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28 Chicago Craft Beer Destinations, 2017 Edition

Chicago's quality beer options keep getting better

by Ashok Selvam and Eater Staff Updated Sep 13, 2017, 12:45pm CDT

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by Ashok Selvam and Eater Staff Updated Sep 13, 2017, 12:45pm CDT

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Beer bars are a dime a dozen in Chicago — but where does a thirsty beer lover go when they want something special? There's no need to drive to the suburbs (or drive at all) to enjoy unique offerings at these great Chicago beer destinations. They use state-of-the-art equipment to ensure drinkers get fresh and clean-tasting beer. Some offer hard-to-find selections, while others offer unique experiences beer lovers can't find anywhere else.

Keep this list handy the next time a friend wants to meet up for a few brews. This list is presented alphabetically.

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Eater maps are curated by editors and aim to reflect a diversity of neighborhoods, cuisines, and prices. Learn more about our editorial process. If you buy something or book a reservation from an Eater link, Vox Media may earn a commission. See our ethics policy.

Baderbrau

Armed with an arsenal of low-ABV crushable beer, Baderbrau is where beer lovers near McCormick Place need to flock to during their boring conferences. South Side Pride, which comes in White Sox-inspired cans, is an example of the smooth lagers this brewery produces. They also have inventive food, including a Buffalo mac and cheese waffle that might be the ultimate bar food.

2515 S Wabash Ave, Chicago, IL 60616

Visit Website

Baderbrau

Also featured in:

Band of Bohemia

The world's only Michelin-starred brewpub resides in Ravenswood. The sessional brews are crisp and feature cheffy ingredients. The beautiful Victorian-influenced space sports a lovely bar to cozy up and grab a snack and a pint. It's one of the most-unique venues in Chicago and will wow any beer fan.

4710 N Ravenswood Ave, Chicago, IL 60640

Visit Website

Also featured in:

Bangers & Lace

The draft list balances domestic options — such as Marz and Evil Twin — with imported brews displayed on an ever-changing chalkboard menu. On the sausage side of things, pair any craft beer with a garlic duck sausage “BLT” or venison sausage with blueberry jam and bacon.

1670 W Division St, Chicago, IL 60622

Visit Website

Also featured in:

Beermiscuous

One of Chicago's most unique venues, dubbed a "beer cafe," caters to the craft beer fan with several drafts as well as a well-stocked cooler. BYOF (that's bring your own food) is encouraged, however, the space regularly welcomes food trucks to park out front.

2812 N Lincoln Ave, Chicago, IL 60657

Visit Website

Also featured in:

18 Chicago Bars To Hold Fantasy Football Drafts, Mapped

Centennial Crafted Beer & Eatery

There aren't too many spots of craft beer around River North, and the owner of Centennial wanted to fill the void. There's a Midwest focus on the tap list and food from a former chef at Hopleaf. Spend sometime at the main bar or grab a full meal inside the two-level space.

733 N La Salle Dr, Chicago, IL 60654

Visit Website

Crown Liquors

Crown Liquors has become one of Logan Square's premiere beer destinations. Stop in for a pint of Pipeworks Imperial End of Days at the bar and then grab a one of 500 bottles available to-go.

2821 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60618

Cruz Blanca Cervecería & Taqueria

Rick Bayless plays tribute to Mexico City's under-the-radar brewing culture with a 10-barrel brewing system specializing in the Alsatian technique of bottle-conditioning (a French immigrant brought the technique to Mexico) as well as a style of beer known as Bière de Garde. Try La Guardia Rubia, a blonde ale made with Illinois honey, or La Guardia Ambar, a medium-bodied amber ale made with Mexican hominy.

904 W Randolph St, Chicago, IL 60607

Visit Website

Also featured in:

DryHop Brewers

This Lakeview beer oasis specializes in IPAs and Pale Ales brewed on-site. Try one of its signature brews, a light bodied American Wheat Ale featuring Galaxy hops, called Shark Meets Hipster with the brewpub's equally famous burger. If near the Southport Corridor, try their sister venue, Corridor Brewery & Provisions.

3155 N Broadway St, Chicago, IL 60657

Visit Website

Also featured in:

Fountainhead

North Center's Fountainhead keeps on rolling, as the gastropub is haven for good food, craft beer, and whisky. It's a charming spot — preferred seating are the stools by the back wall, behind the bar. That way the bartender can give customers personalized recs without as much commotion.

1970 W Montrose Ave, Chicago, IL 60613

Visit Website

Fountainhead

Also featured in:

Goose Island Beer Co. Tap Deck

It only took 20 years after Goose Island opened its Fulton and Wood facility to open this gem of a tasting room. And, if you're lucky, you'll find some Bourbon County varietals on tap. If you're less lucky, its Four Star pilsner and Goose IPA are always availible.

Open in Google Maps

1800 W Fulton St, Chicago, IL 60612

Visit Website

Half Acre Bowmanville

After three years of anticipation, Half Acre Brewing has a debuted a new North Side taproom featuring 22 taps and a beer garden. The new spot is in the same building as its Bowmanville production facility, and features experimental brews and European-style breads and roasted meats. The founders feel this opening, the brewery's second taproom, is a major step for the company.

Open in Google Maps

Half Acre Bowmanville

Haymarket Pub & Brewery

While Randolph Street keeps getting trendier, this longstanding brewpub remains true to its ethos of serving creative beers in a laid-back setting. Here, two bars serve up Banana Hammock Hefeweizen, I'm Not Lonely Belgian Single, and Colsch Kream Ale as well as some of the best sweet potato tots in the city.

737 W Randolph St, Chicago, IL 60661

Visit Website

Also featured in:

Hopleaf Bar

Despite a recent cold call from the "Bar Rescue" crew, there's little that needs fixing up at this Andersonville gem. An extensive beer and cider list pairs well with its brew-friendly food.Try the Temperance Restless Years with the house specialty mussels.

5148 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60640

Visit Website

Also featured in:

Howells & Hood

With over 100 beers on draft, even the pickiest beer snob can find something to sip on at this Mag Mile hotspot. Popular with the after-work crowd, the spacious bar is divided between a restaurant, bar, and patio complete with multiple fire pits. Be forewarned: The bar is slated to closed in 2018, as new ownership has taken over the Tribune Tower.

435 N Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60611

Visit Website

Also featured in:

Lagunitas Taproom

The midwest headquarters to Lagunitas is not only the city's largest breweries, but also boasts an equally spacious brewpub. Here, enjoy Little Sumpin' Sumpin' and spent grain brownies as well as live music, before taking a tour of the facility.

Open in Google Maps

1843 N Washtenaw Ave, Chicago, IL 60647

Visit Website

Also featured in:

Updated: Where to Drink in Chicago Right Now

Links Taproom

Giving Bangers & Lace a run for its money in terms of the craft beer and sausage destination of Wicker Park, what sets this beer bar apart is its high tech menu that displays the amount of beer left in its kegs. This means when you see the keg icon turns red next to Off Color’s coffee-infused Hyper Predator, it’s best to order it before it’s gone.

1559 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60622

Visit Website

Also featured in:

Local Option

Not many folks remember what the Local Option used to be — a seafood-centric bar for the post college crowd. But they've wiped those memories away, and even brew their own beer made with an extra dose of heavy metal.

1102 W Webster Ave, Chicago, IL 60614

Visit Website

Maria's Packaged Goods & Community Bar

The recent addition of Kimski, and its Korean-Polish cuisine, is a just another reason to love this Bridgeport beer destination. A quintessential Chicago slashie — it features a retail store in the front, specializing in large-format brews, and a bar in the back. Here, sip on over 200 options, including Desthil wild sours, Short’s blond ale, as well as their own Marz beers.

960 W 31st St, Chicago, IL 60608

Visit Website

Also featured in:

Moody Tongue Brewery

Brewmaster Jared Rouben has opened a modern taproom at his Pilsen brewery with a fireplace and shelves decorated with books Rouben used while studying the culinary arts. Rouben takes a chef's approach to brewing with beers like Steeped Emperor's Lemon Saison and Caramelized Chocolate Churro. This small space is one the most-dazzling tasting rooms in the city.

2136 S Peoria St, Chicago, IL 60608

Visit Website

moody tongue

Also featured in:

Where to Order Beer, Wine, and Cocktail Kit Delivery in Chicago

Old Irving Brewing Co.

This North Side brewery comes from Folkart Restaurant Management and Matthias Merges, the celebrated restaurateur/chef behind A10, Yusho, and Billy Sunday. The food is top notch inside a space where customers can play bags and relax under high ceilings. The cheffy beers use unusual ingredients, and macrobrew drinkers may be skeptical. But after one sip their feelings will be replaced by a sense of refreshment.

4419 W Montrose Ave, Chicago, IL 60641

Visit Website

Old Irving Brewing Co.

Also featured in:

Open Outcry Brewing

The Beverly/Morgan Park area isn't known for watering holes, but Open Outcry took the area by storm when it opened over the summer. Neapolitan pizzas complement the breweries fresh beer inside a modern space that's family friendly.

Open in Google Maps

10934 S Western Ave, Chicago, IL 60643

Piece Brewery and Pizzeria

The thin-crust New Haven, Connecticut pizzas often overshadow the beer at Piece, a Wicker Park stalwart since 2001. But avoiding the brewery's offerings would be a mistake. A perennial contender at competitions like the Great American Beer Festival, beer lovers would be so wise to try a Golden Arm or Worryin' Ale.

1927 W North Ave, Chicago, IL 60622

Visit Website

Piece Pizza

Also featured in:

Revolution Brewing

One of Chicago's largest craft breweries serve up its good stuff in a cozy Logan Square brewpub. Grab a seat at the large, wood bar for fresh Fist City alongside a brew-friendly food menu. If you would rather get closer to the action, its Avondale brewery also features a large tasting room and hosts tours.

2323 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60647

Visit Website

Also featured in:

Tapster

Chicago's first pour-your-own beer beer opened in early 2017 in Wicker Park. Tapster allows customers to use plastic cards which log how much they drink, to select exactly how much beer they want. Mix and match; adventurous mixologists may even pour coffee into their beer to spike their offerings. It's about customer choice at Tapster.

2027 W North Ave, Chicago, IL 60647

Visit Website

Tapster

The Map Room

200 beers span the draft and bottle menu, with one always earning the title and a deep discount as the beer of the month. Since 1992, the travelers’ tavern has offered its wide assortment of brews in a comfortably worn setting — back-issues of National Geographic fill shelves and vintage beer posters grace the walls. It is good to know that they open at 6:30 a.m. for coffee with craft beer flowing by 11 a.m.

1949 N Hoyne Ave, Chicago, IL 60647

Visit Website

The Publican

This Fulton Market game changer is the best example of a traditional beer hall in Chicago. The staff has deep ties to the industry and can procure rare beers for their customers to try. The Pub bacon and oysters aren't bad, either.

837 W Fulton Market, Chicago, IL 60607

Visit Website

Publican

Also featured in:

Vice District Brewing

A rare Black-owned brewery, Vice District has been part of the South Loop's renaissance. The taproom features 14 brews on tap. House favorites include the "Cluster? Damn Near Killed Her!" That's an imperial IPA weighing in at 8 percent ABV.

1454 S Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60605

(312) 291-9022.

(312) 291-9022.

Visit Website

Vice District Brewing

Also featured in:

Villain's Black Market Craft

Like the Phoenix, Villain's has risen, but it's not the same bird. They're more crafty than dive by tapping rare brews and offering one truly gourmet burger, topped with North Counrty bacon, Hooks four-year aged cheddar, pickles, smoked red onion, and beef fat mayo.

730 S Clark St, Chicago, IL 60605

Visit Website

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Baderbrau

2515 S Wabash Ave, Chicago, IL 60616

Armed with an arsenal of low-ABV crushable beer, Baderbrau is where beer lovers near McCormick Place need to flock to during their boring conferences. South Side Pride, which comes in White Sox-inspired cans, is an example of the smooth lagers this brewery produces. They also have inventive food, including a Buffalo mac and cheese waffle that might be the ultimate bar food.

2515 S Wabash Ave, Chicago, IL 60616

Visit Website

Baderbrau

Band of Bohemia

4710 N Ravenswood Ave, Chicago, IL 60640

The world's only Michelin-starred brewpub resides in Ravenswood. The sessional brews are crisp and feature cheffy ingredients. The beautiful Victorian-influenced space sports a lovely bar to cozy up and grab a snack and a pint. It's one of the most-unique venues in Chicago and will wow any beer fan.

4710 N Ravenswood Ave, Chicago, IL 60640

Visit Website

Bangers & Lace

1670 W Division St, Chicago, IL 60622

The draft list balances domestic options — such as Marz and Evil Twin — with imported brews displayed on an ever-changing chalkboard menu. On the sausage side of things, pair any craft beer with a garlic duck sausage “BLT” or venison sausage with blueberry jam and bacon.

1670 W Division St, Chicago, IL 60622

Visit Website

Beermiscuous

2812 N Lincoln Ave, Chicago, IL 60657

One of Chicago's most unique venues, dubbed a "beer cafe," caters to the craft beer fan with several drafts as well as a well-stocked cooler. BYOF (that's bring your own food) is encouraged, however, the space regularly welcomes food trucks to park out front.

2812 N Lincoln Ave, Chicago, IL 60657

Visit Website

Centennial Crafted Beer & Eatery

733 N La Salle Dr, Chicago, IL 60654

There aren't too many spots of craft beer around River North, and the owner of Centennial wanted to fill the void. There's a Midwest focus on the tap list and food from a former chef at Hopleaf. Spend sometime at the main bar or grab a full meal inside the two-level space.

733 N La Salle Dr, Chicago, IL 60654

Visit Website

Crown Liquors

2821 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60618

Crown Liquors has become one of Logan Square's premiere beer destinations. Stop in for a pint of Pipeworks Imperial End of Days at the bar and then grab a one of 500 bottles available to-go.

2821 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60618

Cruz Blanca Cervecería & Taqueria

904 W Randolph St, Chicago, IL 60607

Rick Bayless plays tribute to Mexico City's under-the-radar brewing culture with a 10-barrel brewing system specializing in the Alsatian technique of bottle-conditioning (a French immigrant brought the technique to Mexico) as well as a style of beer known as Bière de Garde. Try La Guardia Rubia, a blonde ale made with Illinois honey, or La Guardia Ambar, a medium-bodied amber ale made with Mexican hominy.

904 W Randolph St, Chicago, IL 60607

Visit Website

DryHop Brewers

3155 N Broadway St, Chicago, IL 60657

This Lakeview beer oasis specializes in IPAs and Pale Ales brewed on-site. Try one of its signature brews, a light bodied American Wheat Ale featuring Galaxy hops, called Shark Meets Hipster with the brewpub's equally famous burger. If near the Southport Corridor, try their sister venue, Corridor Brewery & Provisions.

3155 N Broadway St, Chicago, IL 60657

Visit Website

Fountainhead

1970 W Montrose Ave, Chicago, IL 60613

North Center's Fountainhead keeps on rolling, as the gastropub is haven for good food, craft beer, and whisky. It's a charming spot — preferred seating are the stools by the back wall, behind the bar. That way the bartender can give customers personalized recs without as much commotion.

1970 W Montrose Ave, Chicago, IL 60613

Visit Website

Fountainhead

Goose Island Beer Co. Tap Deck

1800 W Fulton St, Chicago, IL 60612

It only took 20 years after Goose Island opened its Fulton and Wood facility to open this gem of a tasting room. And, if you're lucky, you'll find some Bourbon County varietals on tap. If you're less lucky, its Four Star pilsner and Goose IPA are always availible.

Open in Google Maps

1800 W Fulton St, Chicago, IL 60612

Visit Website

Half Acre Bowmanville

After three years of anticipation, Half Acre Brewing has a debuted a new North Side taproom featuring 22 taps and a beer garden. The new spot is in the same building as its Bowmanville production facility, and features experimental brews and European-style breads and roasted meats. The founders feel this opening, the brewery's second taproom, is a major step for the company.

Open in Google Maps

Half Acre Bowmanville

Haymarket Pub & Brewery

737 W Randolph St, Chicago, IL 60661

While Randolph Street keeps getting trendier, this longstanding brewpub remains true to its ethos of serving creative beers in a laid-back setting. Here, two bars serve up Banana Hammock Hefeweizen, I'm Not Lonely Belgian Single, and Colsch Kream Ale as well as some of the best sweet potato tots in the city.

737 W Randolph St, Chicago, IL 60661

Visit Website

Hopleaf Bar

5148 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60640

Despite a recent cold call from the "Bar Rescue" crew, there's little that needs fixing up at this Andersonville gem. An extensive beer and cider list pairs well with its brew-friendly food.Try the Temperance Restless Years with the house specialty mussels.

5148 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60640

Visit Website

Howells & Hood

435 N Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60611

With over 100 beers on draft, even the pickiest beer snob can find something to sip on at this Mag Mile hotspot. Popular with the after-work crowd, the spacious bar is divided between a restaurant, bar, and patio complete with multiple fire pits. Be forewarned: The bar is slated to closed in 2018, as new ownership has taken over the Tribune Tower.

435 N Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60611

Visit Website

Lagunitas Taproom

1843 N Washtenaw Ave, Chicago, IL 60647

The midwest headquarters to Lagunitas is not only the city's largest breweries, but also boasts an equally spacious brewpub. Here, enjoy Little Sumpin' Sumpin' and spent grain brownies as well as live music, before taking a tour of the facility.

Open in Google Maps

1843 N Washtenaw Ave, Chicago, IL 60647

Visit Website

Related Maps

Links Taproom

1559 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60622

Giving Bangers & Lace a run for its money in terms of the craft beer and sausage destination of Wicker Park, what sets this beer bar apart is its high tech menu that displays the amount of beer left in its kegs. This means when you see the keg icon turns red next to Off Color’s coffee-infused Hyper Predator, it’s best to order it before it’s gone.

1559 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60622

Visit Website

Local Option

1102 W Webster Ave, Chicago, IL 60614

Not many folks remember what the Local Option used to be — a seafood-centric bar for the post college crowd. But they've wiped those memories away, and even brew their own beer made with an extra dose of heavy metal.

1102 W Webster Ave, Chicago, IL 60614

Visit Website

Maria's Packaged Goods & Community Bar

960 W 31st St, Chicago, IL 60608

The recent addition of Kimski, and its Korean-Polish cuisine, is a just another reason to love this Bridgeport beer destination. A quintessential Chicago slashie — it features a retail store in the front, specializing in large-format brews, and a bar in the back. Here, sip on over 200 options, including Desthil wild sours, Short’s blond ale, as well as their own Marz beers.

960 W 31st St, Chicago, IL 60608

Visit Website

Moody Tongue Brewery

2136 S Peoria St, Chicago, IL 60608

Brewmaster Jared Rouben has opened a modern taproom at his Pilsen brewery with a fireplace and shelves decorated with books Rouben used while studying the culinary arts. Rouben takes a chef's approach to brewing with beers like Steeped Emperor's Lemon Saison and Caramelized Chocolate Churro. This small space is one the most-dazzling tasting rooms in the city.

2136 S Peoria St, Chicago, IL 60608

Visit Website

moody tongue

Old Irving Brewing Co.

4419 W Montrose Ave, Chicago, IL 60641

This North Side brewery comes from Folkart Restaurant Management and Matthias Merges, the celebrated restaurateur/chef behind A10, Yusho, and Billy Sunday. The food is top notch inside a space where customers can play bags and relax under high ceilings. The cheffy beers use unusual ingredients, and macrobrew drinkers may be skeptical. But after one sip their feelings will be replaced by a sense of refreshment.

4419 W Montrose Ave, Chicago, IL 60641

Visit Website

Old Irving Brewing Co.

Open Outcry Brewing

10934 S Western Ave, Chicago, IL 60643

The Beverly/Morgan Park area isn't known for watering holes, but Open Outcry took the area by storm when it opened over the summer. Neapolitan pizzas complement the breweries fresh beer inside a modern space that's family friendly.

Open in Google Maps

10934 S Western Ave, Chicago, IL 60643

Piece Brewery and Pizzeria

1927 W North Ave, Chicago, IL 60622

The thin-crust New Haven, Connecticut pizzas often overshadow the beer at Piece, a Wicker Park stalwart since 2001. But avoiding the brewery's offerings would be a mistake. A perennial contender at competitions like the Great American Beer Festival, beer lovers would be so wise to try a Golden Arm or Worryin' Ale.

1927 W North Ave, Chicago, IL 60622

Visit Website

Piece Pizza

Revolution Brewing

2323 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60647

One of Chicago's largest craft breweries serve up its good stuff in a cozy Logan Square brewpub. Grab a seat at the large, wood bar for fresh Fist City alongside a brew-friendly food menu. If you would rather get closer to the action, its Avondale brewery also features a large tasting room and hosts tours.

2323 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60647

Visit Website

Tapster

2027 W North Ave, Chicago, IL 60647

Chicago's first pour-your-own beer beer opened in early 2017 in Wicker Park. Tapster allows customers to use plastic cards which log how much they drink, to select exactly how much beer they want. Mix and match; adventurous mixologists may even pour coffee into their beer to spike their offerings. It's about customer choice at Tapster.

2027 W North Ave, Chicago, IL 60647

Visit Website

Tapster

The Map Room

1949 N Hoyne Ave, Chicago, IL 60647

200 beers span the draft and bottle menu, with one always earning the title and a deep discount as the beer of the month. Since 1992, the travelers’ tavern has offered its wide assortment of brews in a comfortably worn setting — back-issues of National Geographic fill shelves and vintage beer posters grace the walls. It is good to know that they open at 6:30 a.m. for coffee with craft beer flowing by 11 a.m.

1949 N Hoyne Ave, Chicago, IL 60647

Visit Website

The Publican

837 W Fulton Market, Chicago, IL 60607

This Fulton Market game changer is the best example of a traditional beer hall in Chicago. The staff has deep ties to the industry and can procure rare beers for their customers to try. The Pub bacon and oysters aren't bad, either.

837 W Fulton Market, Chicago, IL 60607

Visit Website

Publican

Vice District Brewing

1454 S Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60605

A rare Black-owned brewery, Vice District has been part of the South Loop's renaissance. The taproom features 14 brews on tap. House favorites include the "Cluster? Damn Near Killed Her!" That's an imperial IPA weighing in at 8 percent ABV.

1454 S Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60605

(312) 291-9022.

(312) 291-9022.

Visit Website

Vice District Brewing

Villain's Black Market Craft

730 S Clark St, Chicago, IL 60605

Like the Phoenix, Villain's has risen, but it's not the same bird. They're more crafty than dive by tapping rare brews and offering one truly gourmet burger, topped with North Counrty bacon, Hooks four-year aged cheddar, pickles, smoked red onion, and beef fat mayo.

730 S Clark St, Chicago, IL 60605

Visit Website

Related Maps