1. Half Acre Brewery Balmoral
In 2005, a part of the Half acre brewery in Balmoral was dedicated to a taproom and an outdoor beer garden to expand its horizons in terms of its market offerings. Today, Half-acre Brewery Balmoral offers a wide selection of craft and stout beer with unparalleled quality. With an outdoor seating arrangement, this brewery is an enticing option for the winter months. However, you can choose to sit indoors and sip your beer. If you wish, you can take up their brewery tour too. Also, the food here is mindblowing. This brewery has an additional facility of a parking lot which makes it more convenient for people.
Address: 2050 W Balmoral Ave, Chicago, IL 60625, United StatesTimings: Fridays to Sundays - 12 Noon to 9:00 PM.On weekdays the timings vary. Contact the brewery for further information.
2. Marz Community Brewing Company
Started by a small group of brewers, artists, and friends Marz community brewing company has been serving phenomenal craft beer since its inception. The ambiance is like that of a hip warehouse. One can always stop at this brewery to have a beer with snacks on the go. Marz community brewing company specializes in craft beer and stout beer. Time and again, the Marz community comes up with unique blends, non-alcoholic beverages, bottle conditioned, and barrel-aged wild ale drinks. Do not forget to try their citrus-based beverage line too.
Address: 3630 S Iron St, Chicago, IL 60609, United StatesTimings: Tuesday to Friday - 3:00 PM to 8:00 PMSaturdays and Sundays - 12 Noon to 8:00 PM
3. Off Color Brewing’s Mousetrap
Off color brewing’s mousetrap is another blockbuster brewery in Chicago. Described as a funky taproom, Off color is not only known for its beer but also for its coffee, wine, and cocktails. This brewery gives no indoor service but is available for takeaway (every day) and patio service from Wednesday to Sunday. Off color is a no-smoking zone that only entertains guests with a pre-booking of 90 minutes. The mousetrap also has limited street parking to facilitate the ease of its customers. Also, guests under the age of 21 are not allowed. In the wake of the pandemic, going in for patio service is highly recommended.
Address: 1460 N Kingsbury St, Chicago, IL 60642, United StatesTimings: Everyday 12 Noon to 8:00 PMRules for patio service:Masks are a mustPractice social distancingNo early arrivals allowed. No walk-ins and cash payment.Maximum of six guests per table.Order and pay online for your beer. You can order additional beer later.
4. Dovetail Brewery
Dovetail Brewery is renowned to blend European style and technique seamlessly with American creativity. The beer served at Dovetail combines traditional and modern methods. Dovetail is a brainchild of two beer enthusiasts who met in Munich. With common ideology and focus on finesse, Dovetail’s specialty is draft beer along with its cans. The Brewery encourages BYOF - Bring your own food. The brewery does not restrict guests who bring in their food and water. Guests can order eatables from Dovetail or nearby food trucks too.
Note: The taproom is currently closed owing to COVID-19.Deliveries are available on Dovetail Drops.Patio reservations can be made online.Following rules must be followed:A face is a must at all times, except while seated. No entry for symptomatic people.Age - 21 +Maximum 6 people allowed on one table, 1 person minimum. Follow social distancing.Reservations are recommended, but walk-ins may be available.A 20% tip will be included in your final bill amount.Address: 1800 W Belle Plaine Ave, Chicago, IL 60613, United StatesTimings:Monday to Friday - 1:00 PM to 8:00 PMSaturdays - 11:00 AM to 8:00 PMSundays - 1:00 AM to 7:00 PM
5. Moody Tongue Brewing Company
Brewmaster Jared Rouben established Moody tongue brewing company in 2014. His idea was to make beer that not only pairs well with food but also can be had on its own. The beer available over here is simple and balanced in flavor. Moody tongue with a minimalist setting has a modern funky vibe. Again a craft beer paradise, Caramelized Chocolate Churro Baltic Porter, Brulee banana dunkelweizen are a must-try. For people who like something, citrusy can go in for Lemon Saison and Tangerine IPA, Peeled Grapefruit Pilsner, Sliced Nectarine IPA, and the Smoked Applewood Gold. All the beers go very well with their special oysters and on the endnote do not forget to have their famous 12-layer chocolate cake.
Note: They also have tours starting from USD 20.Address: 2515 S Wabash Ave, Chicago, IL 60616, United StatesTimings: Tuesday to Saturday - 4:30 PM to 9:00 PM
6. On Tour Brewing Company
A product of sheer passion, On Tour Brewing Company started off as a mini brewery that revolves around home brewing. After a few years, On Tour established itself as a microbrewery taproom that serves not only home beers but also canned beers in a variety of flavors and ranges. The warehouse-type of brewery used to have a good footfall. However, owing to the COVID situation, it is doing only home delivery. The beer tours also have been shelved. A few of the must-try beers at On Tour are - Half Step American Pale Ale, Foolish Heart American Pale Ale, Lightning Will German Pilsner.
Address: 1725 W Hubbard St, Chicago, IL 60622, United StatesTimings: Thursday to Saturday - 3:00 PM to 9:00 PM, Sunday - 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM
7. Alarmist Brewing
Situated in Chicago, Alarmist Brewing is a huge taproom that exudes a funky warehouse vibe. Built-in the North-Western neighborhood of Chicago, Alarmist Brewery is known for its draft beer. The best flavors at the Alarmist brewing are - Le Jus Neipa, Pantsless Pale Ale, Cosmic Eye, and Crispy BoyPilsner. Due to the pandemic, the brewery in efforts to comply with the guidelines of the Chicago government has shut down its premises. Now it is open only for curbside beer and merch pickup.
Address: 4055 West Peterson Avenue, Suite Rear, Chicago, IL 60646, United StatesTimings: Wednesday to Saturday - 12 Noon to 7:00 PM, Sundays - 12 Noon to 6:00 PM
8. Forbidden Root
Enjoy a distinctive craft beer at Forbidden root in Chicago! Also known as The Botanical Brewery, Forbidden Root serves beer that is made with various plant combinations. The beverages are prepared with barley, water, hops, yeast, and other wild ingredients. This place has a sleek one of a kind industrial ambiance that is fit for all seasons. From exotic ales to rotating and seasonal beers, Forbidden Root has everything to quench your thirst for a good beer. Not only beer but the food also at Forbidden Root is just mind-blowing. Do try its chili popcorn and lamb jerky.
Address: 1746 W Chicago Ave, Chicago, IL 60622, United StatesTimings: Wednesday to Sunday - 12 Noon to 8:00 PM
9. 5 Rabbit Cerveceria
Influenced by the Aztec culture, 5 Rabbit Cerveceria in Chicago’s first Latino inspired microbrewery serving the best quality craft beer. This brewery serves fresh beer and facilitated beer tours for beer lovers. The golden ale is a must-try at 5 Rabbit (psst! Even though it mocks Donald Trump’s hair). Every Saturday, the brewery organizes a beer chat that allows groups of ten people to taste three different beers. This tour will show you the scene action and inspiration that went into making that beer. Also, Taco Thursdays at the brewery are so much fun. Chomp on your favorite tacos with fresh beer- Can it get any better?
Address: 6398 74th St, Bedford Park, IL 60638, United StatesTimings: Saturdays and Sundays - 12 Noon to 8:00 PM
10. Begyle Brewing
Begyle brewing is the first taproom to open along Ravenswood Industrial Corridor. Known for its quality beer, Begyle brewing is quite an entertaining place as it always has an event or an activity going on. Founded in the year 2012 by a group of friends in Michigan, it also offers a Community Supported Brewery (CSB) program that isn’t available anywhere else in Chicago. During the pandemic, Begyle launched its beer garden that follows social distancing norms. The patio is open for adults above the age of 21 years. If that is not enough, you can also undertake a tour of the brewery under expert guidance.
These are the top ten breweries in Chicago that you must visit. Cheers!Address: 1800 W Cuyler Ave, Chicago, IL 60613, United StatesTimings:Tuesday to Thursday - 2:00 PM to 8:00 PMFridays - 12 Noon to 8:00 PMSaturdays - 11:00 AM to 7:00 PMSundays - 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM