The Ultimate Chicago Beer Tour
Chicago is now home to the most breweries in the United States, and I’ve put together a guide for locals and visitors alike to explore solid standbys, special releases, experimental beers and more.
Revolution Brewing
Revolution is a personal favorite of mine, mostly because they put out solid offerings year-round. Between their core beers, seasonal releases, hero series and barrel aged Deep Wood releases, there’s something for everyone.
Hit up the taproom and tour the brewery. Or, take the blue line to the brewpub if you’re hungry for pub favorites like beer mussels and bacon fat popcorn. Pro tip: They usually have something new or rare on draft so take a close look at the list.
Jess’ Recos: Deth’s Tar, Vanilla Deth, Citra Hero, Ryeway to Heaven, Rosa, Fist City, Straight Jacket
Goose Island
One of the Chicago originals, everyone from the midwest and beyond has an opinion on the Goose Island/AB Inbev acquisition. Nevertheless, their barrel program continues to capture the hearts and palates of BA beer fans across the country.
With two locations in the city, it’s worth a stop - they may even have a special Bourbon County variant tapped and almost always have BCBS bottles to open on-site.
Jess’ Recos: Madame Rose, Bourbon County and any of the variants, Next Coast IPA
Half Acre Brewing
This classic Chicago brewery graces our city with two locations and serves up a variety of styles that are mostly crisp, clean and clear.
Known for Daisy Cutter and Pony Pils, they’re also brewing up some interesting foeders and sours. If you can, check out what they have from their Wyld series or on draft as a part of their small batch beer.
Jess’ Recos: Bodem, Wand, Space, Benthic, BA Big Hugs
Pipeworks Brewing (to-go only)
With fantastic standbys like Lizard King and Ninja vs Unicorn, Pipeworks continues to push beer beyond our expectations.
Check out new favorites like the offerings in the Guppy series - and stout fans - check out the Abduction series. If you can get your hands on any of their more recent collaborations, you definitely can’t go wrong.
Jess’ Recos: Hey, Careful Man, There’s a Beverage Here, Ninja V. Unicorn Vs. The Haze, Jones Dog, Seismic Positivity (collab with Hop Butcher)
Lagunitas
Lagunitas beer reaches far and wide - just like their enormous brewing and canning facility on Chicago’s near west side.
Step through the colorful doors into a Willy Wonka-style corridor that meanders towards the tappers - a playful path that sets the stage for tours, tasty brewery food, live music, Lagunitas merch or bottles to go. Pro tip: be sure to sample something seasonal while you’re there.
Jess’ Recos: Willettized Coffee Stout, Little Sumpin’ Sumpin’
Maplewood Brewery & Distillery
Tucked away neatly at the end of Maplewood in Avondale is a newer Chicagoland favorite. Maplewood has been putting out some fantastic beers, and specifically, their hazy IPAs and pastry stouts are blowing up the scene. Don’t forget to order the gourmet corndog!
Plus, their canning game is strong, so you can even sneak some favorites into your suitcase before you head home.
Jess’ Recos: Son of Juice, Cuppa, Juice Pants IPA, Big Pulpy
Honorable Mention
Rick Bayless is the brains behind Cruz Blanca, a beautiful, two-story brewery + taquería in the West Loop.
For tasty sours and brick-oven pizza in possibly one of the coolest Chicago buildings, check out Whiner Beer Company.
Marz Brewing is a stunning space with loads of styles to choose from and a full kitchen to boot.
And if you’re still thirsty, check out this list of 40 Chicago breweries for a comprehensive roundup.
