A history-laden rising star in the world of craft beer, Chicago is the founding place of several craft breweries entrenched in tradition and local pride, many of which house amazing taprooms where you can sample one-of-a-kind beers, housemade ciders, special release brews. Along with nationally recognized brands, you’ll also find a wealth of local neighborhood taprooms where you can discover up-and-coming breweries before anyone else. Check out some of the best taprooms all around Chicago.
ERIS Brewery and Cider House
Named for the Greek goddess of mayhem, ERIS Brewery & Cider House is a women-owned spot in the Irving Park neighborhood that’s earned a loyal following among locals for their hard ciders. Their taproom, housed in a historic building, has a relaxed atmosphere, a spacious patio, and a full menu with options for carnivores and vegetarians alike. 4240 W. Irving Park Rd., Irving Park
Turner Häus Brewery
Turner Häus Brewery is a Black-owned microbrewery that specializes in serving premium, high-gravity beers. Their location in the Bronzeville neighborhood boasts a fun, welcoming atmosphere for everyone from craft beer connoisseurs to the casual enthusiast. Make sure to check out their events calendar for live music and special collaborations with other local breweries.
Crushed By Giants Brewing Company
Just off Michigan Avenue, this independent craft brewery and restaurant serves up an ever-changing draft list featuring everything from hoppy IPAs to sours to funky saisons in the Streeterville neighborhood. The Crushed by Giants taproom, a modern space with soaring windows overlooking the surrounding cityspace, also offers a menu of simple but stellar dishes designed to perfectly pair with their brews. 600 N. Michigan Ave, Streeterville
Duneyrr Artisan Fermenta
This new taproom in the historic Motor Row district showcases Nordic-inspired wild ales made with modern brewing techniques and local ingredients. Duneyrr is a microbrewery known for incorporating the ingredients and production methods of wine, cider, and mead into its artisan craft beers, resulting in a truly one-of-a-kind product. 2337 S. Michigan Ave., South Loop
Forbidden Root
In hip West Town, you’ll find Chicago’s first brewery dedicated to botanical beers using all-natural ingredients. With a nod to beer-making’s earliest days, these alchemists use bark, stems, blossoms, sap, herbs, spices, leaves, flowers, and honey in their quest for new and different flavors. At the heart of Forbidden Root‘s taproom is a four-sided bar, standing at the center of a rich and woodsy environment. A pretty impressive gastropub menu rounds out the experience. 1746 W. Chicago Ave., West Town
Goose Island
One of the most well-known Chicago-born breweries, Goose Island, operated a taproom room out of their Fulton Street brewery. Enjoy a freshly brewed pint of their classic brews, like 312 or Matilda, in the sleek taproom, with industrial seating and a combination of exposed brick and ceramic tiled walls. While you’re there, take a tour of the production facility for an inside look at the brewmaster’s process while sampling beers along the way. 1800 W. Fulton St., West Loop.
Hopewell Brewing Co.
This open and airy taproom feels like the perfect neighborhood taproom. It’s features tons of communal seating and even lets you bring in your own food from nearby eateries. Like their taproom, the beers from Hopewell Brewing Co. are bright and modern. You can order a pint or create your own flight from their lineup of brews, which are a mix of classics and newer styles. Try the Ride or Die, a popular and ultra-drinkable pale ale. 2760 N. Milwaukee Ave., Logan Square
Corridor Brewery & Provisions
Farmhouse-style ales go hand in hand with a rustic farmhouse kitchen at Corridor Brewery & Provisions. Pair one of their hop-forward brews with Midwest bar snacks or an artisan pizza made with local ingredients. The always-changing draft list ranges from double IPAs to fruity sours to funky saisons. This is the only spot to find Corridor brews, so think about grabbing a growler while you’re there. 3446 N. Southport Ave., Lakeview
Moody Tongue Brewing Company
This acclaimed Chicago brewery has a sleek black-and-wood taproom that’s both comforting and refined, with mid-century furniture, a historic library of brewing books, and an eye-catching fireplace. The beers at Moody Tongue evoke the same vibe, with a specialty beer program that includes whiskey and wine barrel-aged brews and their renowned Farmers Market Series and Sour Series offerings.
Lagunitas Brewing Company
This psychedelic space is the largest brewery in Illinois. Entering the facility feels like walking through a Willy Wonka-style light show, but things mellow out once you reach the 300-seat taproom. California-based Lagunitas Brewing Company serves up their classic brews, plus live music, munchies, and tree tours every day. 1843 S. Washtenaw Ave., Douglas Park
Revolution Brewing
Revolution Brewing’s location on Kedzie Avenue is a true urban taproom. This is also where their kegs and cans are filled for distribution, so the space feels fittingly industrial. Revolution is Chicago’s largest independent craft brewery, which means you’ve got plenty of brews to choose from. Try an old standby like Anti-Hero IPA or something a little different like the Rosa Hibiscus Ale. 3340 N. Kedzie Ave., Logan Square
Half Acre
Half Acre began brewing in Chicago in 2009, and rapidly became a local institution. Their Andersonville facility is home to a taproom, retail shop, and popular beer garden. Grab a pint of the popular Daisy Cutter brew, order some food or coffee, and grab a six pack on your way out the door. 2050 W. Balmoral Ave., Andersonville
Lo Rez Brewing
The Lo Rez taproom in Pilsen was a true labor of love. The founders, former tech co-workers turned brewers, rehabbed much of the 19th-century industrial building themselves. The result is a soaring but cozy space that features brick walls, a 40-foot-long oak bar, a patio, and picnic tables that encourage mingling. They also encourage you to bring your everything, including food, games, darts, kids, and dogs — but they’ve got the beer covered. 2101 S. Carpenter St., Pilsen
Alarmist Brewing
The Alarmist Brewing taproom, near Albany Park and West Ridge, is different for a reason. The family-owned spot wanted to create a community space where people could come together (which is why you won’t see any TVs in the taproom). It’s also super family-friendly, welcoming kids with snacks and juice boxes. You can sample all of Alarmist’s flagship beers, like the Illinois-style Entrenched IPA and Belgian ale Phobophobia Patersbier, poured from taps with handles hand-carved by the owner’s son. 4055 W. Peterson Ave.
Great Central Brewing Company
Taste some of the best craft beers from all around Chicago at Great Central’s taproom, located in the West Loop. This contract brewery, which helps brewery clients with their production, also turns out its own small-batch beers. Choose from 24 craft beers on taps, including local favorites include the Free Bird American pale ale from Begyle Brewing Company and Maplewood’s award-winning Charlatan APA. Great Central’s own offerings (available on draft and in cans) include a German-style Helles lager and citrusy hefeweizen. But don’t expect any tastings or flights. Great Central believes you need to commit to at least a half-pint of beer in order to fully experience it. 221 N. Wood St, West Loop
Metropolitan Brewing
Serving up German-style lagers, Metropolitan Brewing is located in a converted 125-year-old warehouse with tranquil river views. Their popular beers — such as Dynamo and Krankshaft — are named for the industrial history of Chicago. In the taproom, you can get a pint, a growler, a six pack, a case of bottles, even a keg of their lager. 3057 N. Rockwell St., Avondale
