, Indiana residents were so used to the watered-down lagers of domestic macrobreweries that they couldn’t take the hoppiness of what is now considered a mildly hoppy beer, so many tried to return it.

chicago brewery tours

Chicago Craft Brewery Barrel Bus Tour

chicago brewery tours

  • Guided tours and tastings at up to three craft breweries
  • Taste a selection of different craft beer types and flavors
  • See the brewing process and learn how beer is made
  • Travel around Chicago on a traditional Barrel Bus
  • See itinerary
  • 45-55 ounces of craft beer
  • Professional guide
  • Live commentary on board
  • Transport by climate-controlled barrel bus
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off
  • 600 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60654, USA Departure Point: Address: 600 North Clark Street Chicago, IL 60654 Our bus will arrive approximately 15 minutes prior to departure. We will park outside of McDonald's, across the street from the Rainforest Cafe.
  • Not wheelchair accessible
  • Near public transportation
  • Confirmation will be received at time of booking
  • Minimum age is 21 years
  • Most travelers can participate
  • Please note this experience has a minimum number of travelers required to operate. If the minimum is not met, you will be offered a tour at another time or a full refund.
  • Closed Toe Shoes required in order to experience the production facility tour at one brewery.
  • This experience requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund
  • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 36 travelers
  • For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.

Similar experiences

chicago brewery tours

  • You'll start at 600 N Clark St 600 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60654, USA Departure Point: Address: 600 North Clark Street Chicago, IL 60654 Our bus will arrive approximately 15 minutes prior to departure. We will park outside of McDonald's, across the street from the Rainforest Cafe. See address & details
  • Pass by The Barrel Run
  • You'll return to the starting point

chicago brewery tours

  • bdwilburn 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Great brew bus tour Ted gave us a great tour. Revolution Brewery was our favorite. Fun people on the bus too. All made for a great experience. Read more Written December 3, 2023
  • johnmicci 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Perfect Tour Just an amazing tour and great history. The guide was incredibly knowledgeable and passionate about the subject and made some great stops for everyone along the way Read more Written November 17, 2023
  • nas2062023 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Great Experience for Team Building The Barrel Run was a very unique experience, our team had so much fun with David. We had lunch at Forbidden Root and sampled some delicious beer. We had a prohibition style tour that was incredibly informative, we learned so much about Chicago's mobster history. We ended the tour at Green Door Tavern, a fun speakeasy. I would recommend this tour to anyone looking to host a fun night/day out for corporate or personal outings! David and Danielle made the experience so easy and were very accommodating. Read more Written November 13, 2023
  • Jennifer G 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles So much fun So much fun! I highly recommend this beer tour you get to go to 3 of the top breweries and meet some fun people along the way. The driver was great and the entire experience is worth it! Read more Written November 11, 2023
  • Debbie N 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Barrell of Fun! Everyone I dealt with at The Barrel Run was helpful. From Danielle helping me with choosing where to go and where to get picked up to David our excellent driver and tour guide. We had a group of 16 and everyone had a fantastic time! Great way to visit some craft breweries/distillery without driving. Awesome way to spend our Saturday afternoon in Chicago. Read more Written October 25, 2023
  • marleneshepherd 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Barrel Run We were lucky to have Dave as our driver and we had a great time. on the way to the brewery, Dave shared some fun facts about Chicago. I would definitely recommend The Barrel Run. Read more Written October 22, 2023
  • mjdillon_11 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Our second success story! We worked with the Barrel Run again with stellar results. Our clients loved the experience of touring classic Chicago breweries in epic fashion. Danielle and David made the planning and execution simple. And the breweries seemed to embrace our tour which made us feel like VIP’s! We absolutely would use the Barrel Run services again! Cheers!!! Read more Written October 7, 2023
  • ejpollard7 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Excellent Event For Work Event or Family/Friend Outing! The team at Barrel Run creates a fun & smooth experience - highly recommend for a work/team event to do something a bit non-traditional. Also had a great time doing this tour for a friend's birthday - you can't go wrong to combine learning about & being out & about in Chicago with such a cool vehicle to take you around! Read more Written October 2, 2023
  • beckyosnowitz 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Amazing experience, highly recommend! Barrel Run was amazing! They helped us coordinate a perfect event. The bus was so unique and the brewery tastings they planned for us were a lot of fun. I’d highly recommend them to anyone! Read more Written August 20, 2023
  • Villabreak 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Best Barrel Run event ever The Barrel Run Team work their tails off to provide an exceptional Chicago experience. From the CEO (David) to the team (Ted) and rest of the crew, their knowledge and experience with Distilleries and Brewery's always make it a very memorable experience. Our company has used their services multiple times for Team Outings. You haven't had the Chicago experience unless you've gone on a Barrel Run Tour. Read more Written July 31, 2023
  • MagicallyMakenzieD 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Wonderful experience I highly recommend this experience! The driver is knowledgeable and built the vehicle himself. Very kind too. Overall, a great day! Read more Written July 15, 2023
  • Jalmodovar11 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Worth It! This was a great experience and I would definitely do it again! My entire group had a blast, and I had a good experience coordinate the breweries we vistied. Read more Written July 12, 2023
  • jb9003 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Barrel Run was Great! I booked them for my bachelorette party actually and it was so fun! All my guests raved about how great the driver was (which was David the CEO!) and loved learning about the breweries and chicago along the way. The bus is so fun, music was easy to play, and the breweries we stopped at were great. Highly recommend for any occasion Read more Written May 22, 2023
  • rkirby-utz 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Great Corporate Outing! Our team really enjoyed this unique experience! A barrel of laughs was had by all. Can't wait to do it again! Read more Written May 12, 2023
  • kelgpsn 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Fun time - highly recommend! We had a great time on the barrel run! Such a unique and fun way to see the city and sample some great brews! Read more Written April 30, 2023

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chicago brewery tours

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Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

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Chicago Craft Brewery Barrel Bus Tour provided by The Barrel Run

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chicago brewery tours

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VISIT OUR Taproom

On fulton st.

Situated in West Town on the corner of Fulton and Wood, the Goose Island Taproom serves rotating, innovative beers made in Chicago, for Chicago. The Taproom opened back in 2015 to bring the beers brewed in the building right to the neighborhood. Along with classics like Honkers Ale and 312 Wheat Ale, our brewers put experimental beers on tap regularly.

Wednesday & Sunday: 12pm-8pm

Thursday: 12pm-9pm

Friday - Saturday: 12pm-10pm

Monday - Tuesday: Closed

1800 W. Fulton St

Chicago, IL 60612

312-586-7970

We don't take reservations. Live on the edge, walk on in.

Snacks are available. Pretzels, pub chips, stuff like that.

Your dog is welcome, but please don't bring them inside. We don't want dog hair in our beers. Gross.

We do host private events. Learn more on our private events page or email [email protected] to inquire.

We're taking a pause on trivia for now. We should be back up and running soon! Check back in or follow along @gooseislandchicago to stay in the know.

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Brewery Tours Are Back

Get ready to embark on a hop-tastic adventure through our colossal Chicago brewery! Join us as we dive into all things-Lagunitas, from our rich history to the mesmerizing brewing process. Savor the flavors of our hop-forward beers and other extraordinary brews, and get ready to have a blast every step of the way. Thankyouverymuch for joining us on this epic journey!

Brewery Tours Are Back

  • TapRoom: Mon-Wed CLOSED Thurs. 4pm – 9pm Fri. 4pm – 9pm Sat. 12pm – 9pm Sun. 12pm – 6pm
  • 2607 W. 17th St. Chicago, Ill. 60608 773-522-1308

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The best Chicago breweries and taprooms

Looking for creative sours, a strong stout or a reliable lager? Grab a draft at the best Chicago breweries and taprooms.

Chicago is one of the best cities for hyperlocal and creative craft beers with more than 160 breweries (and counting) in the city and surrounding suburbs.  You'll find craft brews on tap at some of our favorite dive bars in Chicago , but if you want to taste the freshest suds in town, you need to head to Chicago breweries and taprooms. Among some of the best bars in Chicago , these brewery-owned facilities boast everything from bare-bones tasting rooms to cozy brewpubs that serve delicious food, plus, some picturesque beer gardens . Breweries without in-house kitchens are usually more than encouraging to order in some grub from the   best restaurants in Chicago . Not sure where to drink your next hazy IPA, barrel-aged stout or fruited sour? Snag a glass (or sample a flight) at these Chicago breweries and taprooms.

RECOMMENDED: Check out more of the best bars in Chicago

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Best breweries in Chicago

Half Acre Brewery Balmoral

1.  Half Acre Brewery Balmoral

  • Lincoln Square

Half Acre outgrew its original brewery in Lincoln Park years ago, moving most of its production to a warehouse just west of Andersonville. It took a few more years for it to open up a taproom in the space, but it was worth the wait. The Balmoral location contains a large indoor bar with plenty of seating and a garden patio with picnic tables—perfect for sipping a fresh Daisy Cutter when it's warm outside. And if you're hungry, you'll find burgers and sausages (including vegetarian-friendly Beyond varieties) as well as curly fries and cheese curds to enjoy while you decide what beer to order next.

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2.  Marz Community Brewing

  • Mckinley Park

Echoing the stylish designs of its bottles and cans, the home of Marz Community Brewing serves the brewery's latest creations in a transformed warehouse space. Founded by some of the same folks behind Maria's Packaged Goods & Community Bar in Bridgeport, the taproom boasts a circular bar and plenty of tables where you can sit back and enjoy pear Jungle Boogie pale wheat ale or a Bubbly Kriek Berliner Weisse. If you work up an appetite, order the Churros Con Leche to accompany a coffee-stout hybrid. 

Dovetail Brewery

3.  Dovetail Brewery

  • North Center

With delicious European-style beers like hefeweizen, lagers and rauchbier, Dovetail Brewery is the best spot for beer geeks who want to learn a bit about old-school Munich brewing techniques. The space is large, with a revolving cast of food trucks parked outside and it’s dog-friendly, too, so don’t be afraid to bring your pooch. While you won't find pale ales, IPAs or anything extremely hop-forward here, your palette will be satisfied in different ways by the lineup of German-inspired suds. If you've already blown through the options on tap, ask for a refreshing radler for a change of pace.

Begyle Brewing Company

4.  Begyle Brewing Company

Located just down the street from Dovetail, Begyle's taproom is filled with board games and plenty of beer to drink on site or take home. It also frequently hosts food trucks and pop-ups, plus monthly trivia and a seasonal euchre league. But the most interesting feature of this bar is its Community Supported Brewery membership program, which allows visitors to purchase a subscription that entitles them to one or two growlers of beer each month (and some additional perks).

Revolution Brewing Tap Room

5.  Revolution Brewing Tap Room

Meshing with its depiction in the 2013 film  Drinking Buddies , Revolution Brewery is a place with plenty of space for enjoying beers with friends (and maybe, just maybe, falling in love with one of them). The Avondale warehouse usually has some of the freshest Revolution beer on tap and also offers cans and growlers to go, if you want to bring some crisp Anti-Hero IPA home. If you're hungry, you'll need to head to Revolution's brewpub in Logan Square, where you can chow down on burgers and pizza in the building where the brewery started.

Solemn Oath's Still Life

6.  Solemn Oath's Still Life

  • Logan Square

The long-awaited Chicago expansion of Naperville's Solemn Oath Brewing joined Logan Square's crowded brewery scene in 2021, offering a selection of drafts, cans and spritzes in a cozy, dive bar-inspired setting. Among the wood paneling, framed vintage paintings and assorted tchotchkes, you can enjoy 20 beverages on tap at Still Life, including hop-packed IPAs like Snaggletooth Bandana and crisp selections like the Lü kolsch. The bar also stocks cans of City Water (Solemn Oath's hard seltzer brand) and serves a couple of cocktail-like spritzes made with the effervescent liquids. If you're looking for the formidable menu of a well-stocked taproom infused with corner bar charm, you've come to the right place.

Bungalow by Middle Brow

7.  Bungalow by Middle Brow

Following eight years of contract brewing, Middle Brow Beer Co. made a home of its own on a bustling stretch of Armitage Avenue in Logan Square. Sporting rustic brick walls, a trio of foeders (giant wooden barrels used to age beer) looming over the dining area and a spacious bar, Bungalow has grown to be a brewery-winery-pizzeria hybrid. In the morning, peacan butter toast is the main attraction, served alongside coffee and beer. Thin crust pizzas piled with toppings fill tables in the evening, with the action spilling out onto the patio when the weather cooperates.

DryHop Brewers

8.  DryHop Brewers

This hopping brewery is just what Lakeview East needed. The rotating selection of house beers includes IPAs, wheats and pale ales, and a flight of each draft offering is an easy way to find a favorite (but don't get too attached, as brews are frequently replaced). The food menu encourages sharing with dishes like the fried pickles and hearty Roebuck pizza while the tomato jam-topped burger is a new classic. Get there early and keep your eyes peeled for bar seats—DryHop gets crowded and the wait for a table only makes it feel more like the place to be.

Off Color Brewing's Mousetrap

9.  Off Color Brewing's Mousetrap

  • River North

After years of requests, the folks making strange brews at Off Color opened a taproom in 2017. The Mousetrap boasts 16 draft lines and an assortment of beers that are brewed in-house (Apex Predator, Scurry) as well as some guest drafts. There's also a selection of cocktails inspired by Off Color beers. Bring your own snacks, take a seat and sample some of the most creative beer being made in Chicago.

10.  Hop Butcher For the World

Inspired by the Carl Sandburg poem referring to Chicago as the "hog butcher of the world," this North Center brewery brings plenty of quirks and unique flavors to local sippers. With dozens and dozens of options to choose from, there's something for the beer master, bright-eyed brewery beginner and everyone else in between. Try out the double IPA Lord Octopus or the Berliner Weisse Opal Idol. 

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11.  Goose Island Brewery

  • United Center

Goose Island's Fulton Street location opened long before Anheuser Busch bought the craft brewer, and features a list of the brewery's most well-known offerings (Four Star Pils, Green Line, 312 and the like) as well as a few taproom-only releases from the Fulton & Wood program. Stop by for a taste of one of the 18 beers on tap, as well as bottles, cans and vintage selection (including sought-after Bourbon County Brand Stout).

Guinness Open Gate Brewery

12.  Guinness Open Gate Brewery

The Irish brewing company's long-awaited project opened up in late 2023. The 15,000-square-foot space has a taproom, brewery, restaurant and cafe to satisfay the Fulton Market crowds. Enjoy 12-16 rotating experimental drafts for any season and support local Chicago establishments while you're there—Intelligentsia Coffee and Aya Pastry's baked goods are available at the cafe. 

Ravinia Brewing Company

13.  Ravinia Brewing Company

Don't come to Ravinia Brewing Company expecting picnics on a lawn and adult contemporary acts playing in the background—the brewpub may share a name with a certain summer music festival in suburban Highland Park (where Ravinia's original taproom is located), but that's pretty much where the similarities end. Located at the confluence of Logan Square, Roscoe Village and Avondale, the airy space is stocked with approachable lagers, IPAs and stouts, served alongside a menu of Mexican street food that includes tacos, burritos, salads and tres leches cake for dessert.

Forbidden Root

14.  Forbidden Root

  • East Village

Since Forbidden Root opened in early 2016, we've been fascinated with the beers perpetually switching out on the menu, and the crazy elixirs you can add to them. All of the beers have a botanical element and use local ingredients, from sarsaparilla to sassafras. It’s Chicago’s first “botanic brewery,” and it’s making beers like no one else. But intriguing brews aren’t the only reason we love Forbidden Root—the West Town brewery also has a delightful front room with stools by large windows that open onto Chicago Avenue for prime people-watching on a nice day.

Life on Marz Community Club

15.  Life on Marz Community Club

Building on the success of its Bridgeport outpost, Marz Community Brewing comes to Chicago's North Side, taking up residence in the same building that houses the Margie's Candies ice cream parlor and the Snakes & Lattes board game café. Dubbed the Life on Marz Community Club, the space is a bit smaller than the original Bridgeport taproom, but its decor is as stylish as the art that graces the brewery's various beer cans. Dangling lights and multi-colored walls complement a cooler stocked with cans of Marz creations and taps pouring drafts (including a few exclusive brews). And if you need a snack while you knock back some hazy IPAs and Chug Life lagers, you'll find a menu of salami stick options featuring selections from Red Bear Provisions.

Hopewell Brewing Co.

16.  Hopewell Brewing Co.

The bright, modern space at Hopewell's taproom is a breath of fresh air in a city filled with quasi-industrial brewpubs. With wood-paneled walls and long, pristine tables, you can throw back a few pints in this Logan Square brewery and feel like you're a model in an Ikea catalog. It's not uncommon to see dogs lounging on the floor or happy beer sippers carrying in takeout to pair with a bright and citrusy Table Salt sour before a rousing game of Connect Four.

Eris Brewery and Cider House

17.  Eris Brewery and Cider House

  • Irving Park

The first thing you'll notice upon entering Eris Brewery and Cider House is the historic structure you're inside of—a renovated church that dates back more than a century. Sleek booths, tables and a bar outfit the two-level space, offering no shortage of places to peruse the menu of house-made ciders and beers (five-ounce pours will allow you to taste more of the selection). If you're hungry, the kitchen serves bacon mac and cheese and fried pickles, which should obviously be accompanied by even more beer and cider.

Moody Tongue Brewing Co.

18.  Moody Tongue Brewing Co.

  • Near South Side

After outgrowing its Pilsen digs, Moody Tongue moved west to a sprawling, 28,600-square-foot space (the former home of Baderbräu), giving the brewery more room to play. Housed inside the new headquarters is an on-site brewery and production facility as well as two unique dining experiences. Guests can choose to feast on a 12-course tasting menu in the upscale Dining Room or have a more casual experience in the Bar, where dishes are offered à la carte. The food-friendly beers runneth over in both spaces, with popular pours like Sliced Nectarine IPA and Steeped Emperor’s Lemon Saison, as well as more experimental brews like the Scotch Barrel Aged Peated Scotch Ale.

Whiner Beer Company

19.  Whiner Beer Company

Don't come to the Whiner Beer Company taproom expecting extremely bitter IPAs or hefty stouts—co-founders Brian Taylor and Ria Neri are more interested in sour and Belgian beers. Very few other brewers in Chicago are making chamomile-infused wheat ale (Chamo Meow) or a bière garde that uses experimental Hüll Melon hops (Rubrique a Brac). The small taproom is housed in the Plant, a nonprofit net-zero energy food production space situated in an old warehouse in the Back of the Yards neighborhood. If you wholeheartedly embrace funky and singular brews, go ahead and grab a flight.

On Tour Brewing

20.  On Tour Brewing

  • River West/West Town

On Tour Brewing hadn't even been open for a year when it walked away with two medals at the prestigious Great American Beer Festival. The accolades have established the West Loop brewery as a destination for locals and tourists alike, who fill the elegant space to drink owner Mark Legenza's music-inspired IPAs, Belgian beers and pilsners. The bright, airy taproom also features regular live music, grub from local food trucks, brewery tours conducted by Legenza and a couple of TVs so you can keep up with the score of the game.

Crushed By Giants

21.  Crushed By Giants

  • Streeterville

Located just off the Magnificent Mile, Crushed By Giants brings a brewpub to one of the city's most glitzy shopping districts. Owned by the team behind DryHop Brewing and Corridor Brewing, this brewery offers a selection of approachable beers, including hazy IPAs and regularly rotating beers. The menu focuses on neo-neapolitan pizzas and sandwiches. It may seem out of place amid the steakhouses and chain restaurants of Streeterville, but Crushed By Giants offers an alternative to the neighborhood's usual fare, accompanied by solid local beer.

Pilot Project

22.  Pilot Project

Founded as an incubator where multiple breweries can share equipment and produce small batches of beer, Pilot Project is a great place to sit down and sample many wildly different types of beers in one sitting. In addition to mainstays like a house IPA and lager, the sterile but cozy taproom also serves creations from breweries like Funkytown and Azadi Brewing. A patio lined with picnic tables provides plenty of room for outdoor drinking and an early-morning menu of coffee and pastries caters to freelancers, who post up with their laptops throughout the afternoon.

Ørkenoy

23.  Ørkenoy

  • Humboldt Park

Scandinavian-inspired beer and cuisine are on the menu at this brewery and taproom inside the Kimball Art Center, just steps away from the 606. Founded by a pair of former Lagunitas Brewing employees, Ørkenoy serves approachable lagers and ales that incorporate ingredients like wild currant leaves and gooseberries. If you're feeling peckish, there's also a menu of smørrebrød open-faced sandwiches that are destined to take over your Instagram feed. 

District Brew Yards

24.  District Brew Yards

Home of Burnt City Brewing, Around the Bend Beer Co., Twsted Hippo and Casa Humilde Cervecería Artesanal, this former warehouse brings a multitude of craft beer options to West Town. Guests receive a card upon entering that allows them to pour their own beers (charged by the ounce) at four different stations throughout the bright and airy brewpub, one for each of the breweries housed in District Brew Yards. Make sure to check out the back of the brewery, where Lillie’s Q serves pulled pork, ribs, chicken sandwiches and its famous tri-tip sandwiches.

Alarmist Brewing

25.  Alarmist Brewing

Look for the sticks of dynamite on flags adorning a nondescript office park in Sauganash, and you'll know that you've stumbled upon the Alarmist Brewing taproom, which also happens to be the neighborhood's only bar. The industrial space houses a bar with two English beer engines which pour Alarmist's cask-conditioned beers. You won't find TVs on the walls and there's no kitchen serving food, though you're welcome to order in or bring your own. Make sure to try a pint of the award-winning Le Jus New England IPA, check out the special creations on tap and take home some cans.

Spiteful Brewing

26.  Spiteful Brewing

Situated on the same block as Half Acre's Balmoral brewery, the Spiteful Brewing taproom takes a more understated approach than its expansive neighbor while providing another good reason for beer lovers to flock to Bowmanville, Andersonville's westward neighbor. Visitors can sit at a long wooden bar, grab a table or throw some darts while enjoying Spiteful staples such as the Working For the Weekend double IPA and the God Damn Pigeon Porter. When the weather is warm, the garage doors that line the front of the building go up and the quasi-outdoor drinking commences.

Midwest Coast Brewing Company

27.  Midwest Coast Brewing Company

A relatively new addition to the burgeoning Chicago Brewing District, Midwest Coast Brewing Company isn't trying to reinvent the witbier. Instead, the spacious, family-friendly (and dog-friendly) taproom seeks to straddle the line between the styles of beer favored on the East and West Coasts, serving taste bud-tingling double IPAs alongside hazy New England-style brews. Those without a taste for hop-forward beers also have options, like solid brown ales and ciders provided by local cidermakers. The kitchen hosts a rotating lineup of food pop-ups if you're feeling peckish and a calendar of events that range from comedy shows to live music will keep you entertained while you decide what your next pint will be.

Maplewood Lounge

28.  Maplewood Lounge

Located in a section of the brewery's Logan Square production facility, Maplewood's taproom is clearly inspired by the corner bars that are scattered throughout Chicago's neighborhoods. The unassuming lounge is stocked with candlelit tables, a bar with views of the brewery's equipment and a fridge where you can grab bottles and cans to take home. Aside from lots of beer, the menu includes cocktails (made with Maplewood's own spirits), fresh taquitos and Professor Pizza slices to snack on.

Alulu Brewery and Pub

29.  Alulu Brewery and Pub

  • Lower West Side

Enter through a narrow alleyway and you'll find yourself inside this rustic Pilsen brewpub, where the taplines are surrounded by a wall of green moss and guests sit at wooden benches. Alulu's beer list is all over the place (in a good way), with dark lagers and IPAs presented alongside more adventurous creations like a farmhouse ale brewed with green peppercorns and strawberries. Don't sleep on the in-house food menu either, which features charcuterie, small plates, beer bread and more substantial entrees like burgers, wings and sandwiches.

Old Irving Brewing

30.  Old Irving Brewing

  • Portage Park

Easily accessible from the Montrose Blue Line stop, Old Irving Brewing provides a place on the far North Side to grab a beer and a delicious bite to eat. The gastropub's menu comes from Matthias Merges (Billy Sunday), who serves house-made sandwiches and creative shareables like the Tokyo hot shrimp, reuben fritters and popular wings. The beer nearly plays second fiddle to the cuisine, but you'll want to save room to try the summery Beezer Hazy IPA or the dry-hopped Doji lager.

Haymarket Pub & Brewery

31.  Haymarket Pub & Brewery

  • price 2 of 4

Named for the Haymarket Affair of 1886—a violent confrontation between workers and police in Chicago that led to the establishment of the eight-hour work day—this brewpub has been serving cold beers and hot grub in the West Loop for more than a decade. The cavernous space houses a couple of bars and a kitchen that churns out standard brewery fare (think burgers, tavern-style pizzas, fried cheese curds and the obligatory giant pretzel). Adventurous drinkers will love digging into Haymarket's stylistically diverse beer list, which runs the gamut from blonde ales to barrel-aged stouts (and even a couple of hard seltzers). It's a reliable spot for a couple of beers while you wait for a table at restaurants that line Randolph Street and Fulton Market.

Burning Bush Brewery

32.  Burning Bush Brewery

When Rev. Brent Raska's church in North Riverside closed, the pastor decided to turn his attention to craft brewing and the fellowship that can be created through sharing a beer. Bearing a Biblical name, the North Center brewery serves beers based on Raska's homebrew recipes, with a focus on kettle sours and IPAs. The spacious taproom is open to families and community groups looking for a meeting space (it's also dog-friendly, in case you want to bring your four-legged friend along). A portion of all proceeds are donated to a variety of local nonprofits and Burning Bush frequently organizes community service activities as well as community fundraiser.

Cultivate by Forbidden Root

33.  Cultivate by Forbidden Root

Forbidden Root brings their innovative botanical-inspired brews to Ravenswood and the former Band of Bohemia site. If you like floral, fruity or funky, you'll love the rotating drafts like the strawberry-basil Rosie Cheeks Hefewiezen or the Night Moth, an oak-aged IPA infused with white grapefruit and vanilla. Pair your drinks with an array of snacks like vada pav sliders or fire-roasted prawns, and board games to play, and you've got your new favorite date-night spot. 

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34.  Horse Thief Hollow

Beer aficionados from all over the world have tried Horse Thief Hollow's brews at big-name events Festival of Barrel-Aged Beers and the Great American Beer Festival (and they've taken home recent awards at both), so needless to say, they're worth making the trek to Beverly for. Complementing beers like the award-winning Little Wing pilsner and the brain tumor research-supporting Pat Mac's is a full menu of mouthwatering, Southern-inspired pub fare, from crab gumbo to arancini with wil mushrooms to the mighty BBQ entrées smoked daily in-house.

35.  Open Outcry Brewing

Named for the frenetic style of communication once used by stock traders, the brews at this Beverly/Morgan Park taproom are always a good investment (ba-dum-tishhh). Come for the beers like the smooth Speculator Cream Ale and the Hellcaster, stay for the wood-fired pizzas and the copious outdoor seating on the rooftop beer garden. 

Piece Brewery & Pizzeria

36.  Piece Brewery & Pizzeria

  • Restaurants
  • Wicker Park

The crispy New Haven-style slices slathered in red sauce and parmesan cheese are undoubtedly the main attraction at this Wicker Park pizzeria, but there's also a brewery contained within this house of pies. Piece's seven-barrel brewhouse creates award-winning beers like the Golden Arm kolsch and The Weight award-winning Pale Ale—both of which act as a great companion to your fourth or fifth slice of Hot Doug's Atomic Sausage Pizza.

Cruz Blanca Cerveceria

37.  Cruz Blanca Cerveceria

While chef Rick Bayless is no longer involved with this brewery and taqueria, Cruz Blanca Cerveceria has kept its menu of Mexican cuisine and flavorful  cerveza  intact. Fill up on tacos piled with pork belly al pastor and crispy shrimp as well as more interesting options like the Oaxacan-style tlayudas, which are giant, shareable tostadas topped with beans, cheese, salsa and your choice of protein. For those ordering a beer, you'll find solid lagers and pale ales as well as more experimental wild ales and rich, chocolate porters inspired by Mexican ingredients and flavors. If you like to have a great meal while knocking back a few brews, you can't go wrong here.

Corridor Brewery & Provisions

38.  Corridor Brewery & Provisions

An offshoot of DryHop Brewers, Corridor Brewery & Provisions has quickly established itself as a destination for drinkers on the bustling Southport Corridor. The brewery started amassing an impressive haul of awards from the prestigious Great American Beer Festival, including medals for its Belgian-style creations and a hazy double IPA. We recommend ordering a flight of any beers that catch your eye and digging into a pizza, topped with roasted beets or Slagel Farms pork. Much like DryHop, Corridor is typically crowded, so plan accordingly—especially if you're showing up for brunch.

The Perch Kitchen & Tap

39.  The Perch Kitchen & Tap

Since it first opened in the summer of 2020, this airy Division Street spot—a collaboration between 4 Star Restaurant Group and Finch Beer Co.—has earned fans with the Southern-tinged food menu (including a decadent brunch), and, of course, the beer, which ranges from the crushable Woodpecker pilsner and Leaf Blower pale ale to the more adventurous Smoked Vienna Lager

Right Bee Cider

40.  Right Bee Cider

The beginnings of this Hermosa cider house can be traced back to a sweet story: shortly after Charlie Davis met Katie Morgan, he made a hard cider for her and just six months after their wedding, the couple founded Right Bee Cider. The cidery's simple taproom is attached to its production facility, meaning that guests will usually find some of the freshest pours of Right Bee's dry and semi-dry varieties. The no-frill approach means that you're welcome to bring your own food (there are Mexican restaurants and a sandwich shop nearby) and you can purchase bottles, howlers and growlers of cider to enjoy at home.

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Brewpub + Restaurant

Sun / 12-10pm Mon-Tues / Closed Wed-Thurs / 12-10pm Fri-Sat / Noon-Midnight Kitchen / Service stops 30 min prior closing

2323 N. Milwaukee Ave Chicago, IL 60647

773-227-2739

Taproom + Production Brewery

Upcoming Closures

Mon-Tue / Closed Wed-Thu / 2-9pm Fri / 2-10pm Sat / 12-10pm Sun / 12-6pm

3340 N. Kedzie Ave Chicago, IL 60618

773-588-2267

Brewery + Taproom

  • Snacks & NA Bevs
  • Public Tours
  • Private Tours
  • Private Events

Online Orders Online orders with indoor pickup are available during our operating hours. To order cans, kegs or merchandise, click here.

Our Kedzie Avenue brewery—one of the largest in Illinois—is where we fill kegs and cans for distribution.

Production began at the 90,000 square foot Kedzie Avenue facility in the Spring of 2012. Located about 1 1/2 miles away from our brewpub, our brewery also houses our German beer hall-inspired taproom.

Kedzie Tap Room Offerings

  • Revolution Draft Beer
  • Gluten-Free/Non-Beer Options: Hard Cider Draft + Hard Kombucha Cans
  • Bottled Sodas + Filtered Water Station
  • Saturday Public Brewery Tours
  • Cans, Merch & 1/6 Kegs (To-Go)
  • This location does not have a kitchen, but guests may bring their own food.

Beer & Merch Online Ordering/Pick-Up For Tap Room or Pickup questions, please call 773-649-5066 or email [email protected] .

Group Reservations + Private Tours For group reservations or private tours, please email our Taproom Manager at [email protected] . Please include the day and time you'd like your reservation as well as the number of guests.

773-588-2267 [email protected]

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Glass of beer with Chicago skyline in background breweries in Chicago

15 Best Breweries In Chicago You Must Visit

August 4, 2022 by //  by  Midwest Explored Leave a Comment

If you’re looking for the best breweries in Chicago , then you’ll want to check out this list!

Chicago is starting to become known as the ‘craft beer capital of the country’, and for good reason.

Planning your trip to Chicago last minute?

Make sure to book ahead. Hotels and tours often sell out the closer you get to your trip. Here are our top pics for Chicago!

Top Experiences And Tours In Chicago:

  • Chicago River Architecture Cruise (Skip the Ticket Office!)
  • Willis TowerSkydeck & The Ledge Ticket (Elevator express entry!)
  • Navy Pier Centennial Wheel Ticket (Panoramic views of Chicago!)
  • Big Bus Hop on Hop Off Sightseeing Tours (24, 48, or 72-hour options available.)

Hop Hotels In Chicago:

  • Eurostars Magnificent Mile (In the heart of Chicago!)
  • The Peninsula Chicago (Near museums)
  • Club Quarter Hotels Wacker (Overlooking the Chicago River!)
  • Hotel Blake (Close to Millennium Park.)

Within the city and the surrounding suburbs, there are just over 160 breweries and taprooms.

Lovers of craft beer have started flocking to Chicago, spending days in the city exploring its many breweries.

With so many different breweries in Chicago, it’s hard to pick just a few as the best.

So if you don’t have a ton of time to sample craft beer in Chicago, this list is the best place to start.

That’s because all of these Chicago brewpubs are highly rated. They have carved out a unique place for themselves in Chicago’s craft beer scene, and it shows.

Many of these Chicago IL breweries have a dedicated customer base who just keep coming back.

One sip of beer from any of these breweries and you’ll quickly see why!

So, let’s take a look at some of the best breweries in Chicago that you’ll definitely want to visit!

A glass of beer on a table in front of a window overlooking the Chicago skyline on a nice day.

Sample Micro Brewed Beers At Begyle Brewing

Begyle Brewing is known for its straightforward micro-brewed beers.

You’ll find Begyle Brewing in what is known as ‘Malt Row’ in Chicago’s Ravenswood Industrial Corridor, in Chicago.

They have a community-supported brewery program, which means they are able to create new brews thanks to their community.

This is done through growler fill subscriptions, hosting events, and supporting other local organizations.

Because of this, Begyle Brewing has become a staple of the neighborhood. Along with that, their micro-brewed beers are very popular.

That’s because their taproom is full of delicious but approachable beers that you can sample. You can sample the brews in their taproom, or head outside to their gorgeous patio.

They also offer Chicago brewery tours at Begyle Brewing, which is a great way to learn about the micro-brewing process.

Tickets Here to explore Chicago: Chicago City Pass

A close up image of three hands holding glasses of beer and clinking them together, similar to beer in breweries in Chicago.

Revolution Brewing Is Illinois’ Largest Craft Brewery

Not only is Revolution Brewing the largest craft brewery in Illinois, but it’s also independently owned.

Revolution Brewing opened in 2010, and since its opening, it has become a very popular brewery in Chicago.

In fact, they now have two locations in Chicago.

The original Milwaukee Avenue location is where you’ll find the brewpub and restaurant.

There, they serve a wide variety of beer, wine, and liquor along with a full menu. On the menu, you’ll find items like shrimp tacos, sandwiches, and cheese curds.

Their newest location is on Kedzie Avenue, and it houses the brewery and taproom.

At the Kedzie location, you can order beer, and light snacks, and every Saturday they have public brewery tours.

Revolution Brewing is easily one of the best breweries in Chicago.

Tickets Here: Chicago’s 360 Observation Deck.

A group of people sitting at a table in a breweries in Chicago, holding up their beer glasses, and enjoying burgers.

Pilot Project Brewing Is A More Unique Chicago Brewpub

If you want to sample a wide variety of beers, from different local brewers, in one spot, then head to Pilot Project Brewing. Pilot Project Brewing is on Milwaukee Avenue, at Logan Square.

It’s a more unique Chicago brewpub because it’s actually a brewery incubator.

What that means is at Pilot Project, you’ll get to sample new brews that local brewers are just starting in the business.

With your help, they offer recipe suggestions, give guidance on marketing, and more to help new brewers get started.

So, whenever you visit Pilot Project, you’ll get to try something brand new that you won’t find anywhere else, literally.

Because of this, their tap list is always changing, sometimes daily.

Their tasting room is a comfortable space with craft brews, local coffee roasters, a scratch kitchen, and lots more.

Pilot Project Brewing is an excellent Chicago date night idea , and it’s one of the coolest Chicago brewpubs.

Before exploring Chicago breweries, how about some sightseeing?

Tickets here: Willis Tower Skydeck!

A group of people sitting at a bar similar to some breweries in Chicago while they get a private beer tasting in an industrial space.

Lo Rez Brewing And Taproom Specializes In Traditional Beer Recipes

The founders and owners of Lo Rez Brewing and Taproom say that they make ‘traditional beer for a modern world’.

Both founders were originally programmers that started making beer in their garage as a hobby.

They became masters of brewing and over the years they started getting certified in microbrewing.

Their hobby and passion for it grew, and eventually, they made a career switch.

In 2015, they started building their brewery in Pilsen, a neighborhood in the lower westside of Chicago.

Today, their industrial taproom is typically full of people enjoying one of the beers off of their tap list.

They have a core group of brews that you can almost always find on tap.

Lo Rez Brewing and Taproom also has seasonal brews as well as hard seltzers that are on rotation on the tap list.

With just one sip of any of their beers, you’ll see why Lo Rez is such a popular brewery in Chicago. And one of the best places to visit to enjoy Chicago at night!

A cool way to explore breweries in Chicago is on the Bikes, Bites, And Brews Biking Tour!

A flight of four beers ranging from lightest to darkest. You can see pretzels and peanuts on the table.

The Haymarket Pub And Brewery Is One Of The Top Rated Brewpubs In Chicago

If you only have time to check out a few of the Chicago breweries on this list, then the Haymarket Pub and Brewery is a good place to start.

With almost 2,000 positive Google and Facebook reviews, it’s one of the best breweries in Chicago.

You’ll find it on West Randolph Street, near Fulton Market.

At Haymarket, they have a large tap list that rotates fairly frequently. So there is almost always a new Chicago craft beer to try when you visit.

Along with the large tap list, they have a full pub restaurant.

At the pub, you’ll find menu items like sandwiches, burgers, wings, and more.

It’s a great Chicago brewery right in the heart of the city.

Tickets here to make exploring Chicago a lot easier: Big Bus Hop-On Hop-Off Sightseeing Bus.

A large tap with several pints of beer under it and being poured, similar to what you'll see at some breweries in Chicago.

Old Irving Brewing Co Is A Fun Chicago Brewery

The Old Irving Brewing Co. has a really fun atmosphere to match their Chicago craft beer tap list.

Their tap list changes, but it features brews that are available all year, seasonal brews, and more experimental brew flavors.

On their website, they have a breakdown of what craft beer flavors are available and when.

So, if you find one you love, you’ll know when to come back for more.

Not only are they a brewery, but they also have a pub restaurant, a funky industrial taproom, and a patio with outdoor games like cornhole.

They don’t serve just Chicago craft beers either. They also have a large selection of whiskey and bourbon, and locally made hard ciders.

This is one Chicago brewpub you definitely want to visit!

Tickets Here: Chicago Go City All Inclusive Pass

A flight with 6 beers ranging from darkest to lightest, similar to what you'll find at breweries in Chicago

Dovetail Brewery Serves Classic European Brews In Chicago

Dovetail Brewery says they ‘brew like monks, minus the vows’. That’s because they specialize in classic European brew recipes.

The owners of Dovetail met in Munich, Germany, while getting their Master Brewer Certifications, but both are originally from Chicago.

It was there that they discovered they both loved the traditional brewing methods of Europe and wanted to bring that back to the US.

The rest is history so to say, and Dovetail Brewery was created. They combine traditional European brewing techniques with American creativity to create their unique craft beers in Chicago.

Along with their spacious taproom where you can try their unique brews, they also have a beautiful Biergarten that is open seasonally.

You can typically find around 20 beers either on tap or bottled that you can try.

Like most Chicago breweries, they have a few staple beers along with a variety of seasonal flavors.

A sign outside of a large brick building that is a white oval and says 'Biergarten' in blue

Enjoy River Views When You Visit Metropolitan Brewing

Metropolitan Brewing is a brewery in Chicago IL that is known for its German-style lagers.

Their taproom is a large warehouse-type place where you can try one of their many beers.

Typically, they have about 3 year-round flavors and then another 10 or so flavors that rotate or are seasonal.

When it’s nice out, you can enjoy their beer on the beautiful riverside patio.

The riverside patio is literally right on the edge of the river and has tons of picnic tables, string lights, and of course, great views.

Metropolitan Brewing is also a family-friendly and dog-friendly Chicago brewery.

So, you can relax on the river with your family, friends, or dog while you get to enjoy delicious Chicago craft beer.

A large group of people on a patio at night enjoying beer, snacks, and laughing. Similar to what you'll find at breweries in Chicago.

DryHop Brewers Is A Great Place To Try Craft Beer In Chicago

DryHop Brewers is a European-style gastropub that also offers seasonal craft beers in Chicago.

You’ll find it in the Lakeview East neighborhood of Chicago.

They serve lunch, dinner, and weekend brunch, and all of the menu items pair perfectly with their craft brews.

Because all of their brews are seasonal, their tap list isn’t as big as some of the other craft breweries on this list.

However, you’ll still typically have about 6 different brews to choose from.

They also usually have at least one hard cider and one non-alcoholic beer on tap and a selection of wines and mixed drinks as well.

Their food menu is pretty typical for a Chicago brewpub and has items like burgers, sandwiches, small bites, homemade pizzas, and salads.

On weekends, from 11 am to 2:30 pm, they also serve brunch.

It is one of the things that makes DryHop Brewers one of the more unique Chicago breweries on this list.

Looking down a flight of beer in varying shades on a wooden bar

Goose Island Taproom Is Home To One Of The Most Popular Chicago Craft Beers

You may have seen Goose Island brews in your local beer distributor or grocery store selection.

That’s because, in 2011, Goose Island was acquired by Anheuser-Busch and started to become available widely across the US.

The taproom and brew house has been in Chicago since 1999 and has become a staple part of the craft beer community in the city.

They continue to be dedicated to the Chicago brewing community and still brew a large majority of their beers there.

Their taproom has also remained open, and you can go there to sample both classic Goose Island brews and some of their new offerings.

Throughout the week, you can also take a Chicago brewery tour at Goose Island at their Fulton Street location.

After your tour, enjoy some brews and enjoy some of their small snack items like charcuterie trays or bring your own food!

Copper and silver equipment for brewing beer, similar to breweries in Chicago

Experience An Upscale Pub Environment At Maplewood Brewery And Distillery

Maplewood Brewery and Distillery is a slightly more luxurious Chicago brewpub.

Their lounge, which is what they call their taproom, has an industrial vibe with leather chairs at tall tables, ambient lighting, and exposed brick walls.

They also have an outdoor patio that you can enjoy when the weather is nice.

Maplewood Brewery has 5 flagship beers that you’ll be able to try year-round.

Along with those, they have seasonal lagers, seasonal ales, experimental flavors, and small batch craft beers in Chicago that you can try.

If you’re looking to try a certain micro-brewed beer, they have a beer calendar on their website where you can see what will be available and when.

Maplewood Brewery hosts fun events throughout the year often themed around a fun idea or special brew, that are very popular too.

It’s one of the best brewpubs in Chicago with a fun atmosphere in a more upscale environment.

Two hands clinking glasses of beer together

Go Bowling And Try Chicago Craft Beer At Burnt City Brewing

Burnt City Brewing is another fun Chicago date night idea , thanks to its great brews and 8-lane bowling alley.

In fact, it’s the only Chicago brewery with a bowling alley!

They specialize in craft ales and stouts that pair perfectly with their upscale pub menu.

When you visit, you’ll find a smaller selection. But that’s because they are a smaller brewery that is part of a larger brewer collective in Chicago’s District Brew Yards.

However, don’t let that deter you. Their brews are some of the best Chicago beers and they are frequently highly rated amongst craft beer lovers.

Plus, you’ll be supporting a smaller Chicago brewery when you visit Burnt City Brewing which helps them expand their tap list offerings.

Three beers of different colors on coasters on a wooden table at one of the breweries in Chicago.

Burning Bush Brewery Is A Hip Microbrewery In Chicago

Burning Bush Brewery is a family-owned microbrewery in Chicago’s North Center neighborhood.

Not only do they serve high-quality Chicago craft beers, but they’re also dedicated to positively impacting their neighborhood.

They host a variety of charity events, fundraisers, and more that benefit their community.

Burning Bush is also family-friendly and dog-friendly!

With a beautiful hip taproom and a sunny patio, it’s a great place to sample micro-brewed beers in Chicago.

They typically have about 10 beers on tap that range from classic recipes to more experimental flavors.

While they don’t have a full kitchen, they do offer a small snack menu, and a few times a week they host a variety of local food trucks.

People clinking their glasses together on an outdoor patio on a sunny day, similar to what you'll find at breweries in Chicago

Try Uniquely American Micro Brewed Beers At Half Acre Beer Co One Of The Coolest Breweries In Chicago

Half Acre Beer Co. is known for its ‘purposefully rough American micro-brews’.

They aim to have intense and unique flavors on tap for you to enjoy throughout the year.

On tap, they have 6 micro-brewed beers that you can find year-round. They range from IPAs, Pale Ales, Pilsners, and Lagers.

Along with their year-round offerings, you’ll also find seasonal and monthly brews, as well as brews that you can only try in their taproom.

Their taproom is massive and they also have a seasonal beer garden.

There, you can relax in the sun and enjoy their taproom-only brews.

If you want to try a uniquely Chicago craft beer, then you’ll want to head to Half Acre Beer Co.

Visiting here is one of the coolest things to do in Illinois!

A group of hands clinking their small glasses of a light colored beer together at one of the breweries in Chicago!

Moody Tongue Brewing Company Is The World’s First Two Star Michelin Brewery

For those who may not know, restaurants, and now breweries are awarded Michelin Stars for their ‘outstanding cooking’.

To earn a Michelin Star, let alone two, is a huge honor that many chefs will never achieve.

This is why Moody Tongue Brewing Company is a very unique Chicago brewery.

They have not one, but two Michelin Stars, which is a huge honor and accomplishment. In fact, they are the first brewery in the world to earn this distinction.

That’s not the only thing that makes Moody Tongue Brewery so unique.

All of their beers are actually chef-driven, which means you’ll be able to try some of the most exotic and unique micro-brewed beers in the world here.

They typically have about 15 different beers that you can try and each brew pairs with their Michelin Star menu.

This is one of the best breweries in Chicago, and definitely worth a visit if you want a unique craft beer in Chicago.

To start your day off right, or to end a fun night with friends, try having a great breakfast in Chicago.

A fancy copper beer tap with someone pouring a light colored beer out of one of the taps at one of the breweries in Chicago.

Packing List When Visiting Breweries in Chicago

If you are searching, here are some  tips on how to pack lightly when packing to visit Chicago.

A  concealed travel pouch  may be one of the most important items you bring along when exploring breweries in Chicago.

It is always important to protect your personal information. Identity thieves are everywhere.

This  unisex RFID blocking concealed travel pouch is  lightweight and comes in several colors. It has lots of organization to give you peace of mind.

If you have a pouch already that does not come with the RFID protection, as I do, these  RFID  sleeves are  the perfect solution.

This configuration comes with enough credit card sleeves that the entire family would be protected. They are slim too, so they will easily fit into your pouch or wallet.

If you are planning on taking a lot of pictures with your phone you will definitely want to consider an  external charging battery . This  Anker high-speed phone charging battery  is  the exact one  I carry with me on all of my trips.

It can be used on a variety of phones, not just an iPhone like I have. And wow is it fast!

I like that it holds its charging capabilities for several uses so I do not have to worry about it while out and about, and if I forget to recharge it at night, it will still be good to go the next day.

My daughter gifted me with this  FugeTek selfie stick and tripod   setup for my birthday. I absolutely love it! It is made of lightweight aluminum and is so easy to use.

It has Bluetooth connectivity and is a breeze to use for taking selfies with family and friends when at the breweries in Chicago!

Hydration is so important when traveling. You want to remain hydrated throughout your travels to support your immune system which in turn will be stronger to fight off any germs you will encounter during your travels.

You will want to bring your own  refillable water bottle  with you.

I never leave home on a trip without my  Bobble filtration bottle .  The 18.5-ounce size is perfect for hiking and it fits nicely in the pocket of a backpack.

When filled with water, it is not too heavy to carry. And the charcoal filter ensures fresh clean water whenever you fill the Bobble.

Perhaps you are traveling a long distance and packing space is a premium in your suitcase, or in your car.

Then this  set of collapsible silicone foldable water bottles  would work well for you. Would not take up much space at all.

You will want a  backpack or daypack  with you to store snacks, your water bottle, phone, extra clothes, etc.. then this   foldable water-resistant backpack   would be great.

This list of breweries in Chicago is just a small sample of the over 160 different breweries in the city and surrounding suburbs.

Chicago is certainly one of the best places to visit in the Midwest , and its breweries are top-notch.

It’s full of some of the most highly rated and unique Chicago area breweries!

Whether you’re a fan of exotic flavors, classic European brews, or intense American flavors, the breweries on this list have a craft beer in Chicago perfect for you.

One thing is for certain, Chicago is the craft beer lover’s dream Midwest vacation destination !

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Brewery Tours

If there is one thing that everyone can agree about when it comes to visiting the Windy City , then it has to be the fact that there is always something fun to do here. Chicago is renowned for being the cultural hub of Illinois , the home of the famous Chicago Bulls NBA team, and having some of the country's best breweries. This is why thousands of people book Brewery Tours in Chicago each year. Here at Pontarelli, we are veterans of the industry with more than four decades of experience, and we would love nothing more than the opportunity to provide you with the Chicago Brewery Tour you deserve!

Discover the Best Brews: Chicago's Ultimate Brewery Tour Experience

What sets us apart from the competition is that we provide an extensive range of premium transportation in Chicago. We created Pontarelli in 1977, and since then, we have had more than enough time to perfect our Chicago limo service to a tee. Our professional chauffeurs are familiar with the best routes, and we have invested in a luxurious fleet available at your disposal 24/7. Book our Chicago brewery tours , and we promise that you will look like a VIP and feel like one.

As mentioned, Chicago is home to some of the country's most renowned breweries. Starting with the Lagunitas Brewing Company and ending with the famous Begyle Brewery , we will give you a complete tour that will allow you to explore the refreshing and delicious brews that Chicago has to offer. Stop stressing about finding the fastest routes and good parking spots, and let the professionals take care of everything for you. Our Chicago Brewery Tours are a complete package. We will come to pick you up from the comfort of your home and take you on a fantastic tour where you don't need to worry about anything else other than what brew you want to taste next.

Expertise and Elegance: Our Professional Brewery Tour Team

Considering that the Pontarelli brand has been established as a household name for over three decades, it shouldn't be surprising that we attract the best professional chauffeurs in the area. That's not all. We only hire the top candidates after performing a full background check and testing their skills behind the wheel. After all, we want to ensure all our clients are in safe hands when riding with our Chicago Brewery Tours . We also equip all our premium vehicles with the latest safety GPS technology to help our professional chauffeurs map the fastest and safest routes. You can say goodbye to running late to events because we will ensure that never happens again!

While our luxurious fleet is what makes the first impression on our clients, we believe that our professional chauffeurs are the face of our company. This is why we provide them with dedicated training that teaches them always to be courteous and respect the client's privacy. When riding with our fleet, you are guaranteed a stress-free experience.

Ride in Style: Our Premium Brewery Tour Fleet

Since our inception, we have aimed to invest in a luxurious fleet that can meet all our client's requests and specific demands. As a result, we provide all our clients full access to versatile fleet containing luxurious vehicles such as the Lincoln Continental and the Volvo S90. Whether you are planning a big event or need to provide transportation to your business partners, we are the best team for the job!

No matter what vehicle you choose, you can be sure they are packed with luxury amenities and carefully maintained. Wherever you might be headed, we are here to transform all your travels into memorable journeys. We are not satisfied until each client benefits from a stellar experience!

Must-Visit Gems: Chicago's Most Popular Breweries Unveiled

Suppose you are passing through Chicago and want to receive a premium tour of the local breweries. In that case, we highly recommend starting with the Half Acre Brewery Co . Here is where you will find the most delicious Daisy Cutter, but that's not all. The Half Acre Brewery Co. is also a great choice to visit because it has a kitchen on-site that services tasty menus of roasted meats and veggies. We highly recommend the Marz Community Brewing Co. for all clients who book our Chicago Brewery Tours. This is because the brewery offers 24 on-tap libations.

No matter what breweries you visit in Chicago, you can rely on our premium car service to provide safe and luxurious transportation. Our friendly customer support team is available at all hours of the day at 312-361-4111 and via email at [email protected] . Call us today, and we will create a personalized transportation plan that will exceed all your expectations.

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  3. 9 Best Chicago Brewery Tours and Tastings

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  4. 9 Best Chicago Brewery Tours and Tastings

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  5. All the Cheap (Even Free!) Brewery Tours in Chicago

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  6. CHICAGO BREWERY TOURS

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COMMENTS

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    1. Dovetail Brewery Bars Breweries North Center You'll get to taste three of Dovetail's beers during this lengthy (and super-informative) tour, but the most interesting moment comes when...

  2. Unique Beer Experiences in Chicago

    A brewery tour can take you behind the scenes of Chicago's coolest craft beer makers, where you can learn about the process, chat with the brewers, and sample the goods. We've rounded up just a few of the cool brewery tours and guided beer experiences in Chicago. Craft brewery tours in Chicago Revolution Brewing Goose Island

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    Brewery tours provide an opportunity to go behind the scenes and witness the artistry and science that goes into brewing your favorite beers. These tours offer an exclusive glimpse into the brewing process, from the selection of ingredients to the fermentation and packaging stages.

  7. THE 5 BEST Chicago Beer Tastings & Brewery Tours

    THE 5 BEST Chicago Beer Tastings & Brewery Tours Beer Tastings & Brewery Tours in Chicago Enter dates Tours Filters • 1 Sort All things to do Category types Attractions Tours Day Trips Outdoor Activities Concerts & Shows Food & Drink Events Classes & Workshops Shopping Transportation Traveler Resources Product Categories Cultural Tours

  8. Chicago's Best Brewery Tasting Rooms

    This dog- and kid-friendly taproom has a 18-seat courtyard that's open seasonally. Find a good variety of lagers, ales, and sours on draft. Open in Google Maps. Foursquare. 4055 W Peterson Ave ...

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  10. The ultimate guide to Chicago brewery tours

    821 Chicago Ave., Evanston, 847-859-9051, sketchbookbrewing.com/tours. Second Saturdays, 3 PM. 60 minutes. $10, includes 24 ounces of beer during the tour and afterward a 16-ounce pour in...

  11. All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)

    About. The Barrel Run provides public and private tours and full charter services. Taste and tour Chicago's best breweries, wineries, and distilleries, or take an entertaining and educating gangster tour to learn about mobsters of the Prohibition era. Chicago, Illinois. Contact.

  12. THE TOP 10 Chicago Beer & Brewery Tours (w/Prices)

    Things to do in Illinois Things to do in Chicago Chicago Tours Questions? (888) 651-9785 Top Chicago Beer & Brewery Tours Beer & Brewery Tours Historical Tours City Tours Food Tours Walking Tours Culinary Tours Bus Tours Bike Tours Half-day Tours Pop Culture Arts & Design Dessert Tours Mountain Bike Tours Art Tours Likely To Sell Out

  13. 2024 Chicago Craft Brewery Barrel Bus Tour

    97 reviews Recommended by 97% of travelers See all photos About Chicago has a thriving craft beer scene with new bars and brew-pubs springing up all around the city. This tour provides the ideal introduction as you visit up to three different breweries and travel on-board a traditional 20th-century-style Barrel Bus.

  14. VISIT OUR Taproom

    VISIT OUR Taproom. Situated in West Town on the corner of Fulton and Wood, the Goose Island Taproom serves rotating, innovative beers made in Chicago, for Chicago. The Taproom opened back in 2015 to bring the beers brewed in the building right to the neighborhood. Along with classics like Honkers Ale and 312 Wheat Ale, our brewers put ...

  15. Public Tours

    Our Kedzie Production Facility offers tours to fellow Revolutionaries 21 and up! Take a 45-minute guided tour of our 90,000 square foot production facility and learn about the history of Revolution Brewing and how our delicious beer is made. Each guest will receive 2 fresh beer samples during the tour and a Revolution Brewing glass at the end.

  16. Chicago Craft Brewery Barrel Bus Tour (Feb 2024)

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  18. 40 Best Chicago Breweries For Local Beer and Cider

    1. Half Acre Brewery Balmoral Bars Breweries Lincoln Square Half Acre outgrew its original brewery in Lincoln Park years ago, moving most of its production to a warehouse just west of...

  19. Chicago: Craft Brewery Tour by Barrel Bus

    Full description Explore the best of Chicago's craft beer scene, all while riding on a barrel bus. Discover three distinct breweries in Chicago and taste some delicious beers. Your tour begins when you step through a speakeasy-style door into a custom-engineered bus. Get a fully immersive experience of beer on a barrel-shaped bus.

  20. Brewery + Taproom

    773-588-2267. [email protected]. Our Kedzie Avenue brewery—one of the largest in Illinois—is where we fill kegs and cans for distribution. Production began at the 90,000 square foot Kedzie Avenue facility in the Spring of 2012. Located about 1 1/2 miles away from our brewpub, our brewery also houses our German beer hall-inspired taproom.

  21. 15 Best Breweries In Chicago You Must Visit

    The Peninsula Chicago (Near museums) Club Quarter Hotels Wacker (Overlooking the Chicago River!) Hotel Blake (Close to Millennium Park.) Within the city and the surrounding suburbs, there are just over 160 breweries and taprooms. Lovers of craft beer have started flocking to Chicago, spending days in the city exploring its many breweries.

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    Goose Island Beer Company is undoubtedly one of the most renowned breweries in Chicago. Founded in 1988, Goose Island has gained a reputation for its commitment to quality and innovation. Their portfolio of beers showcases a wide range of styles, from crisp and refreshing ales to complex and barrel-aged brews.

  23. Brewery Tours in Chicago

    The Half Acre Brewery Co. is also a great choice to visit because it has a kitchen on-site that services tasty menus of roasted meats and veggies. We highly recommend the Marz Community Brewing Co. for all clients who book our Chicago Brewery Tours. This is because the brewery offers 24 on-tap libations.