The best Chicago breweries and taprooms

What is it? One of the city's most popular brewpubs and beer gardens.

Why we love it: 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, sandwiches and skewers as well as gumbo poutine and cheese curds to enjoy while you decide what beer to order next.

Time Out tip: A burger-and-beer combo is $21 on Wednesdays.

Address: 2050 W Balmoral Ave, Chicago, IL 60625

Opening hours: Wed, Thu 3-9pm; Fri, Sat 11am-10pm; Sun 11am-7pm

What is it? A brewery from the folks behind Maria’s Packaged Goods & Community Bar, known for its adventurous beers and art-forward design.

Why we love it: 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 Ed Marszewski, 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. 

Time Out tip: If you work up an appetite, order a smash burger or tacos from the in-house kitchen, Taco Sublime.

Address: 3630 S Iron St, Chicago, IL 60609

Opening hours: Mon-Thu 4-11pm; Fri 4pm-midnight; Sat 11am-midnight; Sun 11am-10pm

What is it? A spot for European-style beers, drawing on brewing traditions from Germany, the Czech Republic and Belgium.

Why we love it: 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.

Time Out tip: Go on a brewery crawl by stopping at neighboring Begyle Brewing, which is just steps away on Ravenswood’s Malt Row.

Address: 1800 W Belle Plaine Ave, Chicago, IL 60613

Opening hours: Mon-Thu noon-10pm; Fri, Sat noon-11pm; Sun noon-8pm

What is it? A favorite for craft beer on Malt Row.

Why we love it: 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).

Time Out tip: Begyle and Dovetail team up for two annual beer festivals: Mayfestiversary in the spring and Oktoberfestiversary in the fall.

Address: 1800 W Cuyler Ave, Chicago, IL 60613

Opening hours: Mon, Wed, Thu noon-9pm; Tue 10am-9pm; Fri 10am-10pm; Sat 11am-10pm; Sun noon-8pm

What is it? llinois' largest independently-owned craft brewery.

Why we love it: Meshing with its depiction in the 2013 film Drinking Buddies, Revolution Brewing 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.

Time Out tip: Brewery tours are offered on Saturdays.

Address: 3340 N Kedzie Ave, Chicago, IL 60618

Opening hours: Wed, Thu 2-9pm; Fri 2-10pm; Sat noon-10pm; Sun noon-6pm

What is it? A brewery specializing in unconventional and experimental beers.

Why we love it: 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.

Time Out tip: The taproom is 21 and older after 6pm.

Address: 1460 N Kingsbury St, Chicago, IL 60642

Opening hours: Mon-Thu noon-10pm; Fri, Sat noon-midnight; Sun 11am-10pm

What is it? A North Center spot for hop-forward brews.

Why we love it: 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 its sips. 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. 

Time Out tip: Stop by on a Saturday for one of the monthly brewery tours.

Address: 4257 N Lincoln Ave, Chicago, IL 60618

Opening hours: Tue-Thu 11am-10pm; Fri, Sat 11am-11pm; Sun 11am-7pm

What is it? A Naperville brewery with a Logan Square taproom.

Why we love it: 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.

Time Out tip: There's no kitchen but keep an eye out for weekly food pop-ups.

Address: 2919 W Armitage Ave, Chicago, IL 60647

Opening hours: Mon-Thu noon-11pm; Fri, Sat noon-midnight; Sun 11am-11pm

What is it? Chicago's most famous brewery.

Why we love it: 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 (Honkers, Sofie, 312 and the like) as well as a few taproom-only releases. Stop by for a taste of one of the 18 beers on tap, plus bottles, cans and vintage selection (including sought-after Bourbon County Brand Stout).

Time Out tip: Head to Goose Island’s Salt Shed Pub if you're looking for a full food menu to go with your beer.

Address: 1800 W Fulton St, Chicago, IL 60612

Opening hours: Wed, Thu, Sun noon-8pm; Fri, Sat noon-10pm

What is it? A Logan Square brewery focused on balanced, approachable beers.

Why we love it: 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 happy beer sippers carrying in takeout to pair with a bright and citrusy Table Salt sour before a rousing game of Connect Four.

Time Out tip: For an alternative to beer, try Choom, Hopewell’s sparkling, THC-infused drinks.

Address: 2760 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60647

Opening hours: Mon-Thu 1-9pm; Fri 1-11pm; Sat 11am-11pm; Sun 11am-7pm

What is it? A place for house-brewed cider and beer in Irving Park.

Why we love it: 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.

Time Out tip: Much of food menu is gluten-friendly, so those with dietary restrictions have plenty of options to choose from.

Address: 4240 W Irving Park Rd, Chicago, IL 60641

Opening hours: Mon-Thu 4-10pm; Fri noon-11pm; Sat 11am-11pm; Sun 11am-10pm

What is it? A Lakeview brewery with seriously good food.

Why we love it: 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 fried pickles and pizzas, while the smash burger is equally satisfying. 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.

Time Out tip: If you're not in the mood for beer, DryHop also serves wine and cocktails, plus a solid selection of whiskey.

Address: 3155 N Broadway, Chicago, IL 60657

Opening hours: Mon-Thu, Sun 11am-9pm; Fri, Sat 11am-10pm

What is it? A brewery crafting botanical-inspired beers that incorporate herbs, flowers and other unexpected ingredients.

Why we love it: 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.

Time Out tip: Enjoy $5 drafts and $10 flights during weekday happy hour.

Address: 1746 W Chicago Ave, Chicago, IL 60622

Opening hours: Mon-Thu 4-10pm; Fri 3-11pm; Sat noon-11pm; Sun noon-9pm

What is it? A Ravenswood brewery specializing in saison-style beers.

Why we love it: Is/Was takes a thoughtful approach to farmhouse ales, producing dry, yeast-driven saisons that stand out from the usual lineup of IPAs and lagers. The brewery embraces experimentation, while the space channels the rustic feel of European taprooms. It’s a standout stop on Ravenswood’s Malt Row for anyone looking for something a bit different.

Time Out tip: Keep an eye on Instagram—Is/Was regularly hosts food pop-ups.

Address: 5121 N Ravenswood Ave, Chicago, IL 60640

Opening hours: Mon-Thu 2-10pm; Fri, Sat noon-midnight; Sun noon-9pm

What is it? The Chicago outpost of Dublin's iconic Guinness brewery.

Why we love it: The Irish brewing company's long-awaited project arrived in late 2023, with a 15,000-square-foot space that includes a taproom, brewery, restaurant and cafe to satisfy the West Loop crowds. Enjoy 12-16 rotating experimental drafts for any season, along with local Chicago favorites like Right Bee Cider. The beer is paired with globally-inspired bites such as Reuben egg rolls, spiced lamb skewers and char siu banh mi.

Time Out tip: Check the event calendar for weekly trivia nights, Premier League watch parties and more.

Address: 901 W Kinzie St, Chicago, IL 60607

Opening hours: Mon-Thu 11am-11pm; Fri 11am-midnight; Sat 9am-midnight; Sun 9am-11pm

What is it? A Michelin-starred brewery and restaurant.

Why we love it: After outgrowing its Pilsen digs, Moody Tongue moved west to a sprawling, 28,600-square-foot space (the former home of Baderbräu) in 2019, giving the brewery more room to play. Housed inside the building is an on-site brewery and production facility as well as two unique dining experiences. Guests can choose to enjoy a 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 Toasted Rice Lager and Caramelized Chocolate Churro Porter, as well as more experimental brews like the Shaved Black Truffle Pilsner.

Time Out tip: Splurge on the tasting menu with beer pairings for a truly memorable meal.

Address: 2515 S Wabash Ave, Chicago, IL 60616

Opening hours: Wed-Sat 4:30-10pm

What is it? A rare find near the tourist-heavy Mag Mile.

Why we love it: 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 burgers 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.

Time Out tip: Grab a beer before or after catching a movie at the neighboring AMC theater.

Address: 600 N Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60611

Opening hours: Mon-Thu, Sun noon-9pm; Fri, Sat noon-10pm

What is it? A craft cidery in Hermosa.

Why we love it: 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.

Time Out tip: Dogs are welcome inside so bring your four-legged BFF.

Address: 1830 N Kostner Ave, Chicago, IL 60639

Opening hours: Thu, Fri 2-10pm; Sat 2-8pm; Sun 2-6pm

What is it? A collaborative taproom pouring small-batch beers from a rotating lineup of independent brewers.

Why we love it: 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 Brewer's Kitchen and Cerveceria Paracaidista. 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.

Time Out tip: Heading to a Cubs game? Pilot Project’s Wrigleyville location is a convenient stop for a pregame beer, featuring a rooftop patio and a globally-inspired food menu.

Address: 2140 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60647

Opening hours: Mon-Thu 9am-10pm; Fri, Sat 9am-11pm; Sun 9am-9pm

What is it? A Latino-owned brewery that celebrates Mexican flavors.

Why we love it: Embracing its Pilsen roots, Monochrome pours playful brews including Mangonazo, a fruity, tangy Mexican lager inspired by the mangonada, and El Champu, an imperial porter with notes of chocolate, vanilla, cinnamon and corn. The spacious, industrial-style taproom also offers guest beers and tequila cocktails, giving visitors plenty of options to explore.

Time Out tip: Bring your own food from nearby eateries like Cà Phê Dá and Carnitas Don Pedro.

Address: 2101 S Carpenter St, Chicago, IL 60608

Opening hours: Mon, Tue 3-11pm; Wed, Thu 3pm-midnight; Fri noon-midnight; Sat 11am-midnight; Sun 9am-11pm

What is it? A Logan Square hotspot for pizza, beer and wine.

Why we love it: 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, pastries and breakfast sandwiches are 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.

Time Out tip: Visit on Tuesdays for tavern-style pies.

Address: 2840 W Armitage Ave, Chicago, IL 60647

Opening hours: Tue-Fri 8am-10pm; Sat 9am-10pm; Sun 9am-9pm

What is it? A Logan Square producer of craft beer and spirits. 

Why we love it: 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), burgers and cheese curds to snack on.

Time Out tip: Stop by on the weekend for a beermosa and brunch.

Address: 2717 N Maplewood Ave, Chicago, IL 60647

Opening hours: Mon, Tue 3-9pm; Wed 3-10pm; Thu noon-10pm; Fri, Sat 11am-midnight; Sun 11am-9pm

What is it? A Near West Side brewery with West Coast influences.

Why we love it: A favorite in West Town's Chicago Brewing District, Midwest Coast Brewing 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.

Time Out tip: Pups are always welcome, and the brewery regularly hosts dog-friendly events.

Address: 2137 W Walnut St, Chicago, IL 60612

Opening hours: Tue, Wed 2-9pm; Thu, Fri 2-10pm; Sat noon-10pm; Sun noon-7pm

What is it? A neighborhood brewery along the North Branch of the Chicago River.

Why we love it: 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.

Time Out tip: On a warm day, grab a seat on the outdoor patio overlooking the river.

Address: 4014 N Rockwell St, Chicago, IL 60618

Opening hours: Mon-Thu 4-10pm; Fri, Sat noon-11pm; Sun noon-8pm

What is it? A Bowmanville go-to for hop-forward beers.

Why we love it: 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.

Time Out tip: You're welcome to bring your own food (and pups).

Address: 2024 W Balmoral Ave, Chicago, IL 60625

Opening hours: Mon-Thu 3-9pm; Fri 2-11pm; Sat noon-11pm; Sun noon-8pm

What is it? A modern brewpub serving Korean, Chinese and Vietnamese-inspired cuisine.

Why we love it: Bo Fowler’s Logan Square spot puts creative spins on beer, incorporating ingredients like jasmine tea pearls and Szechuan spices. The multi-level space features a striking atrium with a retractable glass roof and a rooftop terrace, making it a lovely spot to linger over food and drinks.

Time Out tip: Come hungry. You don’t want to miss out on BiXi's Italian beef bao, crab rangoon or togarashi burger.

Address: 2515 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60647

Opening hours: Mon, Thu 3-10pm; Fri 3-11pm; Sat 10am-11pm; Sun 10am-9pm

What is it? A Pilsen brewery serving small-batch beers and American-Filipino bites.

Why we love it: 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 lumpia, Filipino tacos and more substantial entrees like burgers, wings and sandwiches.

Time Out tip: Get three tacos for $9 on Tuesdays.

Address: 2011 S Laflin St, Chicago, IL 60608

Opening hours: Mon-Thu 3-11pm; Fri 3pm-midnight; Sat noon-midnight; Sun noon-11pm

What is it? A brewpub in Irving Park offering craft beer, whiskey and wood-fired fare.

Why we love it: Easily accessible from the Montrose Blue Line stop, Old Irving Brewing provides a place on the North Side to grab a beer and a delicious bite to eat. The gastropub's menu comes from Matthias Merges (Billy Sunday, Mordecai), who serves house-made sandwiches and heartier plates like steak, shrimp skewers and Spanish octopus. 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.

Time Out tip: Whiskey lovers can explore the extensive selection of pours, which are also available for sampling in flights.

Address: 4419 W Montrose Ave, Chicago, IL 60641

Opening hours: Mon-Thu noon-11pm; Fri, Sat noon-midnight; Sun noon-10pm